SIOC's top reality show ideas based on college hoops

By Theodore B. Bressman

I'm all for strikes. I like it when doormen go on strike and put up those enormous inflatable rats outside their buildings. I like the way Denzel Washington gets the sharecroppers to unionize in The Great Debaters. But the writer's strike in Los Angeles has lasted too long, and the reality shows are getting more riddiculous by the minute (Kid Nation, cough), so if any TV execs are reading, here are a few college teams and players we'd love to follow around for a season:

O.J. Mayo

Would you tune into a reality show following O.J. Mayo around the USC campus on a Saturday night? Donald Miralle/Getty Images; Chris Williams/Icon SMI

Name of Show: Weekends with O.J.

Think of: Temptation Island, only no island

Network most likely to air it: MTV

Summary: An inside look at the most popular athlete at a school full of perfect-looking co-eds. We'd follow Mayo as he made his way to frat parties, talked to some ladies outside the campus center and passed his days as the most eligible bachelor in a percolating sea of willing bachelorettes.

Memphis

Name of Show: Calipari's House

Think of: Run's House

Network most likely to air it: VH1

Summary: After last season, when Calipari made it clear he had no intention of leaving, we were immediately reminded of a time when coaches weren't looking to put together a good season just so they could get a better job. Just like Rev Run, who's a father and a rapper (in that order), Calipari sent a message that he's in it for real. And that's how you build a family.

Lil Romeo (a.k.a. -- Percy Romeo Miller Jr.)

Name of Show: Romeo Don't Need No Juliet

Think of: Weekends With OJ, Season II

Network most likely to air it: MTV

Summary: People would be singing My Baby like it was the theme song from Sanford and Son as they gathered around the television to watch this whodi rap, avoid having a serious girlfriend and generally ball out of control. This would be a great follow-up to OJ Mayo's "In-N-Out" stint at USC.

Eddie Sutton

Name of Show: Mr. 800

Think of: Mr. 3000 meets Necessary Roughness

Network most likely to air it: Straight to DVD

Summary: Eddie Sutton walks among the progressives of San Francisco, but he's not here to be intellectual or partake in any Bay Area traditions. He's here to get a few wins and be on his way. He's making history in a town where history is written with the fabric of social change, so who's watching this dinosaur? We are.