Should Carleton Basketball Join NCAA?

You’ll be making a big mistake if you don’t buy an inexpensive seat (at least compared to Senators’ prices) to the Capital Hoops Classic at Scotiabank Place this evening.
The undefeated men’s Carleton Ravens, No. 1 in the nation, take on the 8-4 and improving University of Ottawa Gee-Gees. The women’s game is at 6 p.m. while the men go at 8 p.m.
The game is always closer than expected, but the Ravens this year might be as good a team as we’ve seen in Canada in recent history. During their exhibition series against NCAA competition this summer and fall, the Ravens defeated St. Louis twice … a team that at one point this year was ranked in the top 25 in the U.S.
A couple of years ago the NCAA asked Canadian Interuniversity Sports if Canadian schools would like to play in U.S. Division II basketball. The schools were reluctant, citing the huge changes that would have to occur in the financial side of the Canadian game and the lack of rivalries.
Still it would interesting to see this Carleton team, if it wins another Canadian championship, compete in March Madness. I don’t think the team would win, but it would be very competitive. Last year, I suggested a play-in game in which the CIS champ could qualify for the madness. Local fans liked the idea.
Something needs to be done with Canadian basketball. Carleton is winning its games this year by about 30 points a tilt. Either the other Canadian teams need to get much better or Carleton needs to think about the NCAA option.
It’s no fun watching the Ravens whip team after team in Ontario.
Nevertheless, expect the Gee-Gees to give them a match tonight. See ya at the game.

Courtesy of the Bulldog - Ken Gray