Catholic 7 News

[Muskie1000]

I'm just thrilled that we won't have to play Fordham ever again.

[MarvAlbert]

Looks like this is the last year in the A10:

WARNING- there is an f-bomb dropped in the clip below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-hDl6OALv4

[sgarcia]

I'm just thrilled that we won't have to play Fordham ever again.

Public Reps!

[Pajama Joe]

ESPN article said XU, BU and third to be named starting in 13, and Creighton, Dayton, SLU in 14. A 13 team league, seems odd doesn't it?

[GoMuskies]

ESPN article says just Butler and Xavier in '13 (maybe ND for a year).

[Pajama Joe]

ESPN article says just Butler and Xavier in '13 (maybe ND for a year).

Bottom of the article...

While Butler, Xavier and a team yet to be determined are expected to join the new Big East this fall, the Catholic 7 schools are also expected to add Creighton, Dayton and St. Louis in 2014 for a 13-team league.

No way that can be right.

[danaandvictory]

I have to think all the Creighton/UD/SLU stuff is speculative at this point.

C7 plus Xavier and Butler AND Notre Dame for next year would be awesome.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Jeff Goodman is reporting that Xavier and Butler may be the only teams added to the 7. A 9 team conference means you can play every school twice.

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/blog/eye-on-college-basketball/21787349/catholic-7-looking-at-nine-schools-might-stop-there

It also says they will do a 18 game conference schedule. That means there would have to be 10 because you would play the other 9 twice. I'm confused.

[D-West & PO-Z]

But the article does say XU, Butler, and another team to be added then adding Creighton, UD, and SLU for 13 the next year. If it was ND then it wouldnt be 13 for the next year because they would then be out.

[UCGRAD4X]

WSBT here in South Bend is reporting the $2 mil figure. They are saying ESPN (they are part of ESPN network - whatever that means) reporting it's decided. C7 next season, Big East name and Xavier and Butler.

Notre Dame people are saying there is a chance ND might join for one year till they move to ACC. That was separate from the ESPN report.




edit: seems like mostly old new by this time

[MarvAlbert]

I think the most important thing about all of this hasn't even been discussed. With a TV deal with Fox, there's a chance Gus Johnson might be calling some Xavier games next year.

[sgarcia]

But the article does say XU, Butler, and another team to be added then adding Creighton, UD, and SLU for 13 the next year. If it was ND then it wouldnt be 13 for the next year because they would then be out.

If ND stays a year then 10 is great for next year. Add the 3 teams above and take out ND for 12 teams in 2014. If you do that then it's 7 midwest teams and 5 east teams. I think Richmond will get in at some point along with another eastern team. This is where I think Siena may slide into the conference and then there can be 2 divisions of 7 or 1 big 14 team league.

[D-West & PO-Z]

If ND stays a year then 10 is great for next year. Add the 3 teams above and take out ND for 12 teams in 2014. If you do that then it's 7 midwest teams and 5 east teams. I think Richmond will get in at some point along with another eastern team. This is where I think Siena may slide into the conference and then there can be 2 divisions of 7 or 1 big 14 team league.

Ya but thats not what the article said.

[XUOWNSUC]

I think the most important thing about all of this hasn't even been discussed. With a TV deal with Fox, there's a chance Gus Johnson might be calling some Xavier games next year.

That would be so awesome.

[ammtd34]

I think the most important thing about all of this hasn't even been discussed. With a TV deal with Fox, there's a chance Gus Johnson might be calling some Xavier games next year.

He's full time soccer, now. Maybe he'll do some Xavier soccer games.

[chico]

I think the most important thing about all of this hasn't even been discussed. With a TV deal with Fox, there's a chance Gus Johnson might be calling some Xavier games next year.

Oh, yeah. Gus is the man. (http://www.gusjohnsongetsbuckets.com)

[sgarcia]

Ya but thats not what the article said.

It's either ND/Dayton/SLU/Creighton as the 10th team next year. If it's ND, the other 3 plus 1 more (my guess is Richmond) will join in 2014 to make it 13. I can't see it stopping at an odd number so I think a 14th team will be added or maybe our new conference is trying to get ND to stay permanently? At this point anything is possible.

[BlueGuy]

He's full time soccer, now.

Career Suicide

[ammtd34]

Career Suicide

Not after doing the 2018 World Cup. He's already done three of the biggest games in the world this year. He'll be fine.

[MCXU]

From what I have read here is what my understanding is.

C7 plus Xavier and Butler will begin league play in 2013. If Notre Dame chooses they can stay and make it a 10 team league. Otherwise we will play a round robin with 9 teams.

After that everything is speculation and all options are on the table including not adding any teams or adding a combination of Creighton St. Louis and Dayton.

[UCGRAD4X]

I imagine we will soon be looking back on this year as strange days indeed.

