Morning links: Stuff that happened while we were opening presents

Been out of the college basketball loop the last couple days? We don’t blame you. There was food to eat, presents to open, and relatives to avoid.

Life happens.

But while you were gone, the basketball world did not stop. Here’s some of our favorite stories and some of the news that broke while you were waiting for the fat man to break into your house and eat your cookies.

From SB Nation:

Vanquish the Foe explains why TJ Haws should be BYU’s starting point guard: http://www.vanquishthefoe.com/2016/12/24/14070836/byu-basketball-dave-rose-lj-rose-tj-haws-point-guard-plus-minus-by-lineup-west-coast-conference

Mountain West Connection needs your help figuring out their pro athlete of the year: http://www.mwcconnection.com/2016/12/24/14063218/2016-mountain-west-connection-pro-athlete-of-the-year-the-finalists

One guy you don’t hear enough about when discussing Gonzaga’s early success? Silas Melson. Slipper Still Fits explains: http://www.slipperstillfits.com/2016/12/25/14077614/midseason-grades-gonzaga-bulldogs-silas-melson-undefeated-teams

Did you miss mid-major Festivus? Shame on you.

Grievances: http://www.midmajormadness.com/2016/12/23/14058404/mid-major-festivus-the-airing-of-the-grievances-seinfeld-thing-but-like-with-basketball
Feats of Strength: http://www.midmajormadness.com/2016/12/23/14059716/mid-major-festivus-feats-of-strength-seinfeld-but-with-dunks-mo-allie-cox-ncaa-tournament

From the greater Interwebs:

The Diamond Head Classic happened this weekend, so there were real basketball games with real winners. San Diego State won the whole darn thing: http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-college-basketball-roundup-20161225-story.html

A10 Talk discussed what each Atlantic 10 team might want for Christmas: http://www.a10talk.com/atlantic-10-team-want-christmas/

Scoochie Smith scored his 1,000th career point: https://flyerfaithful.com/scoochie-smith-scores-his-1-000th-career-point-flyers-make-some-history-97641a873121#.u8naiqgoj

Lastly, it’s MAAC Monday! Everyone celebrate! http://dalydoseofhoops.blogspot.com/2016/12/maac-monday-offensivedefensive-efg.html