John Clay's Sidelines

A couple of e-mails concerning my Sunday column on Louisville’s new arena.

Kevin writes:

Typically, I wouldn’t comment on an article written in the paper, but after reading your article on the “new” Louisville arena, something really struck a chord. Specifically, I was shocked that you would think that an arena would have such an impact on player recruitment. That should have never been printed and I was appalled after reading it.

Why do I say that? Look no further than Cameron Indoor Stadium. Built in 1940-ish with a capacity of approximately 12,000. Probably one of the oldest, active college basketball arenas in the country….and Duke is always number 1. If not at the end of the season, they are number 1 for some or most of the season. A top-rate school, with a top-rate basketball program and coach. I’ve been there and it’s a crappy, cramp, out-dated place not only to play in, but to watch a game. But it’s also one of the best places to see one. It’s small and it’s loud and has a college basketball atmosphere like no other. Do you actually think the players are saying “no” to Coach K because of their facility? Come on, John!

I grew up inside the Capital Beltway going to Cole Field House to see Maryland and McDonough Arena to see Georgetown play. Cole Field House was old, even when I went there as a kid to see them play in the late-1970′s…but Lefty always had great teams and great players. If I remember correctly, Michael Jordan’s UNC won the national championship during a season when UNC was still playing in Carmichael Auditorium. Do you actually think James Worthy, Sam Perkins, Michael Jordan, gave a thought about Carmichael Auditorium? Yes, I realize that was 25-30 years ago, but kids aren’t that much different now…and certainly not to the point where an arena determines where they commit. Obviously, I could go on and on here with great teams/great players vs. older, run-down arenas, but I think you get the point. Kids don’t care where they play. They just want to play. A lot play somewhere to be close to home. Most play somewhere because of the reputation of the program…not the arena.

I think your comment was a poor attempt to egg-on the University of Kentucky camp and community and try stir-up some chatter and ruffle the feathers of the already brain-washed UK fans for a new arena in Lexington ONLY because Louisville has one now. Like, “we can’t let Louisville have a better arena than the almighty University of Kentucky. We can’t allow them be one-up on the great UK”. Again, come on, John! Rupp Arena is only, what, 34 years old?? Surely arenas have a much longer life expectancy than that! Remember, the arena doesn’t make the team good; coaches do. How about we focus on much more crucial issues like helping players understand the importance of staying in college to get an education. So, let’s can it with the new arena! PLEASE!

Jon writes:

Friends who have had tours of the Arena agree with your evaluation. Given all of the local teeth gnashing regarding Rupp Arena and the Webb’s pasture in the middle of downtown Lexington why doesn’t Lexington just give him an office downtown and

LET JIM DO IT

He would not even have to get up at 4:45.