Forward! This is going to be some fun!

[BlueGuy]

From what I have read here is what my understanding is.

C7 plus Xavier and Butler will begin league play in 2013. If Notre Dame chooses they can stay and make it a 10 team league. Otherwise we will play a round robin with 9 teams.

After that everything is speculation and all options are on the table including not adding any teams or adding a combination of Creighton St. Louis and Dayton.

I also read that if the league stays at 10 teams, each team could get upwards of $4mil in the TV deal. Not too shabby!

[Xman95]

Really hoping the Dayton thing is just speculation. Wouldn't mind leaving them behind to win many more A-10 Preseason Championships. If they need 3 more teams, give me SLU, Creighton and Richmond/VCU.

[paulxu]

The 7:45 PM update at ESPN has Creighton as #10 next year.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/9000502/catholic-7-schools-keep-big-east-name-new-league-next-season-according-sources

[blueblob06]

You know what this means? For the 2013-2014 season, with X out of there, Dayton has their first legitimate shot to win an A10 regular season.

Oh wait, VCU and SLU are staying?....well, nevermind! Sorry Dayton!

[paulxu]

Having Creighton get buzz seems to imply Marquette's efforts are paying off.
If ND is not #10 next year, it sounds like Creighton.

After that in 2014, I still can't see them adding Creighton (if not this year) plus Dayton and St Louis.
That would leave 7 teams in Midwest and only 5 in the East.
I have to believe they would balance with an eastern team (Richmond/VUC/Siena/whoever) to make 6 and 6.

That would leave Dayton and St Louis in a battle for the 6th spot in the MidWest.

[GoMuskies]

As a UNC alum, I think I'm forced to hate Creighton. So eff Creighton!

[paulxu]

But you could drive to games in Omaha!

[RealDeal]

If X doesn't make the tournament this year I'll look back on 2013 as the year Xavier lost the battle, but won the war.

[GoMuskies]

But you could drive to games in Omaha!

I can take my hate out on them in person! It's 300 miles to Omaha from here.

[throwbackmuskie]

Telling you perfect storm for Norte dame to join right now. UVA and unc to big ten maybe happening soon, so bye bye acc

[Masterofreality]

MOR has allways loved the Big East. Starting tomorrow.

You are correct, Sir.

Now known as the Big Beast!

Meanwhile SucKS is in the WTFisitnamed Conference.

[coasterville95]

We have the ultimate combo. ESPN flurry of articles saying its a
Done deal - and Bobo saying we haven't agreed to anything.

BUT - Shannon also tweeted that Mike said "I would not be surprised if ultimately we have an opportunity to have a conversation."

That almost all but guarantees it.

So, translated he all but said "we haven't joined YET".

[El Shaqtus]

Congrats to the Musketeers in your call-up to the big leagues!

One more SLU/Xavier game for the road next week.

[Masterofreality]

Congrats to the Musketeers in your call-up to the big leagues!

One more SLU/Xavier game for the road next week.

You'll be joining soon.

By the way. No more Time Warner Public Access Cable run out a barn with mice running the generator from a treadmill.

Go FOX!!!!!

[bourbonman]

Congrats to the Musketeers in your call-up to the big leagues!

One more SLU/Xavier game for the road next week.

Hope you with us soon.

[paulxu]

Congrats to the Musketeers in your call-up to the big leagues!

One more SLU/Xavier game for the road next week.

You get Muddy for a year. Sorry about that. Hopefully you'll leave him behind when you come.

[waggy]

X needs to insist on being the only program from Ohio.

[El Shaqtus]

You get Muddy for a year. Sorry about that. Hopefully you'll leave him behind when you come.

Congrats on a Muddy-free year for the Musketeers! That is nearly as big as the Big East itself, isn't it?

[paulxu]

BTW, not being able to be a season ticket holder, I don't follow all that stuff you guys post about seat licenses, package deal, re-upping, etc.

But if you locked in your tickets for 5 years...good move.

[Musketeer_15]

So Dayton, SLU, and possibly Creighton (if Creighton doesn't join in 2013) are all joining in 2014? Couldn't all three of them technically get blocked from playing in their conference tournaments in 2013 which almost guarantees them no chance to making the NCAA tourney (mainly for SLU, not Dayton)? Just a thought that I came up with...

[El Shaqtus]

So Dayton, SLU, and possibly Creighton (if Creighton doesn't join in 2013) are all joining in 2014? Couldn't all three of them technically get blocked from playing in their conference tournaments in 2013 which almost guarantees them no chance to making the NCAA tourney (mainly for SLU, not Dayton)? Just a thought that I came up with...

Wouldn't think the A-10 would do that b/c Charlotte and Temple were allowed to leave without penalty.

