ACC scheduling becoming an issue

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski took up Virginia Tech’s cause Thursday night when he criticized the ACC’s scheduling.

After Duke won 81-64 in Blacksburg, Va., Krzyzewski said it’s not fair that Virginia Tech has to turn around and fly to Boston College for a Saturday afternoon game when the Eagles didn’t play a midweek game.

“That should never happen in our league,” Krzyzewski said. “That’s not a good thing.”

Virginia Tech coach Seth Greenberg said he isn’t making the quick turnaround an issue for the Hokies. He said the team will take a 90-minute chartered flight, eat a catered meal and enjoy an ice cream bar Friday before playing at Boston College the next day.

He made it sound like a luxurious trip, even though his players’ legs will be weary. “We’re not going to use it as an excuse,” he said.

By taking the high road, Greenberg might prevent negative thinking from entering his players’ heads. The reality is that many coaches despise the quick turnarounds that become necessary because the ACC is contractually obligated to show so many games on television.

Georgia Tech coach Paul Hewitt has suggested that it might be a good idea to have certain days during the week when games can’t be scheduled. A more regular, less chaotic schedule might help players perform better in the classroom.

But athletics departments have become addicted to the money TV provides. That’s why athletics directors remain willing to let TV executives call the shots on scheduling. – Ken Tysiac