SPAM

The Full Monty–The Ides of March, 2026 )

PROLOGUE

DEAR  MR./MS. “SPAM”,

You are in business.  I am not.   Everything  I have written is free to all.

PLEASE QUIT CALLING ME.

*********************

Two Links:  1. The Barton Project ( Earlier selected articles )

https://barton.libguides.com/ld.php?content_id=79836717

2.  Subsequent  Selected Articles:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1K3qpwHvh4PtTWvhcDcCtVE2CuBBaJ8_JIWuX6fZelb0/edit?tab=t.0

https://littlegreenbookoftennis.com/2025/07/16/nexus/

TIME OUT !

WHY IT MATTERS

The comments below comes from a report on the increasing influx of international college

basketball players ;

A growing global pipeline

The international presence in NCAA basketball isn’t just a March Madness phenomenon — it’s a trend that has been steadily growing, according to NCAA data: 

  • The number of international student-athletes in Division I men’s and women’s basketball has more than doubled since the 2009-10 season, going from 668 to 1,838 in 2024-25. Men’s basketball increased from 406 to 888 in that time, while women’s basketball skyrocketed from 262 in 2009-10 to 950 in 2024-25. 
  • Europe contributes the most talent, with 879 student-athletes in Division I men’s (505) and women’s basketball (374) this season. The women’s total is up from 112 and the men’s from 179 in 2009-10. 
  • Africa has also seen a steady increase, with its representation in Division I men’s basketball growing from 69 players in 2009-10 to 174 in 2024-25, while also growing from 15 to 79 in women’s basketball during the same period. 
  • Broken down by nations and territories, Canada led total representation in Division I men’s and women’s basketball with 312 combined in 2024-25, followed by Spain (182), Australia (177), France (72) and the United Kingdom (64). 
  • On the women’s side, Spain led the way with 163 student-athletes, followed by Canada (149), Australia (113), France (36) and Sweden (35).
  • On the men’s side, Canada had the most representation with 163 student-athletes, followed by Australia (64), the United Kingdom (41), Nigeria (39) and France (36). 

Why it matters

?

Why? Because for every international that recieves the scholarship, or money, or education,etc., that bumps an American. While this affects all global sports, basketball hopefuls should be most concerning. Poor kids, black ones predominately, have used basketball as a major and rare opportunity to lift themselves. No pun intended.

For every opportunity offered abroad, we often deny one of our most needy.

While this is a “sticky wicket”, the issue should be “on the agenda” in the making

of reasonable changes demanded ( NIL/PORTAL controls ).

TRUMP’S SPORTS ROUND TABLE

My response–THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY.

THE GOOD

The fundamental issues of our education, our children, health, higher education, economy are cited as related.

THE BAD

Representation: Where are the black coaches, athletic directors, college presidents, women the same, players,

UGLY

Ranting, return to the past? One week and the king will solve? Screw the law.

*****************

In 1964 the issue was Integration.

1970 , women’s sports (Title 1X )

Proposition 48 (SAT minimums )

Drugs, steroids, testing.

Head Injuries.

Gambling

Money, always money.

2025 ?

Portals, NIL, Fairness.

*********************

The fundamental issue is fitting a “square peg into a round hole.”

BELOW ARE SOME QUOTES FROM http://www.tomparham.wordpress.com. and

https://littlegreenbookoftennis.com/

SQUARE HOLE, ROUND PEG?

On  By ethomasparhamIn K. PHILOSOPHYLeave a commentEdit

Is it possible to house big time college athletics (with market values), philosophically within the purview of American higher education? Today’s article by George Will  (College basketball season begins under odiferous clouds) includes a quote from Michael Oakeshott :  ” To try  to do something which is inherently impossible is always a corrupting enterprise.”

*******

Total Estimated Economic Value of IU’s National Football Season (2025–26).

CategoryEstimated Value (USD)
Direct Football Program Revenue (Incremental)$10 M – $20 M
Baseline Annual Football Revenue$60 M (ongoing)
Local Economic Impact (Tourism, Lodging, Spending)$60 M – $100 M+
Media & Brand Value (Exposure)$20 M – $50 M+
Total Estimated Economic Value≈ $150 M – $230 M+

Bottom Line:
Indiana University’s historic national championship season likely generated at least in the low hundreds of millions of dollars in combined direct revenue, local economic activity, and media/brand value. The total could exceed $200 M when counting the broader impact on the university, Bloomington economy, and future revenue streams.

*******


Perpetually in the transfer portal? Meet The Athletic’s All-Frequent Flyer Team

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1K3qpwHvh4PtTWvhcDcCtVE2CuBBaJ8_JIWuX6fZelb0/edit?tab=t.0

******

“RULES BE RULES!”

Two nights ago I watched Elon men’s play Campbel University. Campbell’s 14 player roster featured six “graduate students” and six international players.