[Musketeer_15]

Wouldn't think the A-10 would do that b/c Charlotte and Temple were allowed to leave without penalty.
Yeah, but both schools announced they were leaving in advance instead of a year before. Both VCU and Butler both announced they were joining the A10 for the 2013-2014 season around this time last year but then both of their conferences blocked them from conference tournament play for this season, hence why they joined the A10 this year

[PMI]

I think one of the huge factors being overlooked here is that _LH is FINALLY right about dayton being a non-conference rival:

http://www.xavierhoops.com/showthread.php?5839-Miami-LH-s-Grammar-name-calling-amp-milfs

[bobbiemcgee]

1157





Fat Lady warmin' up!

[_LH]

I think one of the huge factors being overlooked here is that _LH is FINALLY right about dayton being a non-conference rival:

http://www.xavierhoops.com/showthread.php?5839-Miami-LH-s-Grammar-name-calling-amp-milfs

One the biggest days in the history of XU basketball and PMI's contribution is a trolling post of me. Talk about being obsessed. You are just sad PMI.

[coasterville95]

If the A-10 were to try something that petty if its announced Tuesday - it would be disappointing, but I don't think we'd lose too much sleep over it this year.

Just imagine what next years home schedule could be with a 9 or 10 team double round robin:

Marquette
DePaul
Villanova
Seton Hall
Providence
Georgetown
St. Johns
Butler
Wake Forest
Cincinnati (at US Bank Arena since Mick is a crybaby)
Tennessee
Dayton (You KNOW they will sign an OOC deal if not in conference)
> and outside chances of Creighton or Notre Dame!!!

Wow - and we can lock in the Premium Seat portion now - the actual cost of season tickets is sure to go up!

[PMI]

One the biggest days in the history of XU basketball and PMI's contribution is a trolling post of me. Talk about being obsessed. You are just sad PMI.

To be fair, I've also posted slants towards dayton and UC, my hope that Xavier will get more hot girls, and my overall excitement about this move!

[_LH]

To be fair, I've also posted slants towards dayton and UC, my hope that Xavier will get more hot girls, and my overall excitement about this move!

Well at least you admit you are a troll.

[LA Muskie]

We have the ultimate combo. ESPN flurry of articles saying its a
Done deal - and Bobo saying we haven't agreed to anything.

BUT - Shannon also tweeted that Mike said "I would not be surprised if ultimately we have an opportunity to have a conversation."

That almost all but guarantees it.

So, translated he all but said "we haven't joined YET".

Until it is formally announced, you will never get the real story in an attributed quote. That will only come off the record. And Shannon is too close to the program to "scoop" something like that without it being obvious who her source(s) were.

[LA Muskie]

So Dayton, SLU, and possibly Creighton (if Creighton doesn't join in 2013) are all joining in 2014? Couldn't all three of them technically get blocked from playing in their conference tournaments in 2013 which almost guarantees them no chance to making the NCAA tourney (mainly for SLU, not Dayton)? Just a thought that I came up with...
Why would their conferences want to block their possible participation in The Dance when the conference would stand to reap all of the financial rewards (the NCAA units) from any such appearances? Seems like the epitome of "penny wise but pound foolish" to me...

[chico]

One the biggest days in the history of XU basketball and PMI's contribution is a trolling post of me. Talk about being obsessed. You are just sad PMI.

And you haven't posted in weeks but less than 10 minutes after PMI's post here you are.

Looks like Butler's our new traveling partner. I'd kind of like to see UD make it because it's so much fun beating them. It would also be fun to taunt their fanbase about how we can take the high road and not stab them in the back. But if they don't make it I really won't mind at all.

[Caveat]

It's happening, but I still almost can't believe it -- we're going to have the opportunity to build new rivalries with schools like Georgetown and Villanova.

And seriously, how would you love to be the new AD coming in to replace Bobinski? The amount of money flowing into the university on the TV deal alone will be unlike anything that's ever been seen before.

[_LH]

And you haven't posted in weeks but less than 10 minutes after PMI's post here you are.

That's not true at all. I posted in this very thread at 5:22. I posted on 2/26 and 2/22.

[bobbiemcgee]

I wouldn't look for UD to follow anytime soon. Better candidates will emerge. 18 mos. is an eternity in re-alignment.

[XU 87]

That's not true at all. I posted in this very thread at 5:22. I posted on 2/26 and 2/22.

No you didn't.

[paulxu]

I have a serious aversion to calling this conference the new BE. Reminds me too much of new Coke.
It's still the BE. It still has original members of the BE conference when it was begun.
We've been invited to join the Big East...not the new BE.

[_LH]

No you didn't.

Yes, I did. You can easily verify that my checking my posting history.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Yes, I did. You can easily verify that my checking my posting history.

No you can't.

[_LH]

If true...whoo hooo!

Here is my post from 5:22 today.

[_LH]

No you can't.

Yes..I can. Scroll up.

