Mr. Irrelevant

Thirteen year-olds, avert your eyes. There is a virus on the college basketball court that is a living, breathing human-form contradiction of every previously conceived basketball fundamental.

As youth basketball coaches, allowing your team to watch John Oates on the basketball court is as debilitating as tying 15 pound ankle weights to a child trying to pass their summer camp's swim test.

In the series of eight minutes, John Oates missed three 3-pointers early in the shot clock, blindly ran away from two incoming passes, picked up two weak fouls, and played defense as if he wanted to allow Florida State players the ability to meditate in solidarity on the inside. I nearly threw up in my mouth watching Oates build the foundation for Florida State's 22-9 lead. Finally, a substitution eight minutes into the half allowed the Eagles to start fighting back.

I recognize that Blair is not the athletic phenom that Sean Williams was, but he is not a seven foot leech sucking the lifeblood out of the Eagles. Blair has earned his time, and he is deserving of the incumbent’s starting spot. Tyrelle sure proved tonight that he is not afraid to take a big shot, chase down loose balls, and establish the inside presence that pundits have cited as a weakness.

Al- you are a great Samaritan. I would love to go golfing with you. But seriously, the concept of a handicap needn't be applied to the college basketball court. Oates does not need to be on the floor when the jump ball is thrown.

The player, cited by coaches and the media as an offensive weapon, is shooting 33% from the field and 28% from behind the arc. Additionally, the biggest man on the floor is only pulling down 3.4 rebounds a game in twenty minutes. If John was in position, at least six boards would fall into his lap each game.

My views are unfortunately being compromised by my recent frustrations. As long as John is on the floor, I will cheer for him. That being said, I hope I can focus my cheering on some of the other Eagles who have proven their worth over the course of the season.

For a few more thoughts on Oates' stellar play, Alex F. vents as well.