Good morning! If you’re reading this, you’re clearly starting your day off right with an effort to better yourself by becoming more educated about the goings-on in the mid-major world.
In a landscape so dominated by the biggest schools and conferences, it’s quite hard to winnow down the information you want and need to hear about your favorite mid-major programs.
Thankfully, Mid-Major Madness is here to aggregate the news and links for you, providing you with a brand-new, daily post about the world of mid-major hoops.
#Content to Read
North Dakota trying to find some branding consistency (AP)
After deciding to change the school’s nickname from ‘Fighting Sioux’ to ‘Fighting Hawks’ a few years ago, it’s clear that the University of North Dakota still has an unenviable branding situation on its hands. As Dave Kolpack noted:
...fans of the school’s athletic teams were pledging allegiance to three different logos: a Fighting Hawk, a Fighting Sioux and an interlocking ND.
With many still upset about the change in nicknames and many more upset by the lack of consistency, the school has attempted to focus on one solid message, but it sounds like that’s not going too well, according to Kolpack:
Meanwhile, the school has retired the interlocking ND logo that was especially revered by the football program, and Kennedy said most university athletic programs have “moved to Hawks.” The hockey team for the first time this year will have the Hawks logo on the shoulders of its sweaters, though thundering chants of “Let’s go Sioux” may still be heard at games.
Damari Parris is leaving Western Kentucky (WBKO)
After just one season in Bowling Green that was interrupted due to an injury, Damari Parris is departing the program. Parris, a Maryland native, originally turned down offers from Fordham, Quinnipiac, & North Carolina A&T in order to come to Western Kentucky.
Since his leaving the team is very fresh, it’s not clear where he’ll be going. However, WKBO’s Chad Bishop pointed out an interesting fact about what will be WKU’s exciting 2017-18 season:
The departure of Parris leaves Western with zero active returning scholarship players from one season ago.
Tweets of Interest
Congrats and best wishes to these two!
Congrats to @D_Watts0323 and @K_James0323 on their engagement today at @ComericaPark. We're so happy for you two! pic.twitter.com/Hj2Cvk3ZCM
— UAB Men's Basketball (@UAB_MBB) July 2, 2017
My NBA podcast re-launched. Follow us on Twitter and subscribe on iTunes!
Alright, our long-awaited 5th episode is here! We're talking offseason #NBA moves. Subscribe and tell your friends! https://t.co/74azhl0TuG
— Viral NBA Podcast (@ViralNBA) July 2, 2017
A former Ram has a hot shooting day
Another good day for @clavelito04 at @NBA summer league-12 pts (3 triples), 3 reb in 31+ minutes of play. Next game Mon at 3 pm MT v @Pacers
— CSU Rams MBB (@CSUMensBball) July 2, 2017
Congrats to Monmouth, which gets to go win in Storrs.
In regards to Monmouth-UConn on Dec. 2, pencil that in for on campus at Gampel Pavilion. XL Center is booked Dec. 2. https://t.co/pVU7CsaFvC
— Josh Newman (@Joshua_Newman) July 2, 2017
Who says penguins don’t do well in the summer?
Another great weekend for our guys at the PRO-AM!! Putting in work against great competition! S/O to @clevelandampro1 & @3rdCoastHoops. pic.twitter.com/pott2IMJzU
— YSU Men's Basketball (@YSUMensHoops) July 3, 2017
My heart’s smiling
Karnowski is absolutely destroying TJ Leaf in summer league action.
— Matthew Martin (@MattMartinGFT) July 2, 2017
Gonzaga missed out on Jalen Coleman-Lands
Visited Gonzaga over Hoopfest weekend https://t.co/lpbheyKZ98
— Inside The Kennel (@InsideTheKennel) July 2, 2017
Team USA is running over teams
#FIBAU19: USA beat Angola 109-68 to improve to 2-0!
— FIBA (@FIBA) July 2, 2017
https://t.co/CnXD6WtX3V pic.twitter.com/LYOrgLg3Lo
Our dude Przemek Karnowski owned the face of the Pacers (Ed. note: TJ Leaf is not replacing my large adult son Myles as face of the Pacers)
Poor T.J. Leaf didn't stand a chance against Karnowski.
— Basketball Society (@BBallSociety_) July 2, 2017
(via @clippittv) pic.twitter.com/SGDihkdNNP
Recruiting News
Charleston Southern, Radford and George Mason latest to reach out to 6'6 '18 Isaiah Bigelow per coach Partee#NCTop80 alum pic.twitter.com/kMephQiikp
— Rick Lewis (@Coach_Rick57) July 2, 2017
2018 Bishop O'Connell (VA) G Matt Becht has committed to Mount St. Mary's. (HT @AyalewAdam) @Bechtmatt https://t.co/joDX2koxVp
— Verbal Commits (@VerbalCommits) July 2, 2017
2018 O.D. Wyatt (TX) F Traylynn Spencer has committed to Little Rock. (HT @hoopdfw) https://t.co/x6lM2CAuWa
— Verbal Commits (@VerbalCommits) July 2, 2017
Former Buffalo G Graham Dolan is transferring to Babson (DIII). @grahamdolan10 https://t.co/V60K8Rf1gE
— Verbal Commits (@VerbalCommits) July 2, 2017