EPSN's PK80 to Feature the Arkansas Razorbacks
“They are who we thought they were…” – Dennis Green, 16 October 2006
Emphasis on the word “were”. Or maybe in reference for the Arkansas Razorbacks basketball team, Nike is hoping that for one week (at least) we can be who we once were.
Happy Birthday, Phil Knight. And for those of you that are unfamiliar with Phil, there is (to the best of our ancestry archives) no relation. Mr. Knight, the co-founder of Nike, is turning 80 in 2017. And, as a tribute to what he has done for athletics, ESPN has decided to create an early season tournament. While the utilization of two arenas in Oregon does not seem like an odd idea, one thing about this gathering does. This tournament will feature two eight-team brackets crowning two bracket champions.
You read me correctly; sixteen of what are considered some of the elite NCAA basketball programs have been invited. More than 85 Final Fours, 23 National Championships, and 16 great fan bases will be represented in 2017.
The Lineup
To quote from “Sesame Street”: one of these things is not like the others. Don’t get me wrong, I love our beloved HOGS. However, our relevance on the hardwood has diminished so much that if you were born into a world that did not know what a DVD was; you may also not know what a Corliss Williamson and a Scotty Thurman were. Still are.
Who knows? Many of us still have all of the faith in Bud Walton Arena in Mike Anderson. And this will give him a year to get a shift more into the right direction. He needs to. 2016 needs to be a fantastic and very successful season. One new reason being invited to the PK80 would add more fuel to the fizzling fire if we are forced hire a new head coach. Has anyone seen Dana Altman?
We as fans had better hope so, too. I am not certain how they will seed this tournament, however, my guess it will be based on 2016’s performance. And, with the national spotlight that will be broadcast upon us, a poor showing will definitely impact recruiting. Likewise, a good showing good benefit our tradition-rich program well into the future. And we have no choice now, because, rest assured, Nike is not going to “let us off the hook”.
Here’s to PK80 looking like UA94. Tusks crossed. What are your thoughts on the Razorbacks participating in the PK80? Are we worthy? Please comment below.
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