North Carolina won its sixth NCAA national championship on Monday, beating Gonzaga in a close contest. The tournament was not a great one overall — there were some great games and plenty of exhilarating moments, but things never really devolved into Madness — but it got the job done. I mean that literally: it generated millions upon millions of dollars for the NCAA, its member organizations and its coaches.
College basketball is wonderful. Now pay the players.
Good morning. We have that and more in Tuesday’s NBA newsletter.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
It didn’t generate a dime for the players who actually were the show, of course.
Roy Williams earns a half-million in base salary and $1.5 million in deferred compensation every year as a public employee in North Carolina, plus a reported extra $925,000 for winning the title. This money comes from the basketball budget, which is infused with that sweet, sweet basketball revenue. You could say Williams is singularly responsible for growing that pot and should reap the rewards. His ultra-talented players might have something to say about that.
In the social media age, players are beginning to fight back en masse. On Monday night, Frank Kaminsky and J.J. Redick — hardly two revolutionaries — were the loudest voices calling for players to be paid. The consensus is growing. Something has to give.
Just One Score ...
POR 109, MIN 110
... And Plenty More
That’s right: the hot Blazers dropped a game to Minnesota. Why? Karl-Anthony Towns is why. Now the Blazers have a big game against Utah on Tuesday while Denver, still on Portland’s heels, has the Pelicans.
Kevin Durant is preparing to return to action on Saturday, one week before the NBA playoffs begin.
Team-employed media can no longer vote for postseason awards. It sounds like the media voting pool is going to be significantly different overall this season.
Patrick Ewing is the new head coach at Georgetown. He would have likely been the head coach of the Kings had Dave Joerger not come available at the last second. Ewing is leaving the Hornets immediately; Charlotte is still in the playoff hunt, so that’s a bit awkward to be honest! Ewing’s coaching pedigree is quite strong.
Dirk Nowitzki takes matters into his own hands in the huddle.
It’s so easy to root for JaMychal Green given the work he’s put in to get to this stage.
The Magic accidentally revealed a white board showing lists of trade and free agent targets.
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