[UCGRAD4X]

Alright boys. Take it outside. This is a day of CELEBRATION.

All for one (and all like that)

[D-West & PO-Z]

Alright boys. Take it outside. This is a day of CELEBRATION.

All for one (and all like that)

Good point. I apologize.

[_LH]

Good point. I apologize.

Not to mention you were wrong.

[STL_XUfan]

I have a serious aversion to calling this conference the new BE. Reminds me too much of new Coke.
It's still the BE. It still has original members of the BE conference when it was begun.
We've been invited to join the Big East...not the new BE.

That brings up a few interesting questions: is this a new conference? And if it is, are we going to be considered charter members? Will being a charter member mean anything in this conference? Big east name comes along, does that include Big East records?

Do you really see us as being invited to join or being on the ground floor of the new conference?

[paulxu]

Good point. I have no idea.

But someone mentioned different banners at Cintas. Maybe they could fill up the big blue empty wall I dislike with our logo and that of the BE.

I'm guessing the confernece is remaining, and we are invited to join as opposed to a new conference.

[coasterville95]

Channel 12 ran a story or two on this tonight. Still a rumor officially at this point of course. But the tenor of the comments have changed.

Our AD: "it would be an upset if it didn't happen"

Fr. Graham: we look forward to whatever new opportunities. (Paraphrases obviously)

Mick Cronin: storied program, blah blah blah, we've played in numerous conferences,
Blah blah blah.

[Cheesehead]

Channel 12 ran a story or two on this tonight. Still a rumor officially at this point of course. But the tenor of the comments have changed.

Our AD: "it would be an upset if it didn't happen"

Fr. Graham: we look forward to whatever new opportunities. (Paraphrases obviously)

Mick Cronin: storied program, blah blah blah, we've played in numerous conferences,
Blah blah blah.

Mick is such a douche. You know they are crapping their pants over in Clifton tonight.

[Xavgrad08]

Here is another quote from Mick about the new big east. "I think all these kids know that the Big East, whatever it's going to become [and] what the Catholic league becomes … the kids are going to know that it's not the Big East of Syracuse and Georgetown and the Pearl [Washington] against Patrick Ewing," Cronin said.


I can't wait to here his quotes about the glorified version of CUSA that UC will now be playing in.

[waggy]

Kids don't even who the F Pearl and Ewing are. What a dumbass that guy is.

[Snipe]

Bam!

I want the full round robin.

[Masterofreality]

Here is another quote from Mick about the new big east. "I think all these kids know that the Big East, whatever it's going to become [and] what the Catholic league becomes … the kids are going to know that it's not the Big East of Syracuse and Georgetown and the Pearl [Washington] against Patrick Ewing," Cronin said.


I can't wait to here his quotes about the glorified version of CUSA that UC will now be playing in.

Well, "whatever the Catholic league becomes" it will not be the league of South Florida, Tulane, SMU and Central Florida.

WTF is the jaundiced leprechaun trying to say?

[UCGRAD4X]

Well, "whatever the Catholic league becomes" it will not be the league of South Florida, Tulane, SMU and Central Florida.

..and Amen to that, I say!

[coasterville95]

In other news, I thought I had seen a teaser that 12 was going to air their "A day with Coach Mack" piece last night. I don't think anybody minds if that got delayed a day or two for their conference realignment coverage last night.

Shannon also retweeted something about SLU having "no official conversations" and ends with "Parse as you will"

[xuinmd]

Anyone have a link to the uc board?

[saintsfan]

Feinstein isn't a bad author.

He's just that, though. An author. I don't consider him to be any sort of analyst or reporter. I don't think he has what a reporter would call "sources."

Siena?? Detroit??

As I understand it, the term "Catholic Seven" is nothing more than media short hand. The "Catholic Seven" actually don't like being called the "Catholic Seven." They'd rather be called the "Basketball Seven." The desire is a basketball centric conference, not a Catholic-centric conference. If you're being basketball centric, Siena and Detroit make no sense at all. Fran McCaffery left Siena, and they've been a middle of the road MAAC team ever since. Detroit, while talented, never seens to play up to their celiing (with the exeption of the conference tourney last year).

If the league is going to be basketball centric, then VCU and Butler make the most sense along with Xavier.

I like Creighton, but they've never been to a Sweet Sixteen, last year was their first NCAA apperance since 2007, and their first win in over ten years. Even this year, with all their talent, they're slipping down the MVC standings, and once they lose that talent, they'll likely be an NIT team more often than not.



i can understand people's hesitation regarding Siena but the administration has assured us they are committed to raising the profile of the Basketball team. The reason Siena has been the "middle of the road MAAC team" is they followed McCaffery's advice and hired his assistant who had been fired from another MAAC program 25 years prior. I despised the decision the moment it was even discussed. Mitch Buonagurro is probably one of, if not the worst coaches in the country and it is hands down the worst hire in the history of the program. They thought it might help to maintain the upward trend of the program and Mitch was coached by McCaffery to say all the right things. He wasnt going to change a thing and "learned a lot from Fran" over the last nine years he had spent with him. From the very first exhibition game it was obvious the train wreck would ensue

Siena attendance had headed toward 9-10,000 when a quality opponent came into Albany. A quality conference would draw attendance consistently in that range. Over the long haul Siena is the top of the MAAC in conference titles, NCAA appearances, NCAA wins etc.

