Nov. 8, 2005

Across America, you have all kinds of exhibition games going on as Division I teams prepare for the regular season.

There have been a number of close games against lower-division opponents. I'm telling you, don't make too much of these results as they flash across your television screen or show up in your local newspaper.

Coaches are trying all sorts of different combinations, trying to get a feel for their team in game action. Great players aren't getting the minutes they normally get, so it can be very deceiving.

Yes, there have been some surprises. EA Sports knocked off a talented Iowa State team 64-57 with the dynamite backcourt of Curtis Stinson and Will Blaylock. Louisville was tested by Bellarmine before escaping with a 70-63 win. Wake Forest was pushed by Division II Winston Salem State before winning 88-84. Nevada got past Rockhurst 77-69, the same score Michigan beat Grand Valley State by.

These games are teaching tools that prepare players for the season. Don't put too much stock into them. There have been a number of blowouts in these exhibitions as well. How much do those really help?

I would prefer to see some Division I teams compete in controlled scrimmages in closed environments to work on things, then play one exhibition game. Virginia Tech and Georgetown recently had a controlled scrimmage. That would be beneficial to both Division I schools.

Coaches want to evaluate how good their players are. These are dress rehearsals, giving a taste of playing to the crowd, dealing with officials, etc. Overall, these exhibitions have little meaning as long as you can keep your team healthy.

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.