Why women's basketball needs more passionate fans
What is important to you?
Like really, really important?
So important that you are an eager and consistent participant in this activity or cause or entity.
Your interest is so strong you know every detail about it. You would be compelled to write letters of support or complaints, make phone calls or go out to support or protest this particular interest.
You would be like one of my basketball teammates from Northwestern, who surprised me a few months ago with her deep conviction. She has such strong political beliefs that in December she pushed pause on her life and the business she owns in New York City and she traveled to Alabama for a few days to rally Democrats to help Doug Jones defeat Republican Roy Moore in a special election for U.S. Senate.
Now that's a conviction. That's something in your life that is very important to you.
I have been bugged the last few weeks by some other deeply convicted people.
For 20 years, I have voted on The Associated Press women's college basketball poll, which is made public each week.
Apparently some Mississippi State fans who do not appreciate that three voters, including me, are selecting Mississippi State third and Baylor second, even though Mississippi State is undefeated and Baylor (28-1) is not.
Records are only part of the criteria for national rankings, but debating which team deserves the No. 2 slot is not my point here.
My point is that these Mississippi State fans are such deeply convicted followers that they have let their displeasure be known, loudly (and unfortunately somewhat nastily), on Twitter, tagging me and the other voters who rank Mississippi State third. They are relentless in their belief that their team deserves to be ranked No. 2.
At first, I saw these Twitter outbursts as annoying and unnecessary, and over the top. But the more I think about it, the more I appreciate their passion, particularly since it is on women's basketball.
Women's basketball, quite frankly, needs more fans like them, fans who care so much about the sport and about their favorite team that they are willing to go public to stand up for their team.
That's actually pretty sweet for women's basketball, a sport that still struggles to cast a wide net with fans.
The more pockets of passionate fans, the better chance women's basketball will gain traction in the mainstream.
So tweet on, Mississippi State fans, tweet on. But keep it classy to ensure your voice is heard and your passion is taken seriously.
March Madness starts here:
It's March and the Madness begins with a local feel for two area basketball teams.
Both DePaul and Northern Illinois women's teams are hosting conference tournaments over the next few days.
DePaul is hosting the Big East Tournament at its new Wintrust Arena, with first-round action starting Saturday. Providence faces Butler at 4 p.m. and Seton Hall takes on Xavier at 6:30 p.m.
On Sunday, the quarterfinals begin at noon. Big East season champ DePaul features two all-conference players (Kelly Campbell and Marte Grays), and faces the winner of Seton Hall/Xavier at 6 p.m.
The Big East tourney champ will be crowned after the title game at 6 p.m. Tuesday.
Single-session tickets for the tournament start at $15. All-session booklets are available, with nine-game passes starting at $50. Groups of 15 or more can purchase single-session tickets for $10, while super groups (50+) are available for $8. Courtside seating is also available. To purchase, visit www.depaulbluedemons.com.
• Meanwhile, in DeKalb, Northern Illinois earned a first-round home game in the MAC conference tourney by winning five of its last seven games.
The Huskies, led by MAC player of the year candidate Courtney Woods, will host their first-round game at 6 p.m. Monday, with a trip to the conference quarterfinals in Cleveland on the line. For tickets, visit www.niuhuskies.com.
• Twitter: @babcockmcgraw