Everybody loves a little non-conference college basketball schedule banter in early May. On Friday, I posted the following on our men’s basketball forum here at CycloneFanatic.com.
"I’m hearing that Iowa State will NOT be playing Kentucky or Florida in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge this year, however the Cyclones could be moving up in the ranks to play an opponent better that originally thought. Also, Iowa State is still trying to book a high-major opponent for a home and home. Sounds like progress is being made."
Go ahead and rule Minnesota from the Big Ten out as far as that home and home with a high-major is concerned – for now at least. That’s according to Minneapolis media man Darren Wolfson, who tweeted the following this weekend.
"Told no real surprises as #Gophers hoops is finalizing their non-conf. schedule. Iowa St. wants to start a series. Will happen. Not now."
That would be a natural series for both programs looking to bump up schedule strength in the future so it makes a lot of sense. Iowa State has clearly arrived on the national scene and with a guy named Pitino calling the shots, I’ll go on a limb and say that the Gophers are about to do the same.
The problem with non-conference scheduling at this time of year is finding dancing partners with open space on their schedule. To my knowledge, Iowa State has one date open at this time. Chances are, Minnesota does not.
Let’s throw this topic up to you today. Let us know what you think and why.
