The Huskers headed to NYC for the annual event

Media days, everyone loves them.

Well, actually most people I know don’t. It’s a time for a team to gather up your top players and head to a hotel and give canned answers to the media. The conference usually throws out a couple of other bits of news, but that’s about it. Nothing more, nothing less.

With that, I’ll try to keep this somewhat entertaining with quotes...

This year the Big Ten held their media days in New York at Madison Square Garden. Attending from Lincoln were senior guard Evan Taylor and junior Guard Glynn Watson Jr. Of course, there is also our fearless leader, Mr. Tim Miles.

Coach Miles spoke tot he media at 9:30 am for roughly ten minutes. He talked briefly about being picked 13th in the league and what he likes about this years team.

The past few months have been a bit of a roller coaster ride for the team. Many players have come and gone via transfers. Something like that can really take it’s toll on a squad. It can really strain any team if enough players leave, starters or not. However, Tim believed that they are stronger and better than last year due to the struggles that came from the season.

For many players, their first choice wasn’t the right one and if they need to move on, then so be it.

Miles states that he believes that this team and that it has been the most cohesive that he has had in a few years. This is great to hear coming into the season. However, you get that a lot this time of year. No coach will talk the negatives to the press. There is also little to know how that will transition to the court once the season start.

I’m not trying to be negative on the team. They very well could be a solid and cohesive unit that will be able to take on most teams. But until the season starts, I would take it with a grain of salt.

The conference did announce the move to a 20 game league schedule starting next year (‘18-’19 season) and Tim gave his thoughts on it. While not a fan at first, he has eventually warmed up to it.

To read the full transcript

Another development is the Big Ten Tournament. This year it will take place in Washington D.C. but will come back to the Midwest for at least four years. Chicago will have it in ‘19 and ‘20 while Indianapolis will host in ‘21 and ‘22.

The addition of Rutgers and Maryland has opened up a new footprint for the conference and the officials want to take full advantage of it. These are markets that can bring in a lot of revenue for the conference and that needs to be taken advantage of.

While many wish the Big Ten would stay and concentrate on the area it knows, the Midwest, I agree with the powers that be that there should be somewhat of an emphasis on our eastern market. There is a lot of television and sponsorship dollars out there. If the Big Ten doesn’t take advantage then someone else will. The east coast loves their basketball and it should show int he bottom line.