Kings' Fox explains why he 'can't watch' a college basketball game

Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox. Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

De'Aaron Fox explains why he 'can't watch' a full college basketball game

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 3/25/23

While basketball fans throughout the country enjoy all the thrilling action that comes with NCAA Tournament time, Sacramento Kings guard and former Kentucky Wildcat De'Aaron Fox recently shared a hot take on "March Madness."

Fox roasted the collegiate game, explaining to Matt George of ABC 10 in Sacramento that he can't watch an entire NCAA basketball game.

"I kind of flip through college games. I can't watch a full college game. No, I can't," Fox said. "It's hard. Shot-making is not obviously at the pro level. Refs are bad. A lot of coaching is really bad. I can't stand it."

De'Aaron Fox shoots on college basketball & why he can't watch a full game. pic.twitter.com/tnNQop3iEZ
— Matt George (@MattGeorgeSAC) March 24, 2023

Fox may be unable to stomach an entire college basketball game, but millions evidently can. The men's NCAA Tournament recently boasted the most-watch first round ever, averaging 9.3M viewers.

Meanwhile, the women's NCAA Tournament had similar success drawing eyes, with viewership up 27% in the opening round compared to last year.

However, after several favorites suffered early exits from the men's tournament, ratings have dipped a bit heading into the Elite 8. According to Paulsen of Sports Media Watch, Friday's Sweet 16 action saw a 5% decline in ratings from 2022.

While upsets usually entice more to watch, this year's tournament is unusual. For the first time, the Elite 8 won't include a No. 1 seed, and with a mind-numbing amount of brackets already busted, interest in the remainder of the tournament may be waning.

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