Notes from the Sports Desk

NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament  

It is still a kick to watch the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament selection show, but it sure is a different feeling when New Mexico has a spot guaranteed.  

Normally, the reveal ends in disappointment. It’s a good thing the Lobos won the Mountain West Conference Tournament or, based on what the selection committee chairman said, they would have been sitting home.   

MWC fans should be thrilled about getting six teams in the tournament, but the seeding has left me scratching my head. UNM is an 11 seed, but the early betting line has them a slight favorite against No. 6 Clemson. Umm? I won’t go into detail about the rest of the Mountain West, but it seems screwy that a conference with six bids has four teams seeded 10th or lower, including two that are slotted for play-in games.  

Michael Cooper  

The former Lobos and Lakers great has been nominated for the Basketball Hall of Fame. Fantastic. I asked Cooper 20 years ago if he thought it might happen someday and he poo-pooed the idea. But his resume is really strong, as a player and a coach. It might take a few years, but Coop is on his way to enshrinement.   

High school basketball  

With the high school basketball season in the rearview mirror, what are the prospects for next season?  

Watch out for the Valencia girls. The Jaguars will miss guard Azalia Malizia, but most of the lineup returns from a 4A quarterfinal team. 

The VHS boys lose Damian Estrada but have some good young talent coming up.   

Both the Belen boys and girls should see noticeable improvement, although each will look to replace their floor generals in Jordi Rojo and Analeigha Wright, respectively.    

At Los Lunas, much of the boys’ supporting cast surrounding Jalin Holland will need to be figured out. The Tiger girls should build on a surprising trip to the 5A state playoffs, especially if they can stay healthy.  

High school baseball, softball  

For those who follow action on the diamond, there are a couple of rule changes you may have noticed.  

In baseball, the catcher and coach can communicate electronically, sending in pitch signals to help eliminate slow play. One local coach said he prefers the old-fashioned way.   

Softball pitchers are now allowed to use a different delivery, which is too complicated for me to explain. 

According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, NFHS, pitchers “will be allowed to disengage both feet from the playing surface if the pivot foot is not replanted prior to the delivery of the pitch. Previously, the pivot foot was required to remain in contact with the ground.” 

Got it? It could be an advantage for the pitchers, allowing them to release the ball slightly closer to the plate.   

Tick, tick, tick  

A few weeks ago, “60 Minutes” ran an intriguing story about how sports betting has sucked in gamblers, particularly young male adults. It has been called the “new opioid epidemic.” 

According to the report, it is so easy to gamble with apps on your phone, some bettors place hundreds of wagers at a time. They are enticed by huge data companies using AI to attract and keep gamblers engaged. The investigation was certainly eye-opening and a cautionary tale.