ESPN production has old-school feel

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

On Jan. 5, 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.

The first game — West Virginia at Villanova — will have a late ’70s feel to turn the clock back 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.

The last of the nine telecasts will be Rutgers at Notre Dame on March 2.

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Bye, Bye Bounce: Stanford players miss their 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. Stanford played its first game in the new Maples last weekend, a 72-62 victory over UC Davis.

During construction, Stanford practiced in a gym across campus and had trailers that served as a temporary locker room. The Cardinal was scheduled to play its early season home games at nearby Santa Clara University and wasn’t expected to be back in Maples until January, but the renovation finished ahead of schedule.

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, and more restrooms and concession stands.