The mistake hire that was Mitch Buonagurro ends in very short time. I plan on attending his last home game this evening.

Siena has every intention of raising the profile of their hoop team and are willing to spend money to do so. Fans would love the C7 although its looking like a slim chance

[throwbackmuskie]

No offense, but Siena's best hope right now is the A10

[Muskie1000]

Anyone have a link to the uc board?

I don't know if this is the correct board but I have been reading over at this board... bearcatchat.com

[Masterofreality]

i can understand people's hesitation regarding Siena but the administration has assured us they are committed to raising the profile of the Basketball team. The reason Siena has been the "middle of the road MAAC team" is they followed McCaffery's advice and hired his assistant who had been fired from another MAAC program 25 years prior. I despised the decision the moment it was even discussed. Mitch Buonagurro is probably one of, if not the worst coaches in the country and it is hands down the worst hire in the history of the program. They thought it might help to maintain the upward trend of the program and Mitch was coached by McCaffery to say all the right things. He wasnt going to change a thing and "learned a lot from Fran" over the last nine years he had spent with him. From the very first exhibition game it was obvious the train wreck would ensue

Siena attendance had headed toward 9-10,000 when a quality opponent came into Albany. A quality conference would draw attendance consistently in that range. Over the long haul Siena is the top of the MAAC in conference titles, NCAA appearances, NCAA wins etc.

The mistake hire that was Mitch Buonagurro ends in very short time. I plan on attending his last home game this evening.

Siena has every intention of raising the profile of their hoop team and are willing to spend money to do so. Fans would love the C7 although its looking like a slim chance

But, see. this is the gist of the problem. A coach change and the program drops off the map. This is also a problem that many have with VCU.

No offense, Saint, but there needs to be consistency over time. Everyone has a bad year here and there, but you can't totally disappear for a number of years. The A-10 would be a fine step up for you guys, and I'm sure you'll kick Fordham's ass...and probably Dookcane ans Lossalle too.

Good luck.

[drudy23]

Here is another quote from Mick about the new big east. "I think all these kids know that the Big East, whatever it's going to become [and] what the Catholic league becomes … the kids are going to know that it's not the Big East of Syracuse and Georgetown and the Pearl [Washington] against Patrick Ewing," Cronin said.


I can't wait to here his quotes about the glorified version of CUSA that UC will now be playing in.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

God I love this.

[DC Muskie]

Here is another quote from Mick about the new big east. "I think all these kids know that the Big East, whatever it's going to become [and] what the Catholic league becomes … the kids are going to know that it's not the Big East of Syracuse and Georgetown and the Pearl [Washington] against Patrick Ewing," Cronin said.


I can't wait to here his quotes about the glorified version of CUSA that UC will now be playing in.

I barely remember Pearl Washington. And I'm in my late thirties.

As Waggy says, Mick is a complete dumbass.

[chico]

So on one hand Cronin says the Big East is a bear of a conference and their OOC schedule shouldn't be penalized because the conference is so tough, but yet the league is a shell of its former self. Good stuff, Mick.

[RealDeal]

I hope mick is at uc for 20 years. He is awesome.

[XUFan09]

I barely remember Pearl Washington. And I'm in my late thirties.

As Waggy says, Mick is a complete dumbass.

I'm in my mid-20s, and I have only heard of Pearl Washington a couple times and know little about him. I'm pretty sure these kids ten years younger than me who are getting recruited can't even claim that lol.

And we still have Georgetown, Mick ;-)

[MCXU]

Does anyone have any info on when Xavier will be making a formal announcement?

I have read that the C7 presidents and Fox Sports are making an announcement Tuesday regarding the TV contract.

I would think X and Butler would be formally on board at that point.

On the other hand if X and Butler announce their departures before the A 10 tournament could the A 10 prevent them from playing in the tournament. I seem to recall there being some precident to that... or maybe I am misremembering the details of that.

[blueblob06]

I'm in my mid-20s, and I have only heard of Pearl Washington a couple times and know little about him. I'm pretty sure these kids ten years younger than me who are getting recruited can't even claim that lol.

And we still have Georgetown, Mick ;-)
But he means back in the day when Georgetown was a top-10 team. Oh wait, they are #7 in the country right now. You've lost everyone on this Mick, you tool.

