Chicago is the nation’s third largest metropolitan area, but it often acts like a provincial campus town regarding local sports teams. Basically, this town gets complete tunnel vision for whoever is winning. From 2010-2014, it’s been all Blackhawks.
Excuse me, I meant “BLACKHAWKS!!!” “KANER! “KNEEL BEFORE SAAD!”
In October 2015, we are now all Cubs all the time. “SCHWARBOMB!! SCHWARBEAST! BLASTRO!”
Cubs mania even overtook Big Ten Media Day, as numerous coaches referenced the club located at 1060 W. Addison.
Although to be fair, this is the earliest Big Ten hoops Media Day has ever been, and it is indeed difficult to get into basketball mode right now while the Cubs haven’t even started the National League Championship Series yet. Most people, who live in states other than North Carolina, Kentucky, Indiana and Kansas, don’t get into college basketball until February, maybe January.
The Big Ten was actually one of the last leagues to move their media up, and as early as it is, it’s still relatively late in the cycle.
Nebraska Coach Tim Miles, a B1G hoops version of Daniel Tosh, but with more family friendly, less offensive material, got the NLCS reference party started.
“(Michigan Coach John) Beilein is the only one more upset than I am about this whole thing with the Cubs,” Miles said.
The joke works, but only if you know that Miles is a St. Louis Cardinals fan. Northwestern Coach Chris Collins pointed out this fact as he exited the podium stage, and Miles entered it. Collins, a native of Chicago’s north shore suburbs, also added a “Go Cubs.” The Cubs and Northwestern athletics are closely linked. NU Athletic Director Jim Phillips is neighbors with Cubs Owner Tom Ricketts, and both sports franchises are partnered with WGN radio.
Also, Northwestern basketball fans can relate to the Cubs on a more substantive level too. You’re probably just as sick of hearing “Northwestern basketball has never made the NCAA Tournament” as you are of hearing “1908.”
The tournament drought came up during a media session with Minnesota Coach Richard Pitino, which then led to some Cubs talk.
“I cannot believe the Cubs have never won a (postseason) series at Wrigley Field,” Pitino the Younger said.
“Shocking. I couldn’t believe that. Amazing.”
Miles would later begrudgingly say a kind word or two about the Cubs, giving a half-hearted “Go Cubs Go” and “Fly the W,” before adding “they deserve it, we threw batting practice at them.”
Illini Coach John Groce is also not a Cubs fan, but had a lot of exuberant Cubs positivity to share.
“I’m rooting for the Cubs, but I’m not necessarily a die-hard Cubs fan, I’m a Reds fan” said Groce.
“Obviously, in state, it’s great for the city, it’s great for the state. I’ve really admired the way that Theo Epstein has built their team, how they run their organization. I study those things a lot.”
“I’m happy for them, I’m happy for the state, I’m happy for the city of Chicago.”
Epstein saw his rebuilding master plan come to fruition in year four of his tenure. So now it’s on Collins to make it happen in Evanston in 2016-17.
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and sometimes writes The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. The website is also featured on News Now.
Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes to the Chicago Tribune RedEye. He also appears regularly on numerous talk shows all across the country. Catch him Tuesdays on KOZN 1620 The Zone.
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