It's interesting to note how collegiate sports affect a school. Sports, intrinsically, are not academic; however, collegiate sports have the potential to effect a school's academics. I am generally a non-sports kind of guy, but I support high school students getting scholarships based on sports because they have the potential to raise the schools academics by bringing in more money. Same thing goes for merit scholarships based on scores, GPA, et cetera. I would imagine most of you would fine these statements a little odd if you knew that I come from a low-income background. (I wholeheartedly agree with need-based aid, as well).
If sports can bring in more applications, then it also has the potential to bring in more revenue. It's as simple as that.
Bring on the basketball! (Even though it isn't my cup of tea).