Month Two Awards
We're halfway there. Remember that some people thought North Carolina would win a title just a few short months ago.
The reason the start of league play is so compelling is that it renews old rivalries with your bitterest enemies, built over years and decades of enmity, perceived screw-jobs, back-biting and vicious sniping, even within otherwise loving families.
[taps earpiece]
Actually, I’m being told that we uh don’t do that anymore in many conferences thanks to the never-ending merry-go-round of realignment, usually (okay, always) due to the strength of a football program at any given moment or its historical success if that better serves a narrative. So.
(I probably harp on this too much but it truly does kill me that we’re about to rarely get a Cincinnati-Memphis tilt on the hardwood because the Bearcats suddenly became good enough at football to bat eyelashes at the Big 12, at least until further pillaging of the Big 12 leads it to becoming the American, which basically became an off-shoot of C-USA. Nothing is new; it’s just repackaged.)
That’s my problem. In truth, this is always a great time of year; a chance to reset the narrative, alter how your season is going and find hope in the new year. Even Cal is coming into this on a high note, fresh off a Pac 12 win against Colorado. If they can do it, anyone can. Even Louisville!
I’m sorry Louisville. I really am. Subscribe anyway?
So with that, let’s get to the Month Two Awards. As always, it’s about what you have done, what you may still be capable of and whether or not your vibes are, in fact, immaculate.
Wooden Award - Zach Edey, Purdue
Full disclosure: I wrote this before Edey passed on taking a shot in Purdue’s final possession against Rutgers. Yes, he was aggressively doubled; he’s also double-teamed at all times, by every opponent, and has been the most reliable singular force in college basketball all season, Monday night included (19 points, 11 boards, 2 blocks). If Purdue remains within hollering distance of a top seed, it will be because of Edey’s consistence and Purdue’s burgeoning guard group.