Arkansas’ John Calipari pitches radical SEC Tournament change appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Arkansas basketball head coach John Calipari drew eyes already for his take on March Madness expansion. Now Calipari sounded off on the Southeastern Conference tournament, pitching this radical idea for the SEC tourney.
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The 67-year-old shared via CBS Sports’ David Cobb that he believes the event shouldn’t be before the NCAA Tournament. He proposed an earlier timeframe.
“Before the season, as the season gets started, the first thing that happens is the SEC Tournament,” Calipari explained. “And everybody gets to play three games, and the final teams get to play four games…at the end you can move your season back and then you don’t have to play three games in a week and go to the NCAA tournament.”
That essentially means tipping off in November. And without Arkansas facing a mid-major program to start the season.
It’s quite the suggestion from the past national title winner. One will believe this proposal can draw new ratings at the start of the CBB year. This presents a standalone showcase where the SEC dominates the spotlight at the start of every regular season. Plus this proposed idea from “Coach Cal” allows every SEC team including the Razorbacks to feel rested for the NCAA Tournament grind come March.
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But it’s likely not going to pass as every SEC coach, plus athletic director, will need to put this to a vote. The NCAA and the March Madness selection committee also likely will have say on the matter.
Until then, Calipari has the No. 1 College Basketball Recruiting class to work with. One that features prized Finland forward Miikka Muurinen plus four-star from West Haven, CT Abdou Toure.
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