There is just too much going on in the world of sports this week. I cannot confine my thinking to one topic. Eastern’s basketball season is getting into full swing. The NFL playoffs have been as exciting as ever, and a certain couple of teams in Chicago are making some interesting offseason moves. Not to mention the fact another Eastern alumnus might get to coach the Oakland Raiders.

-For starters, Eastern is entering the most exciting part of the basketball season. Ohio Valley Conference play has begun, which means the games actually mean something.

The only problem is people don’t realize this yet. There are some very loyal fans making it out to the games, but attendance has not reflected the significance of these games.

The crowd at Lantz Arena has only exceeded 2,000 people once in seven games this season. Granted, three of the games took place while classes weren’t in session, but when classes have been in session the crowds haven’t been very astounding.

Come on people, it’s two hours of free entertainment. There’s something for everybody. Cheerleaders and Pink Panthers Dancing and Tumbling, coaches from other teams in goofy sweaters, wacky “fan cam” shots and every once in a while, some good basketball playing.

If that doesn’t convince you, how about some free crap? The University Board is giving away free prizes at tomorrow night’s game as part of its “Let’s Make a Deal” night.

-Don’t just think the excitement of Eastern basketball is confined to the men’s games. The women’s team has a lot of potential. They’re led by senior guard Lauren Daily and red shirt junior center Pam O’Connor, both of whom scored their 1,000th career point during break.

Here is my not so bold prediction: the women’s team will have a better season than the men. Right now the men’s team is 3-10 and 1-2 in the OVC and the women are 3-11 and 0-3 in the OVC. In the last two seasons, the women’s team has made a strong run late in the year, and I’m expecting more of the same this year.

-How about that Sean Payton? It’s somewhat exciting to think the Eastern alumnus could be coaching the Oakland Raiders. He’s had an interesting past two years. Last year as offensive coordinator for the Giants, Jim Fassel took over calling the plays midway through the season. Then, this year he helps the Cowboys reach the playoffs – I think Tony Romo had a big part in that. Way to hold that clip board! Now, Payton could become a head coach, which would mean Eastern has two alumni as NFL head coaches.

Next up to join the ranks – Mike Heimerdinger. The Titans offensive coordinator is also an Eastern alumni. So in my crackpot scenario, Eastern could have alumni filling three of 32 of the NFL’s top jobs.

-Talking about head coaches in the NFL, the found themselves a new one in Lovie Smith. I’m sure the former Rams defensive coordinator will fix all of the Bears offensive problems. Quick fix No. 1 – throw a pass farther than five yards.

-Finally, look who might be coming back to the Cubbies. A bunch of Cy Young and Gold Glove awards and one World Series title removed from his old team, Greg Maddux could be coming back were he started. I say the Cubs should offer Maddux a million dollar less the Braves offer him and convince him the pay cut will be worth it because he will have a better chance at winning a World Series.

If Maddux does decide to come back to Chicago, it would make it pretty hard for teams to compete with the North Siders’ rotation. I mean how many teams can say their fifth starter is a multiple Cy Young winner.