Thrills absent in July sports schedule

With the NBA Draft, NBA Finals, and, really, this year’s entire thrilling NBA postseason now over, it’s time to roll into the leanest and meanest days of the summer months.

Football has not arrived yet and baseball is not quite deep enough into its season to be interesting to the casual fan. Sure, the annual All-Star Game provides a nice mid-summer highlight, especially this year, when the festivities came to Kansas City, Mo. But, other than that, the month of July is one of the toughest turns of the calendar for sports fans.

This latest realization about what’s coming up — or what isn’t — got me thinking about how sports are such a cyclical force that keeps fans entertained one minute and looking ahead the next. When March Madness is over, we long for Opening Day. When the clock reads 00:00 at the Super Bowl, we start gearing up for Big Monday and the thick of the college basketball season. It’s a never-ending cycle, and it’s fascinating enough to offer up a variety of great moments throughout the year. Where those moments pop up and when one’s favorites take place is different for everyone and, of course, depends on taste. With that in mind, here’s how I rank the 12 months of the year based on the sports thrills they provide.

1) January: As against-the-grain as this may be, January is at the top of my list because of its variety. The NFL playoffs and Super Bowl, along with the NCAA national championship game, make football wildly entertaining. When those games aren’t going, there’s usually some pretty good conference play on the college hoops circuit to keep you happy.

2) March: This is the most obvious choice, and, I’m guessing, the favorite month of most who read this website. I’m right there with you. Nothing in sports is cooler than March Madness, the kind of postseason format that grabs both fanatics and non-fans alike. I bet you’re thinking about your bracket already.

3) November: November gets the edge at No. 3 because not only are we in the heart of football season, but we’re also tipping off the college basketball season. Plus, who can resist all of those early college basketball tournaments? Strong month.

4) September: One of the only things better than the end of the pro and college football seasons is the beginning of each. September delivers both, and we football freaks often are treated to some incredible games right out of the gate.

5) October: Baseball is finally meaningful again, and October is when nicknames like Mr. October are born and World Series champions are crowned. Oh yeah, there also are a few meaningful football games sprinkled in, which makes for non-stop action no matter what day of the week you’re talking.

6) June: In a month dominated by the NBA — the playoffs and finals roll on for weeks and the draft closes the month — June also offers a couple of underrated events. The College World Series in Omaha, Neb., is something you have to see once in your life, golf’s U.S. Open delivers nearly every year, and the NHL playoffs give us an endless stretch of bone-crushing hits, game-winning goals and post-series handshakes.

7) August: NFL training camps are in full swing, and you know what that means — it’s time for quarterback controversies to heat up and fantasy football geeks to get serious.

8) February: It’s not as if every game is a must-watch, but it’s tough to beat the thrill of college basketball’s stretch run and the conference tournaments that follow. Think KU-MU, Feb. 25, 2012. Beyond games and moments like that, February’s Daytona 500 marks the beginning of the Sprint Cup season. That doesn’t do much for me, but its popularity cannot be denied.

9) December: Dubbed by ESPN as “the most wonderful time of the year,” Bowl Week still scratches the itch for a lot of sports fans. Doesn’t matter if it’s your favorite team or that rare match-up you’re dying to see, college football usually offers at least a few great games in December. Of course, if that doesn’t do it for you, the drama of the NFL season can heat up those Sundays in December.

10) April: If it weren’t for the NFL Draft, April probably would be even lower on my list. But I love the draft and so do millions of others. Maybe you don’t watch every minute of it, but I know you care. April also brings The Masters and hope to all 30 Major League Baseball teams, which at least makes it exciting for a while.

11) May: If not for the NBA playoffs, May would be as bad as July.

12) July: If you’re a big-time baseball fan, I’m sure July is higher on your list. If you’re not, there’s not much to get excited about. But, hey, at least this year we’ll have London’s summer Olympics in July — for four days. Score another one for August, which, after today, is only 16 days away.

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stevemize 10 months, 1 week ago

It's been labeled "March Madness", however, the NCAA Championship game is in early April. Opening Day in baseball is also in early April. The NBA & NHL regular seasons end & playoffs begin. I think the month got short changed.

KansasRedLegger 10 months, 1 week ago

No thanks. Do not want. Big 12 is where KU belongs and is going to be for the foreseeable future.

BigAl 10 months, 1 week ago

Not now, not ever, NEVER.

ahpersecoachingexperience 10 months, 1 week ago

Did they kick out Penn State?

Wisconsin2Kansas 10 months, 1 week ago

I'm not at all defending Sandusky or any of the people that remained hush about what they knew, but the PSU football program should not be punished. PSU did not break any NCAA rules and the Board of Trustees cleaned house in the football department by hiring a new staff. Think of the players too. None of them deserve to have football (or at least a post season) taken away from them. I believe the NCAA will do the right thing by not laying a finger on that program.

Wisconsin2Kansas 10 months, 1 week ago

This coming from a guy who has Mangino in his name and thinks the Big Ten is a dying conference. Prove to me where Penn State has violated any NCAA rules?

You're nuts to think everyone who has supported PSU is to blame. Nobody outside of Sandusky, Paterno, Curely, and Spanier had any clue that the molestation's where ever going on. Just because fans, students, and alumni care about PSU football doesn't mean they were in favor of covering up the criminal acts. They're just as upset and disturbed as you are. Saying the fans of PSU are to blame is the same as saying everyone on this message board is to blame for the losing culture in our football program.

