Like I said, a late start. That and not a lot of news early in the day.

I’m not sure if the limit on exempted tournaments is part of the reason for Pitt not getting to compete this year. From what I understood, it’s just that Pitt isn’t the most desirable draw of BE teams — teams like UConn, Syracuse, Louisville and even Cinci, G-town, ND and Villanova generate better sales and attention. Still, if it is the reason, then it won’t be for long if the NCAA scraps it as anticipated.

The Big East may be driving more changes in college basketball, including the NCAA setting a universal start date for the season. Why? Because Andy Katz on ESPN.com (Insider Subs.) is saying that the BE is looking very hard at going to an 18 game schedule next year to produce better schedule balance. He also has this:

Pittsburgh coach Jamie Dixon is a bit peeved at the Big East over his
schedule. The 12-0 Panthers opened league play with a double-OT win over Notre
Dame Tuesday, but don’t play again until Wednesday against DePaul — giving them
an eight-day break. Then he has to make three separate trips within six days at
Louisville (Sunday), at Rutgers (Jan. 18) and at St. John’s (Jan. 21). He said
just when the Panthers were hitting a groove, their routine has been disrupted.

For the record, the DePaul game is on a Thursday. Pitt will be hitting a brutal portion of the schedule. Not just in the teams they play, but the frequency. Add in Syracuse at the Pete on the 23rd before there is a bit of a breather.