Being a College Basketball Fan

[duhondukie]

Is it just me or is it becoming harder and harder to be a college basketball fan of a blue blood program. Maybe it is my old age talking here but the one and done or two and done rule is wearing on me. As a fan you always feel like you are a part of something bigger than yourself and it takes you away from the everyday reality for those 2 hours. As a Duke fan through the early 2000's I have always felt a connection with the players and have loved watching them grow as players. As these kids leave early, I don't feel the same. I will always love Duke and will continue to watch but this stuff makes it harder and harder.
I know some people on here will say then don't watch or find another team,but that is not what this post is about. I am just wondering if anyone on here feels the same way.

 

[TheDude1]

Agreed completely. My enjoyment of basketball is a bit different than it was a few years back...

 

[Willcampbell]

Is it just me or is it becoming harder and harder to be a college basketball fan of a blue blood program. Maybe it is my old age talking here but the one and done or two and done rule is wearing on me. As a fan you always feel like you are a part of something bigger than yourself and it takes you away from the everyday reality for those 2 hours. As a Duke fan through the early 2000's I have always felt a connection with the players and have loved watching them grow as players. As these kids leave early, I don't feel the same. I will always love Duke and will continue to watch but this stuff makes it harder and harder.
I know some people on here will say then don't watch or find another team,but that is not what this post is about. I am just wondering if anyone on here feels the same way.

I do feel the same way, and I've been a fanatic ever since I enrolled in 1966.
OFC

 

[CRAZIE4LIFE]

I became a duke fan in the mid to late 80s, but was kinda young to really appreciate it, but as I got older it's was exciting to know that next year I got to see, dawkins, laettner, hurley, hill, etc etc, again next year. Those senior days were so special to watch. I remember feeling like a family member was leaving. There were a few guys later on like Langdon, Carawell, Battier, Singler, Smith, the Plumlees. But even then a lot of their senior moments were a little overshadowed by being bummed that such and such was leaving early.

 

[duhondukie]

I became a duke fan in the mid to late 80s, but was kinda young to really appreciate it, but as I got older it's was exciting to know that next year I got to see, dawkins, laettner, hurley, hill, langdon, etc etc, again next year. Those senior days were so special to watch. I remember feeling like a family member was leaving. There were a few guys later on like Langdon, Carawell, Battier, Singler, Smith, the Plumlees. But even then a lot of their senior moments were a little overshadowed by being bummed that such and such was leaving early.

It sounds like you and I are close to the same age. I also became a fan around that time and felt the exact way you did.

 

[tedmon23]

The way the game is being officiated these days, both college and NBA is making me less of a fan more so than kids leaving. I'm sure kids have been talented enough in the past to leave before coming to college, but the way the NBA was played in the 80's and 90's they would have been eaten alive. Now you barely touch someone and its a foul in both, so this allows for these youngster who definitely aren't physically matured to being able to play in the NBA. I appreciate the fact that Duke is still relevant enough to attract the elite level players and really enjoyed watching the progression of Tatum through the year.

If the NBA would just go to direct out of high school or if you choose college it is a minimum two year stay that certainly would help.

 

[Quavarius]

If you don't adjust, it will feel difficult being a fan of college basketball. How do you think the coaches feel? Heck, how do you think players feel, the ones who should go straight out of high school? Everyone has had to adjust. Fans better as well.

 

[skysdad]

My feelings for both Duke and unc have never changed. OFC

 

[CRAZIE4LIFE]

My feelings haven't changed, only that last game of the year and wondering what next year will bring.

 

[LastWaltz]

Early 80's baby and I have had this exact thought over the last few years. College ball just has not felt the same even the tournament. Duke used to be 'drop everything' tv but I haven't really had an affection for a team since 2010. Some of this is marriage and kids but a lot is the 1 and done coupled with how the game is played. I even turned off the Natty game with 12 minutes to go. I just didn't want to watch a FT contest for the next 45 minutes.

 

[LongTimeDukeFan]

Its a good thread and I agree with you @duhondukie, but this is the new norm. Until the NBA changes the way this is where we are.

Love college basketball -- just not as much in general. That said, Duke is my school and my team -- bleed Duke Blue.

 

[germantondevil]

It has certainly changed. Senior night was one of my favorite nights and now it hardly means anything. The very first game that my wife and I attended at Duke was Laettners Senior night and what a special night that was. But like someone said it felt like family. Now there are players in the NBA that I have forgotten about until you see them on TV and say to yourself "hey he played for Duke one year".

 

[duhondukie]

Its a good thread and I agree with you @duhondukie, but this is the new norm. Until the NBA changes the way this is where we are.

Love college basketball -- just not as much in general. That said, Duke is my school and my team -- bleed Duke Blue.

I understand it is what it is. I think the one and done rule has taken fans away from the NBA game as well, many people have said how poor the product is that NBA teams are putting on the floor.