Put your hands on your computer screens, children, and give me a big Hallelujah.

Basketball practice starts today. (And, while my favorite team - U of L's Cardinals - don't have a Midnight Madness, my guess is The Rick has already put the boys through their first practice. If not, it will be soon enough. And, he might call them back tonight for an encore.)

By the by, I love that Louisville doesn't have a big dog and pony show to start practice. (Which is not meant to disparage the schools that do.) I like simply knowing that the first encounter of the season with Ring Road is but weeks away.

Pitino had circus opening to practice his first year. It was at Commonwealth Convention Center. It was a one and done. Sparsely attended, at best. ESPN.com's Andy Katz was in the house, and turned to the few of us on press row, and wondered aloud, "Where are all the fans?" Guess they were home sleeping. Good move.

And, season tickets came today in the mail. Since this is the school's last season in Freedom Hall, the ducats are adorned with U of L greats, going back to Charlie Tyra, who played in the first game the Cards played in the gym that's been their home since the mid 50s. I was there. Sweet.

One more hallelujah, gang. It's cold and rainy and my football team is on the skids. So what. All's right with the world. Here. In the Bluegrass. On the banks of the Wabash. Along Tobacco Road. In Philly. The City. On the plains. Hoops is back.

Oh yeah.