College hoops prospectus, casino guide have value

13 November 2008

By Howard Schwartz

One of the most interesting resources for evaluating college basketball teams, key players and statistical leaders in a variety of categories is the College Basketball Prospectus 2008-09, edited and compiled by Ken Pomeroy and John Gasaway and staff (323 pages, 8x11 paperbound, $21.95). This book, along with the enormously popular 2009 American Casino Guide (496 pages, paperbound, $18.95), written and edited by Steve Bourie, have arrived in time to help both sports bettors and bargain hunters.

What makes the Prospectus different from other resources are the essays and statistical evaluations of teams and players. What I call essays are thought-provoking chapters about turnovers; key freshmen and how they may impact a team's progress as a season moves along. The book evaluates 10 major conferences, and in a major section dissects factors such as the lack of or the emergence of offensive rebounders, three-point attempts, which conferences reflect home court advantage and so forth.

This is a book which might make you think a little more about factors ignored previously when betting college basketball and most certainly will make you look forward to seeing a particular team or individual the first time that team's game is televised.

The American Casino Guide has much to offer both the bargain hunter and player, for it offers advice on the games, illustrates through maps, phone numbers, websites, amenities, games offered and what you can expect state by state if you're traveling or plan to move where casino or pari mutuel gaming exists. Starting at page 345, there are coupons for match play, food and lodging discounts, freebies and discounts for rides, t-shirts, shows, car rentals, even a massage. This is a fine gift item for a friend or relative, which fits easily into a glove compartment or luggage and is good through the end of 2009.

Although a majority of the coupons are for us in Nevada, Mississippi, Connecticut, California and New Jersey, along with a dozen or more other states, are included. Articles about how to play the games, slot clubs, tournaments, and more, add value, since it can help save money via the coupons and smarter playing strategies.