My guess is that the average age of IMPACT players is now 23-25 years of age.

*******

Once I questioned my own persistence to a respected professional. His adamant response was “… worth the effort? You’re damn right it is worth it. It’s our children. Child advocacy !”

******

The KICKER–The portal and likeness monies will make very lucrative possibilities for the best borderline international players. True too of the very top Americans. But only a few. Already the first year rumor mill is adrift with wildly questionable numbers and propositions being floated.

*******

Pick a school, google men’s tennis . Tag the roster and see for yourself. Just recently I researched the total rosters of Division 11’s top six men’s teams. Of 63 players on the combined rosters, 62 were international.

*******

The just released survey by the Elon Poll requested solutions to college athletics problems. Between the Portal and Likeness changes, a Rubicon moment, Teaming with the NCAA, they listed ten pages of questions and suggestions to summarize how to reign in this “conundrum”.

*******

Another Reality

“ For every Serena or Naomi, there are thousands of families who went all in, only to come up empty-handed. It’s a system built on dreams, but powered by delusion.

*******

If the gamblers continue at the current rate they will create pain. If, as suggested , the Government engineers the future, grab your ankles .

*******


Okay, but how to plan, pay , personnel ?

It is pretty obvious some fundamental changes occurred in the 2025 FINAL FOUR college basketball tournament : No Cinderella, all four top seeds make it. Best bet is a large state University that can pay em, a seasoned and proven coach, some internationals to augment big, fast dudes. No need to recruit high school aspirants other than the rare Cooper. 18 years old—need not apply. Guards must be able to palm the ball. Players understand the coach is willing to give up my life for the school.

Athletic Directors must realize “HAVE GUN, WILL TRAVEL” rule will cause all kinds of ill will and bad behavior, for appoval or to sort out. And quickly a youngster with a hand full of cash will find mischief. “”They gonna wreck some of them cars.”

Plenty of questions. Here are a few for the School Presidents, Boards of Trustees, State Legislatures.

Do we give up academic freedom for federal money ? Sure ? Your soul could cost a billion bucks at some major institutions. Vote is due for all—soon.

Big time requests for a General Manager to pay the players–salary a million plus. And payroll for players (no salary cap ) and no telling how much.

A basketball budget that matches the cost of a needed new library? How big is my donor base? Do we

even consider faculty salaries? The faculty will.

Gamblers salivate. Parents pay. Community Colleges grow.

When we graduated from college my roommate and I were the last to vacate the dorm. He then rode off. Alone–I gazed over the campus and wondered, “…What do I do now?” I am always reminded of that sinking feeling , when watching the faces of NCAA basketball players the moment their team is through.

*******

Author’s subsequent observation: I had not read SCORE, the draft of Congress’ proposal (link below)

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4312/text#:~:text=A%20BILL,to%20unfair%20methods%20of%20competition

Having watched the end of the meeting video again it seems the meeting concluded–

  1. To the consternation of the Speaker (and those who designed SCORE), the President concluded by suggesting further study of the document, while next week he would design a plan himself that would provide the proper solution.
  2. No one said much and the meeting was hastily ended.

“Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements Act” or the “SCORE Act”.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4312/text#:~:text=A%20BILL,to%20unfair%20methods%20of%20competition

COMMENTS

Any solution requires understanding law, so Trump’s round table is automatically doomed. (ANON)

The legal phrase about parties “similarly situated” doesn’t apply when you start blending pro sports with amateur sports, rich schools with struggling schools and American feeder systems with foreign models. I

James HaslamTue, Mar 17, 6:15 PM (16 hours ago)
to me

Have you collected data on whether MAGA prefers to have white foreigners (Canada, Spain, Australia, UK, France lead the imports) on basketball teams over blacks.

My guess is NCAA basketball is stronger and better paid than any other country’s league, so in reality it is like triple A, double A & A baseball.  Certainly the propaganda about special dispensation cos it was an ‘amateur’ sport has disappeared.

NCAA tennis is not in the same category as NCAA basketball.

While the university system should exist to benefit Americans, our politicians/alumni would rather have a winning team than educate its people.  

ON THE OTHER HAND

On the other hand

Immigration ?

I began college tennis and basketball in 1965.   I recruited my first international tennis player ten years later.   Over the next thirty years there were dozens more.  The reasons?  First- they could play, win, and help me keep my job.  Early on tennis coaches, myself included, also realized these guys were nice , intelligent , good people.  

Over the years about a dozen stayed in the USA.  Reflecting recently on their lives in America, I wasn’t surprised that none of them were less  than stellar citizens.  Doctors, Business leaders, Computer experts, Tennis professionals, coaches.  Their first American great grandchildren showed up this year.

This happened almost everywhere.  And it dawned on me it is a story worth telling.  Perhaps the most logical access to these stories would be the INTERCOLLEGIATE TENNIS ASSOCIATION (ITA).  

