Big Ten hoops to start earlier?

We should find out sometime next week about Iowa's Big Ten basketball schedule. It was supposed to be released Aug. 10, but the networks and Big Ten schools are checking and re-checking it over and over.

A couple of "unofficial" items to note. Because of the massive complaints for Big Ten schools -- including Iowa -- over the 8 p.m. starts, it seems the BTN will start its late games at 7:30 p.m. Central. That also means there will be several early games beginning at 5:30 p.m. Central. That might be just as tough for out-of-Corridor Iowa fans as the late starts.

Also, it appears Iowa will open Big Ten play at Ohio State on New Year's Eve sometime in the middle of the day. That way the time probably won't interfere with the Insight Bowl, a Big Ten tier bowl starting at 6:30 p.m. Central.  Just a coincidence.