The conversation around Idaho State’s non-conference basketball schedule for 2024 has caught the eyes and opinions of many on social media, particularly as fans ponder whether their coaching staff enjoys the travel and the firm’s decision-making behind only hosting one Division I opponent at home. User No_Possible_6580 sparked this discussion with the provocative question, ‘You think their coach likes going to LA?’ adding a touch of humor with ‘To be fair, I wouldn’t want to go to Pocatello either.’ This light-hearted jab about Pocatello, Idaho, is quite indicative of the sentiments surrounding the scheduling phenomenon in college basketball, with many seeing it as a trend that’s limiting opportunities for less prominent teams.
Summary
- The sentiment around Idaho State’s schedule is mixed, combining humor and criticism regarding travel and competition.
- Users pointed out that modern scheduling favors Power Five schools, creating difficult dynamics for smaller programs.
- The conversation included jabs about the geographical traits and teams involved, showcasing the community’s passion and humor.
- Some users also acknowledged the positives within the scheduling complexity, noting clever undertones.
The Scheduling Dilemma
The scheduling landscape for college basketball has become an intricate web of politics, prestige, and power dynamics. This post serves as a microcosm of that reality. One commenter, Solesky1, succinctly noted, “Welcome to scheduling in 2024. It’s a byproduct of letting the P4 schedule 7-9 OOC home games for themselves every year.” This statement encapsulates the frustration many feel regarding the overwhelming advantage that Power Five (P5) schools possess over smaller institutions such as Idaho State. These programs often have to settle for limited competition opportunities, juggled between fulfilling scheduling commitments and simply trying to find games to play.
Pocatello Jokes and Local Color
User No_Possible_6580 humorously remarked that they “wouldn’t want to go to Pocatello either,” triggering laughter but also a deeper examination of geographical biases. ManBearJewLion chimed in with their own experience: “I only briefly stopped by Pocatello once, while on a road trip — and it was extraordinarily pleasant!” This comment highlights a sentiment not just shared about a location, but also about how locations can shape fan passions. Such banter allowed users to bridge humor with heartfelt opinions, contributing to the community’s camaraderie, even when discussing serious issues like scheduling. Local pride and perceptions often come into play, as fans find joy in poking fun at their own regional traits, no matter how critical the topic at hand seems to be.
Embry-Riddle and Matchup Mischief
The mention of Embry-Riddle — a university not typically associated with basketball but instead revered for its aviation programs — cast a peculiar light on Idaho State’s non-conference schedule. One commenter quipped about the scenario: “But dang you making them go all the way up there for ISU to get a free W??” This representative remark touched a sore spot in discussions about strength of schedule. Fans ponder whether programs like Idaho State are strategically stacking their schedules with teams they can easily defeat, thus embellishing their records, or whether they’re left with no choice thanks to the daunting challenges that come from competing for slots against far more renowned teams. Adding nuance, LuckyErrantProp was more sympathetic, stating, “Schedule verdict: they are doing their best.” This opens up the multifaceted approach that smaller programs take, balancing a blend of confidence and pragmatism when it comes to building their schedules.
The Humor and Community Engagement
<pHumor was a common thread throughout numerous comments, as users lightheartedly critiqued the scenario with phrases like “SWAC special” to describe the leniency expected in the matchups, hinting at a series of games with lopsided outcomes. This fosters a kind of playful banter that is often characteristic of these sports communities. Engaging in such light-hearted jokes could be viewed as a coping mechanism, highlighting not only the absurdities of scheduling practices but also the emotions they conjure up. As people vocally shared their thoughts and banter, the community’s discourse transformed into a platform where concerns and critiques about competitive equity could blend seamlessly with laughter and sideways jabs at institutions, programs, and places alike.
As Idaho State navigates the ups and downs of its non-con schedule, it undoubtedly mirrors a broader narrative unfolding in college basketball. Every quip, critique, and jab laid bare by fans emphasizes a yearning for fairness in competition and cheerfully embraces a passionate community’s spirit. Even when faced with challenges that seem rigid and unyielding, the conversations highlight a dedication to supporting teams, enduring scheduling frustrations, and engaging in a common love for basketball, all while sharing a few laughs along the way.