Newark A Horrible Place To Visit, But Better Than Syracuse

Yesterday, the big news was that John Calipari had moved the Wildcats out of their Newark hotel, giving some excuse about wanting a place "on the outskirts of the city ... so they didn't have any distractions." I don't know if I buy that, because I don't think you can get any more outskirty than an airport Wyndham in North Jersey.

But Kentucky fans who made the trip are enjoying themselves, as this only slightly patronizing country-mouse notebook indicates.

So far, [said Josh Spears, a 20-year-old student and member of the team's pep band], Newark has been different than expected. Spears said he's been all over with the team, including New Orleans, Atlanta and Syracuse.

"I've always heard bad things about New Jersey, but I've been impressed so far," he said. "Definitely better than Syracuse."

If that's not a better city motto than "Neither the Nets nor the Red Bulls want to play here," I don't know what is.

University of Kentucky coach switches team's hotel to avoid distractions [Star-Ledger] Fans visiting Newark for NCAA East Regional explore N.J., New York City [Star-Ledger] [h/t NJ Correspondent Rob Iracane]