A week after a team gets knocked out the NCAA Tournament, there's a good chance they're back in the gym having individuals. It's amazing how the role of a player can change so drastically within only a couple of days - no longer being a freshman, becoming an upperclassman, or all of a sudden having a huge role as a senior leader. Summer workouts, pick-up games, and shooting on the gun for countless hours keeps players busy at all times, not just between October and March.
Practice or party? Coaches have to weigh the pros and cons of focusing on having practice versus having a party with 18,000 of your closest friends. Activities include dunk lines, laughing, and rap music (maybe a celebrity or two - ask Coach Cal). Practice obviously is best for the team, but a Midnight Madness builds support and momentum with the fans heading into the season. Furthermore, the players have already been going at it hard for weeks with workouts that maybe they need a break mentally, even if it is only for an hour and a half.
All I know is that it's starting to cool and that means that tipoff is only a couple weeks away. Good luck to all the teams and I hope these young men stay free from injury as much as possible.
My preseason pick - The Tar Heels of North Carolina
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