These stories would support College tennis.  Solicited, collected,edited and published, there would a large number of public relations possibilities.  

This is now happening in many different sports. The monied one is basketball. And there are down sides too (https://littlegreenbookoftennis.com/2024/10/30/whoa-nelly/).

Total Estimated Economic Value of IU’s National Football Season (2025–26)

From Chat/GPT

Total Estimated Economic Value of IU’s National Football Season (2025–26).

CategoryEstimated Value (USD)
Direct Football Program Revenue (Incremental)$10 M – $20 M
Baseline Annual Football Revenue$60 M (ongoing)
Local Economic Impact (Tourism, Lodging, Spending)$60 M – $100 M+
Media & Brand Value (Exposure)$20 M – $50 M+
Total Estimated Economic Value≈ $150 M – $230 M+

Bottom Line:
Indiana University’s historic national championship season likely generated at least in the low hundreds of millions of dollars in combined direct revenue, local economic activity, and media/brand value. The total could exceed $200 M when counting the broader impact on the university, Bloomington economy, and future revenue streams.


BEAR BRYANT: “Coaching is only for those who can’t live without it.”

 COACH DAN (Son #2)

After thinking about your question about “plays “ for basketball junior teams,  I realized maybe I’d be more helpful listing fundamental ideas that may be simple and redundant.  

FOR THE TEAM

  • Listen to your Coach(es )
  • Team and teammates before self.
  • Don’t quit !
  • Play AHEAD,  Pressure on them. 
  • Control “nervousness “, control anger.
  • No whiners.  Limit excuses and blame.
  • Tired ? Hurt ? Tell your coach.
  • Talk to your team and coaches. Not your opponents or referees or fans.  

INDIVIDUAL  SKILLS AND SUGGESTIONS

*Offense and DEFENSE !

*Defense

    Proper athletic stance–ready is quick

    Hands up

    Move your feet

    Block out

    Keep yourself  between your man and the goal. 

    KNOW WHAT DEFENSE YOU ARE PLAYING!

    ( Man to man, zone and what kind, press, matchups and combinations ).

Offense

     Baseball saying :  “ There ain’t substitute for speed afoot !”

     The advantage of being in shape

      Fake and drive.  Faking is an art.

      Fake and Step back  ( Hardin )

      Fake, 1 or 2 or 3 dribbles–jump/shoot

      Follow your shot.  

      Use the backboard.

      Protect the ball.  Use either hand to dribble without looking at the ball.

      Peripheral vision ?

      Rebound with two firm hands.   Out let pass? Fast break–2 on 1, 3 on 2.

 Coast to coast ?  Practice this full court by yourself.  Make that layup !

      Free throw fundamentals :  Relax, deep breath.  Balance.   Pressure? Myelin ! Or practice.  Try to groove the free throws smoothly.  No violent or jerky shots.  

***********************

Team feedback from son # 1 ( Coach Tee )

MAN TO MAN OR ZONE?

Tee called last night.  He wants to know if he can get some help with his 10 years old basketball team.  Maybe one of the Odom boys.  

There are nine players.   Son Lennox warned his Dad on the way to the first practice :  ” … Four of these kids are crazy!”

Coach Tee spoke about 15 seconds before “the worst of the four” emptied his water cooler on the floor.  Tee said “the four” have never since acknowledged that Tee  was there.

Luckily 1.  The other five are pretty good, And 2, the gym has two goals. 

The  4 took off to goal 2.   Tee’s 5 worked hard interrupted by several fights and obscene language from the 4 goal.    Tee admitted seeing one 4 kick a wet floor pylon that drew blood from another.  

He also confessed he told his five— I will bring them up to play.  Beat them bad.

Worst 4 beat best 5.  Worst of the 4 hit the winner.

Team vote on team name —BOULDER MAYHEM.*

Russell Rawlings is coming tomorrow.  He is not only a four graduate, but revelled in coaching them.  He’ll help.  

P.S. The team voted to change their team name to ” THE TOADS.” *

BEAR # 2—” It’s hard to get the student body to rally around MATH !”

“SNOOTY COOCHER ” (X-RATED )

SNOOTY COOCHER (X-RATED)   

THE ATHLETIC summarized college football’s frequent flyers today:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1K3qpwHvh4PtTWvhcDcCtVE2CuBBaJ8_JIWuX6fZelb0/edit?tab=t.0

The abandonment of traditional rules has, it seems, allowed a great way to make money!

“ A window of opportunity!”

Assuming some governance will  soon be enforced, then these transfers might be an unparalleled opportunity.  Who can blame the players?

From the mid 60’s till the 70’s  ( Post pill to pre- Aids ), there were “opportunities”.

“ PICNIC DAY FOR TEDDYBEARS”