[MCXU]

Does anyone have any info on when Xavier will be making a formal announcement?

I have read that the C7 presidents and Fox Sports are making an announcement Tuesday regarding the TV contract.

I would think X and Butler would be formally on board at that point.

On the other hand if X and Butler announce their departures before the A 10 tournament could the A 10 prevent them from playing in the tournament. I seem to recall there being some precident to that... or maybe I am misremembering the details of that.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/7984779/butler-bulldogs-move-atlantic-10-now-set-season

I was right!

The Horizon was going to bar Butler from competing in the conference championship which is what caused them to join the A 10 a year earlier than planned.

[saintsfan]

But, see. this is the gist of the problem. A coach change and the program drops off the map. This is also a problem that many have with VCU.

No offense, Saint, but there needs to be consistency over time. Everyone has a bad year here and there, but you can't totally disappear for a number of years. The A-10 would be a fine step up for you guys, and I'm sure you'll kick Fordham's ass...and probably Dookcane ans Lossalle too.

Good luck.

i get this and completely understand it.

It is one of the reasons i was flat out LIVID when they hired this coach. Knowing full well conference realignment was coming they knew damn well ... or should I say they SHOULD HAVE KNOWN damn well they couldnt afford a mistake hire. Too many people like McCaffery and Mitch fluffer friends gave him a vote of confidence. Siena was put in a position where they would look like total asses if they didnt give him the job but... it would have been the best business decision.

I can see Siena on the outside looking in for this whole process, thanks to some piss poor decision making

[Xavier]

UC getting kicked out of the Big East and Xavier getting invited. Classic. I love Mick, I have told my UC friends that I think X fans would pay his salary to keep him at UC as long as possible.

[blueblob06]

Does anyone have any info on when Xavier will be making a formal announcement?

I have read that the C7 presidents and Fox Sports are making an announcement Tuesday regarding the TV contract.

I would think X and Butler would be formally on board at that point.

On the other hand if X and Butler announce their departures before the A 10 tournament could the A 10 prevent them from playing in the tournament. I seem to recall there being some precident to that... or maybe I am misremembering the details of that.
Butler would make the NCAA tourney with an at-large but that would suck for X if next week the A10 says, "nope you guys aren't playing in this." It would really be great for ticket sales at Barclays and TV ratings, replace X and Butler spots with powerhouses Rhode Island and Dayton.

[JAX 3758]

I told my friends that last night I had to sleep on my back because I was so "excited" for the big east news. Also because i have rather large man parts

[fired up karen]

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/7984779/butler-bulldogs-move-atlantic-10-now-set-season

I was right!

The Horizon was going to bar Butler from competing in the conference championship which is what caused them to join the A 10 a year earlier than planned.

Yeah, but that was before the season started, I imagine it would be different since we are a few weeks away. Who knows.

[xu95]

The A10 is allowing Temple and Charlotte to play in the tournament, so there is no chance of this happening. Only shithole little tiny conferences like the CAA and the Horizon stop schools from playing and that is only because they don't want to take the chance of their one bid going to a team that even isn't in the conference.

The Big East isn't banning Syracuse, Pittsburgh, and Rutgers from playing in the tourney. The ACC isn't stopping Maryland from playing in the tourney.

This is a non-issue.

[coasterville95]

I had given thought that the announcment might come right after confernce tournament week. What are you going to do - make us vacate our tournament wins? Also, so as not to add a big distraction and elephant to the room. Sort of like the unwritten rule about not going after a coach until they have played their final game of the season. A10 needs the ratings and ticket sales from the tournament, particulalry since the rent on Barclay's can't be cheap.

But, as Paul would so fondly say "The University of Fox Sports" is fully driving the bus on this one. Not that we didn't come running to jump on board. And yeah, watching Dayton get relegated to the second bus (at best) is more than a little satisfying.

Sienna to the A10? I guess that depends on if the A10 intends on replacing us. As it looks now, the A10 has Butler, Charlotte, Temple, and Xavier all leaving July 1st. That will get them to 12, a perfect number and everybody gets to play in the tournament. (Fordham, you can thank us for yet another benieft you have gleamed from us). No need for them to act unless they want to publcly reassure people they are serious about being the best it can be, and the right schools for that become available. Even the following year when Dayton and St Louis leave, gets them back to a true Atlantic 10. Now if UMass is invited to Conference USA 2.0, then they are looking at 9 and are starting to reach critical mass. Then they will need to get serious. Isn't it nifty talking about the A10 in terms of They instead of Us?




Nothing like a deadline and truckloads of cash at your disposal to help move a project along.

[TapsPlunkett]

Yeah, but that was before the season started, I imagine it would be different since we are a few weeks away. Who knows.

