“And now for something completely different.” – segue between comedy sketches on “Monty Python’s Flying Circus”

I would hazard a guess that the week leading up the presidential election every four years is the highpoint of the average American’s attention to politics.

It is the one time every four years when there is at least a chance for those among us who would not know a stump speech from an October surprise to get sucked into the all-consuming whirlwind that is a presidential election.

Might be the optimal time for a guy who writes a weekly column to provide keen insight on the condition of American politics or maybe which candidate will win a close presidential race.

But I’m not your huckleberry today.

I thought you just might be over the entire dog-and-pony show at this point, although I admit I might only be projecting my own feelings.

A CNN article I found from last year stated Nikki Haley officially announced she would be challenging Donald Trump for the Republican nomination way back in February 2023, so this Frankenstein’s monster of a presidential campaign has slowly been picking up steam for over 20 months now.

This will be the last edition of the Leader published before election day, so let me encourage you to go out and vote even if you are weary of out-of-context sound bites and mean-spirited commercials. Greater participation in elections means the will of the people is more accurately reflected in government.

Now let me shift into other news that could be more shocking, disgusting and exhilarating than what happens at your Halloween office party.

Alabama is no longer a football state. It is now a basketball state. Allow me to explain as you slowly uncurl your vice-grip clutch of the pearls hanging around your neck.

The Alabama Crimson Tide and Auburn Tigers were picked to finish first and second, respectively, in the Southeastern Conference for the upcoming men’s basketball season in this year’s preseason poll of SEC media members – the first time both teams have been projected to do so well at the same time.

While it is unlikely both teams will finish the conference schedule in the catbird’s seat, as conference seasons are lengthy and filled with many twists along the way, both teams’ lofty expectations are well-earned.

Last season Auburn won the SEC men’s basketball tournament for only the third time in program history while Alabama put together its first ever run to the Final Four of the NCCA men’s basketball tournament.

These achievements are not flashes in the pan, either. Both teams’ coaches – Auburn’s Bruce Pearl and Alabama’s Nate Oats – have built programs that are consistent winners over the last few years.

Even if basketball is not your cup of tea, it is still possible to get behind one of these teams.

Both teams have had their share of star power in recent years with several players selected as high NBA draft picks, but these two teams are led by players with underdog stories, beginning their collegiate careers at colleges with less prestigious athletic programs before transferring to our state’s premier programs.

Alabama guard Mark Sears began with the Ohio University Bobcats, and Auburn center Johni Broome was formerly a Morehead State Eagle in Kentucky. Both are now preseason AP All-Americans, a rare honor in these parts for basketball.

This is a long way from the days of the early 2010s when fans were subjected to basketball games between these two programs with ugly final scores like a 51-49 Alabama victory in 2011 and a 49-37 Auburn victory in 2013.

Auburn’s and Alabama’s women’s basketball teams are more exciting to watch in recent years, as well. Both made the NCAA tournament last year.

Basketball success in the state is not limited to two schools, either. Troy’s women’s team and Jacksonville State’s and UAB’s men’s teams have all gotten to the Big Dance in the last few years.

Have I convinced you? OK, fine. Since I often try to incorporate some level of historical perspective in these articles, I do realize any period of basketball success in this state tends to be more short-lived than football success.

Nevertheless, now that Alabama football fans are coming back closer to reality from the 17-year sugar high of the Nick Saban era and now that Auburn football fans are desperate to escape from the drudgery of rebuilding a football program razed down to the pilings, maybe we can celebrate basketball as king for a moment. We should be able to squeeze in one more basketball season before the next president completely dismantles the country like those commercials keep telling me.