Wisconsin2Kansas 10 months, 1 week ago

Let's not forget how supportive the fan base at PSU has been towards the victims are their families. For the Nebraska game, PSU students and fans wore all blue in support of the victims (http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-400_162-57323656/penn-state-falls-to-nebraska-on-an-emotional-day/). And not to mention the candlelight vigils put on by the students in support of the victims. I guarantee that people around the university care well more than you do about the victims and their families.

Wisconsin2Kansas 10 months, 1 week ago

Fans also wore blue ribbons in support of the victims. People didn't decide to wear blue for no apparent reason. There was a positive message behind it.

Wisconsin2Kansas 10 months, 1 week ago

A lot. It means the NCAA can't go and shut down their football program.

Wisconsin2Kansas 10 months, 1 week ago

First off, the federal government wouldn't waste their time with shutting down Penn State football. You'd be lucky to see this case even get voted on through Congress. The only way the federal government would get involved is if the university as a whole did something way more scandalous. Second off, if you were a representative in the State of Pennsylvania, you wouldn't want to do something so unpopular as to try to shut down Penn State football. Unless, of course, you wanted to lose your seat.

Wisconsin2Kansas 10 months, 1 week ago

Great response. You obviously can't prove me wrong. And I'm already in Wisconsin. So I don't need to go back at this moment. Sweet avatar, though. You're obviously 10 years old or a 35 year old living with his parents.

jhox 10 months, 1 week ago

I wish you were right. Culturally and geographically the Big 10 would be the best fit for KU of any conference. Besides, think how jealous that would make Missery if we landed the spot they coveted.

The Big 10 is still the model conference, and when ND eventually joins (which they will) it will become even more lucrative for its members.

I don't believe it will ever happen though. Besides, we would likely have to take an overall pay cut. Because of our basketball prowess, we make a lot of money on third tier rights (which is probably why you didn't see KU raising the big stink over the Longhorn Network that other schools were raising.). When it comes to third tier revenues, KU is one of the "haves" and the way the Big 12 handles revenues, definitely benefits Kansas.

jhox 10 months, 1 week ago

Just check out their TV revenues and, more importantly, the way the schools all get along and work together as equal partners.

wissoxfan83 10 months, 1 week ago

It's a powerful conference, not dying in the least. Not sure what you mean by that, except I believe you wanted Tulane in the Big 12 which damages your credibility.

Wisconsin2Kansas 10 months, 1 week ago

Explain to me how the Big Ten is dying?

Kleave 10 months, 1 week ago

To bring what conference back to 12? KU leaving the Big 12 would put them at 9 and it would put the B1G at 13... who is being brought to 12?

danharris1 10 months, 1 week ago

try not commenting

ahpersecoachingexperience 10 months, 1 week ago

Switch December and November. In December you get some conference championship games in the beginning of the month and lower tier bowl games almost every night of the week towards the end of the month. Board rats and sports talk geeks go crazy with "down with the BCS" chatter. Hoops is finishing up preseason play. The NFL playoff picture is starting to shape up. NBA on Christmas day.

Great mix of quality and quantity. Heck, I think I just talked myself into making December #1.

roosey 10 months, 1 week ago

I can never make it through July without setting up a couple fantasy football leagues. You're right, it's the worst month, although lately I've been pretty addicted to the NBA Summer League games and free agent moves. My favorite is definitely March, followed by October.

Brock 10 months, 1 week ago

June is a totally dead month to me. No AAU hoops until July. Way too much baseball - which is as exciting as watching bowling.

ccarp 10 months, 1 week ago

I'd add late night to the great events in October. I'd put May over June most years. May has some great soccer, the first meaningful month of baseball, great weather to get out and play, and the Indy 500. I'd put May over June most years, except for the years that have world cup or euro championships in June. July is a great month to get stuff done around the house.

kansasalumn 10 months, 1 week ago

here is my list-

1-March. March Madness and Beginning of Spring training

2-April. NCAA basketball championship first month of baseball the only time I have some optimism for the Royasl

3-October. MLB playoffs, and college basketball around the corner

4-Jan. NFL Playoffs, and NCAA FB Championship and beginning of conference season of basketball

5-Dec.

6-Nov

7-Feb

8-May

9-June

10-Sept

11-Aug

12-July

bville_hawk 10 months, 1 week ago

Nice effort, Matt. You even stimulated some conversation. When there is nothing to write about write a column about nothing!

parrothead8 10 months, 1 week ago

July: "...not much to get excited about," except for the Tour de France, the most-attended annual sporting event on the planet. Just because most Americans don't care about it doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

ahpersecoachingexperience 10 months, 1 week ago

Uh, yes it does.

Signed, Soccer

DrJHawk 10 months, 1 week ago

What's the matter with golf in July? The British Open is in July.

kayjku 10 months, 1 week ago

I can't believe no one has mentioned the upcoming summer Olympics! I, for one, CANNOT WAIT!

gdkadjayhawk 10 months, 1 week ago

See July in Matt's column for a short reference.

MN_Jayhawk39 10 months, 1 week ago

Have you guys considered writing a story about how Sasha Kahn is playing in the London Olympics for Russia? That might spice up the slow sports news month! Over a week ago I saw on Rivals and on Phog.net the story about Sasha playing the Olympics and have wondered when... and if... KUSports.com would pick it up.

wissoxfan83 10 months, 1 week ago

If there were better college games in November I might rank it higher than July. But as a baseball fan first, Jayhawk hoops fan 2nd July would rank above November for me. The end of March into the 2nd week of April is the absolute best for me. Final Four, baseball opening and the Masters make it a sports fan dream come true!

Mix in some keg stands and fireworks and you have a helluva month.

Sports

Tait

Thrills absent in July sports schedule

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