Seth Davis of CBS Sports was kind enough to speak to the BSO Empire.  We had a chance to talk some College Basketball as well as a great opportunity for fans to win some “Straight Cash Homie” and a trip to the 2011 Final Four.

RL: Thank you for taking time out to speak with us.  Tell us what you are doing with Coke Zero and Department of Fannovation?

SD: Coke Zero is doing this really cool thing to enhance the fan experience.  Fans can submit ideas on what they think could improve their experience both on and off the court.  The key though is to be innovative with those ideas.

Fans can go to http://ncaa.cocacolazero.com/ to submit their ideas.  The top 64 will be chosen and in true March Madness fashion a winner will be decided.  The winner receives $10,000 and a trip the 2011 Final Four.

RL: What would be your fan innovation if you had an entry?

SD: Having Swimsuit models in the studio would be nice.

RL: When they brought in a Victoria Secret model on the NFL Today set Bill Cowher couldn’t speak and Shannon Sharpe is still grinning.

SD: Anything to improve ratings.

RL: One of the hot topics in College Basketball and college sports in general are coaches who leave schools early either because of better opportunities or running away from something.  How do you feel about that and how it affects the “student” athlete?

SD: I think the National Letter of Intent is one of the biggest scams going.  It isn’t run by the NCAA, but it says that the player is still bound to the school even if the coach that recruited him leaves.

The school has to release the kid from the letter of intent if he wants to go to another school.  In essence the school can hold a kid hostage.

I don’t have a problem with a coach who wants to upgrade his situation, but the player should have more flexibility when it comes down to making a decision after a coach that recruited him decides to leave.

RL: The NBA put in a rule in their last collective bargaining agreement requiring high school basketball players to be at least one year removed from high school before entering the draft.  How do you think that rule has effected college basketball and what are your thoughts on the rule?

SD: Personally I am opposed to it.  I feel if you are ready to make that jump you should be able to and if you aren’t good enough the NBA shouldn’t draft you.

But, I am glad you preface that by saying it is an NBA rule because the NCAA had no say in it at all, but without question it has benefited college basketball.

Is it better for College basketball for John Wall to be playing for Kentucky right now or the Nets?

RL: Point taken, speaking of Wall is he the best player you have seen this year.

SD: He is definitely the most talented player, but Evan Turner of Ohio State is also in the running for player of the year.

RL: You mean “The” Ohio State University.

SD: You must be alumni.

RL: Yes Sir.

SD: Clark Kellogg would be pleased.

RL: Before we let you go you Coke is doing something for Haiti relief this Friday.  Tell us about that?

SD: Coke has already donated one million to Haiti relief and also there is a Coke Zero sponsored concert on Friday where the proceeds will go to Haiti relief.

RL: Seth once again thank you for your time.

SD: No problem and have a good one.

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Here is some more info on the Coke Zero Dept of Fannovation:

With division races heating up around the country, that means one thing for college hoops fans — lots of game watching.  During these exciting (and often frustrating) times, inspired fans may overflow with brilliant ideas to enhance the fan experience — only to be left disappointed that they lack an outlet to express their vision. Coke Zero heard the call from fans and in response, launched Department of Fannovation – an online hub where people can share these innovative ideas and then compete to win $10,000 and a trip for two to the NCAA Final Four in 2011.

Check out following link to learn more about the Coke Zero Dept. of Fannovation and to submit and vote for ideas: http://www.cokezero.com/ncaa

the breakdown of prizes for ideas that make the “Brain Bracket”:

Winning idea – $10,000 and trip for two to the 2011 NCAA Men’s Final Four + prizes below
Top 4 – $1,000 and trip for two to the 2011 NCAA Men’s Final Four + prizes below
Top 16 – $1,000 + prizes below
Top 64 – Coke Zero NCAA hat and track jacket