This is called "dibs". One of the most idiotic traditions that exists in Chicago (& as a native Chicagoan I can tell you there are plenty).

I don't understand why you don't pick the teams with the best looking kits (sponsor's walking billboards) and be done with it.

Sadly the lack of ability to recruit was the real killer. If NU (my alma mater) want's to position itself as "Chicago's Big 10 Team" then it needs to develop connections to actual Chicago basketball talent. To get those kids we need a hustler or at least someone with even minimal NBA connections (Chris Collins?) to…

+1 indeed (you've basically entered picking on a cripple depths here.)