Epic at the Mecca

Ok, so when Adam Morrison declared for the NBA Draft one of the main reasons I was upset was because, had he stayed, Gonzaga surely would have gotten major exposure on ESPN. I said they would receive the "Duke Treatment" from the World Wide Leader. I was close, but a little off. The Zags won't be getting the Duke Treatment. Even without Morrison next year, the Zags will be getting Duke.

An article today on SI.com announced that Gonzaga and Duke will meet for the first time ever. Not at Cameron, not at the Kennel, but at the Mecca of Sports, Madison Square Garden.

Anyone think this might be televised nationally?


Damn!

Damn!

Damn!

The ultimate showdown between the best "Major" and the best "Mid-Major" programs and we're one year too late! Morrison vs. J.J. Reddick this past season could have been as big as Larry Bird and Indiana State vs. Magic Johnson and Michigan State back in 1979. Either way, Gonzaga can still make a HUGE statement. Following George Mason's Final Four run, a team from the West Coast Conference beating Duke at MSG would solidy "mid-majors" for years to come.

If Morrison had stayed, Gonzaga would probably roll into MSG with at least a top 5 ranking and the opportunity to take out the cream of the "Major" crop. Without him, the Zags are barely a top 25 team. Depending on the development of Josh Heytvelt, they could be good.

The Blue Devils aren't looking too fantastic for next year, either. Depending on freshman coming in and making an immediate impact, Duke might not be the familiar team we're used to seeing in the top 3.

Anyway, this is pretty exciting. Hopefully this game will spawn a home & home series between the two so we can see the Cameron Crazies and Kennel Club in top form.

Somewhere, I think Duke Vitale just exploded.