Im pretty sure the Horizon doesn't have an exit fee. X would probably cherish getting told to stay home and telling the A-10 to stick the exit fee.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Don't know if this has been posted yet but


"Creighton has emerged as the favorite to become the 10th team, and would also join next season, according to sources."

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/9000502/catholic-7-schools-keep-big-east-name-new-league-next-season-according-sources

I would imagine this hurt's UD's chances...Marquette wanted Creighton so I assume GTown will get their wish of Richmond when it goes to 12. That leaves one spot open for UD/SLU

[paulxu]

Media Relations 101:


Local 12's Brad Johansen spoke to Xavier Director of Athletics Mike Bobinski who said, "That's the way it's been looking for months. If it doesn't happen, it would be an upset... I can tell you with 100% certainty no official offers have been made."

[coasterville95]

Exactly, as has been said "We are a proud member of the Atlantic 10, fully committed to its future suceess" - Until we aren't.

Key word in Mike's statement "Official" - as up until the vote today there really is no league to be invited TO. SLU's AD used the same dodge.

But in all that - you have to admit the tenor is really softening up, he's starting to make the transition, as best he legally and ethically can.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Luther Smith is now demanding that Fordham, Lasalle, St Bonaventure, Dayton, Rhode Island, Duquesne and Bernadette McGlade all attend reflection sessions on why the A10 did not live up to its potential

[danaandvictory]

JTT, I've been meaning to say this for months, but that avatar is the greatest achievement in human history.

[RoseyMuskie]

Relevant article on the new Fox channels from about a month ago.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/08/newscorp-foxsports-idUSL1N0B7IYX20130208

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

JTT, I've been meaning to say this for months, but that avatar is the greatest achievement in human history.

Its incredible. Unfortunately I can't take credit for this picture. Its from a website that features Nic Cage's face on famous people's bodies.

http://niccageaseveryone.blogspot.com/

For example:

Robert E Lee
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-59J8z8uIgCw/UP6y2_wc1wI/AAAAAAAAC9E/8BMNVkfIIHQ/s640/JasonBaldariNick+Cage+as+Robert+E.+Lee.jpg

Jay Cutler
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EEPKfffhC34/UP1uJFASw7I/AAAAAAAAC7s/Am8hAfSwxKc/s320/Chaz+Klein+-+JayCutlerCage.jpg

John Wayne
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aV1nOHqcwoE/UPhvr7ZiFnI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/OWucmk7PONU/s320/lucian+capellaro+JohnWayne_Nic.jpg

[xavierj]

Butler would make the NCAA tourney with an at-large but that would suck for X if next week the A10 says, "nope you guys aren't playing in this." It would really be great for ticket sales at Barclays and TV ratings, replace X and Butler spots with powerhouses Rhode Island and Dayton.

If Xavier beats Butler next week they could end up 3rd in the conference having beaten them twice. That would have to help. Crap had they not blown the Vandy, Wofford and VCU games this would be a non-issue.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

If Xavier beats Butler next week they could end up 3rd in the conference having beaten them twice. That would have to help. Crap had they not blown the Vandy, Wofford and VCU games this would be a non-issue.

And Wake Forest...And Pacific

[paulxu]

Damn...if I understand that article Rosey posted, ESPN makes $6 billion a year from monthly cable subscriptions.
And Fox Sports 1 will make around $1 billion a year.
And that doesn't include ad revenue.
This new league at $30-40 million a year is chicken feed.

(maybe I have a decimal place out of whack)

[paulxu]

Jimmy 2, I've decided this uncertainty is all your fault.
Delaney and the ACC schools are sitting around waiting for the MD lawsuit resolution, so they can get UNC/GT/VA and whoever to the B1G.
That would blow up the ACC and make ND crap or get off the pot on football.
While that's hanging out there, the C7 is thinking of ND for one year.
Stuff should happen by July 1 to clear all this up if the courts get moving.

So call your contacts and tell them to get the move on.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Jimmy 2, I've decided this uncertainty is all your fault.
Delaney and the ACC schools are sitting around waiting for the MD lawsuit resolution, so they can get UNC/GT/VA and whoever to the B1G.
That would blow up the ACC and make ND crap or get off the pot on football.
While that's hanging out there, the C7 is thinking of ND for one year.
Stuff should happen by July 1 to clear all this up if the courts get moving.

So call your contacts and tell them to get the move on.

At the current rate of the Maryland lawsuit, we should get a timely decision by September of 4021.

