ESPN has apparently decided that the Big 12 is going to be so good in basketball this year that they are bringing in the "A" Team for the Big Monday Broadcasts.
Ron Franklin and Fran Fraschilla are out.
Brent Musberger and Bobby Knight are in.
ESPN said the decision was partly due to the increased workoad for Knight and the desire to have him work with Musberger, and partly due to the Big 12's enhanced reputation for the upcoming year.
Ron Franklin will continue to work the Wednesday Big 12 games -- with a variety of partners, while Fran Fraschilla, who lives in Dallas, will work the Big East Wednesday games. Franklin and Fraschilla will be back together for Big 12 Saturday telecasts.
Big 12 officials said all the right things, and are happy that at least the Franklin/Fraschilla duo won't be totally cut out of the Big 12 picture.
Even the coaches appreciate the twosome.
Texas A&M coach Mark Turgeon said, "When I think of the Big 12 and Big Monday, I think of Ron Franklin. As coaches, we appreciate his knowledge and professionalism. We are happy he will still be a big part of our league."