We all know it’s a numbers game. That some opponents just have your number, that numbers crunching is the path to insight and understanding.
And, of course, you know you’re doomed when your number is up.
These days a lot of numbers are up -- consecutive numbers, jersey numerals that make players look a bit like they were removed from a box and set out on the court in robotic fashion.
The numerals worn are confined to a relatively narrow range -- NCAA Rule 1, Section 22, Article 7, Clause b. 2 prevents college basketball players from wearing numerals 6, 7, 8 or 9.