ESPN offers its retro style

If you miss the days when players’ shorts really were short and television screens weren’t filled with scoreboards and running scores, ESPN Classic is turning back the clock for you.

Starting Wednesday, the network will broadcast the first of nine live college basketball games, each featuring “throwback” graphics and production values to make the telecasts appear as they would have years ago.

Jim Simpson, an original ESPN personality, will do the play-by-play with various guest commentators including retired coaches.

The first game – West Virginia at Villanova – will have a late 1970s feel to turn back the clock to when ESPN was launched. Other eras may be featured in the other telecasts and there could be games with teams in retro uniforms and fans in period-specific dress.

Bye, bye bounce

Stanford players already miss their infamous bouncy floor at Maples Pavilion.

The arena underwent a $30 million facelift during the past 10 months, and one of many changes included the installation of a new court without the bounce.

“Obviously, they did a great job with the place,” forward Dan Grunfeld said. “It’s a great place. Whatever floor it is, you’ve got to play. I liked our floor, it was our little thing. But we could play on a carpet and we’d still be playing.”

During construction, Stanford practiced in a gym across campus and had trailers that served as a temporary locker room. The Cardinal were scheduled to play their early season home games at nearby Santa Clara University and weren’t expected to be back in Maples until this month, but the renovation finished early.

The new additions to Maples also include a main scoreboard with video capabilities, new seating in the lower bowl area, an outer concourse, upgraded locker rooms and meeting rooms, more restrooms and concession stands.

The Cardinal went unbeaten at home last season, when they finished with a 30-2 record and ranked No. 1.