New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum recently shared his disappointment with the match-up between San Diego State and UConn in the national championship game. According to McCollum, the Iowa vs. LSU game that concluded on Sunday was a much more exciting showdown that should have been the main event.
On Twitter, McCollum expressed his opinion, saying, “They should’ve had the women’s game on today instead,” “Respectfully.” The Iowa-LSU game was full of drama and excitement, with Caitlin Clark and the Hawkeyes putting up a strong fight before ultimately falling short to the Tigers.
One reason for the difference in popularity is likely due to the presence of Caitlin Clark, who is considered one of the most popular players in college hoops. The intense interactions and trash-talking between the two teams also added to the excitement of the women’s game.
They should’ve had the women’s game on today instead #Respectfully
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) April 4, 2023
In contrast, there weren’t many interesting storylines to follow in the men’s game. UConn dominated San Diego State early on, making the game less interesting compared to the women’s championship match-up.
However, as McCollum acknowledged, the NCAA Tournament is set up this way, and there’s not much that can be done about it. Maybe next year, things will be different, and fans will see more exciting match-ups in both the men’s and women’s games.
In conclusion, CJ McCollum was disappointed with the national championship match-up in the men’s game and expressed his opinion on Twitter. The women’s game, on the other hand, had much more excitement and broke records for the most-watched women’s college basketball game ever.
CJ McCollum: From NCAA Cinderella Story to NBA Star
Eight years ago on March 16th, 2012, CJ McCollum became a household name after leading No. 15 Lehigh to a stunning upset victory over No. 2 Duke in the NCAA Tournament. McCollum scored 30 points, grabbed six rebounds, dished out six assists, and made two steals in the 75-70 win, which remains one of the greatest upsets in tournament history.
Despite being eliminated by Xavier in the next round, McCollum’s performance caught the attention of NBA scouts. He was drafted 10th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2013 NBA Draft, where he has since become a star player. Currently playing for the New Orleans Pelicans, McCollum is averaging 20.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game.
As the NBA season nears its end, the playoff picture is starting to take shape, but the New Orleans Pelicans’ position is still in flux. The team is currently sitting in eighth place, which would secure a spot in the play-in tournament, but a few losses could send them to the draft lottery.
On the other hand, a winning streak could propel them into the first round of the playoffs without having to participate in the play-in. Therefore, every game is important for the Pelicans, including their upcoming matchup against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night.