I'm still bitter about the Pac12 presidents making the idiotic decision to not take Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State into their conference. Things would already have been settled everywhere most likely

[Titanxman04]

Its incredible. Unfortunately I can't take credit for this picture. Its from a website that features Nic Cage's face on famous people's bodies.

http://niccageaseveryone.blogspot.com/

For example:

Robert E Lee
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-59J8z8uIgCw/UP6y2_wc1wI/AAAAAAAAC9E/8BMNVkfIIHQ/s640/JasonBaldariNick+Cage+as+Robert+E.+Lee.jpg

Jay Cutler
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EEPKfffhC34/UP1uJFASw7I/AAAAAAAAC7s/Am8hAfSwxKc/s320/Chaz+Klein+-+JayCutlerCage.jpg

John Wayne
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aV1nOHqcwoE/UPhvr7ZiFnI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/OWucmk7PONU/s320/lucian+capellaro+JohnWayne_Nic.jpg

I'm just surprised that someone made a website devoted to that...not so surprised you found it though.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

ND AD just called The Big East "A Viable Option" for them

[Masterofreality]

ND AD just called The Big East "A Viable Option" for them

Yep. Hence the wait for adding teams.

Why not have 10 strong schools sharing the initial money to help compensate for the exit fees.

BTW. I heard on Tim Brando's show on Sirius College 91 that the "Magnificent 7" actually would not have to pay for the name. It is supposedly written in the League Charter that as the oldest and most numerous members, the name HAS to be theirs. It may also be so for MSG, although MSG has the right to cancel if membership changes.

[coasterville95]

If that is the case, the original charter says they get the name and MSG, it the Old Big East people get hard line I suppose they can just say "Well we tried this the easy way, now were just leaving, taking everything, and well just let the lawyers figure it out.


I'm sure nobody really wants that. And why do I see every lawyer on tbis board rushing to be the New Big Easts council.

[LA Muskie]

They may be saving a spot for Notre Dame (for a year). I assume that's a big driver behind sticking at 9 for a year.

They are saving a 1-yr spot for ND but will have a school waiting in the wings. It will be 10 unless that decision somehow gets dragged out beyond the point of no return by ND. Otherwise it'll be 10 and it's just a question of who is #10.

[LA Muskie]

The A10 is allowing Temple and Charlotte to play in the tournament, so there is no chance of this happening. Only shithole little tiny conferences like the CAA and the Horizon stop schools from playing and that is only because they don't want to take the chance of their one bid going to a team that even isn't in the conference.

The Big East isn't banning Syracuse, Pittsburgh, and Rutgers from playing in the tourney. The ACC isn't stopping Maryland from playing in the tourney.

This is a non-issue.
THIS. No offense, but these scenarios are what fans with too much time on their hands think up. Well, fans with too much time on their hands and the Horizon league.

[LA Muskie]

ND AD just called The Big East "A Viable Option" for them

That is true. And he also made sure it got reported. Translation: "Big 4, we don't need you. If you want our non-Football sports, it will cost you."

[LA Muskie]

Yep. Hence the wait for adding teams.

Why not have 10 strong schools sharing the initial money to help compensate for the exit fees.

BTW. I heard on Tim Brando's show on Sirius College 91 that the "Magnificent 7" actually would not have to pay for the name. It is supposedly written in the League Charter that as the oldest and most numerous members, the name HAS to be theirs. It may also be so for MSG, although MSG has the right to cancel if membership changes.

There's a lot of mis-reporting out there when it comes to the respective schools' rights and powers. Regardless, if they wanted it NEXT YEAR they would have had to pay for it, in the form of their exit fees. Like you said before, $$$ solves all problems. This has all been a negotiation, with Fox Sports holding the purse.

[chico]

They are saving a 1-yr spot for ND but will have a school waiting in the wings. It will be 10 unless that decision somehow gets dragged out beyond the point of no return by ND. Otherwise it'll be 10 and it's just a question of who is #10.

If ND wants to remain independent in football this conference makes the best sense for them. I'd personally love to see ND in this conference long-term.

[bobbiemcgee]

Don't they have a $50 million exit fee from the ACC?

[throwbackmuskie]

That is true. And he also made sure it got reported. Translation: "Big 4, we don't need you. If you want our non-Football sports, it will cost you."

Interesting, didn't I get laughed at when I said ND may be a school in the new conference?

[paulxu]

I never thought my school would be involved in a conference situation where ND could screw it up.
They are screwing up college football so much, now they're messing this up.
Thankfully they can't mess with my adopted football school.
It would be really funny if they ended up without a football conference (but the B1G will probably get them eventually).

[bobbiemcgee]

I wouldn't mind having the "evil empire" in for a year. Would be fun to travel to SB and freeze our asses off. Gotta be a better trip than Olean.

[MCXU]

THIS. No offense, but these scenarios are what fans with too much time on their hands think up. Well, fans with too much time on their hands and the Horizon league.

No offense, but asking if something that just happened i.e. a league punishing a program by barring them from the post season, could happen to us seems like a pretty reasonable question to me. I bet Butler thinks its a pretty reasonable question too.

XU95 seems to have answered my question. I never implied this WAS happening, I simply asked if anyone knew if it was possible since it just happened... within the last 12 months... to a school who we are reported to be moving conferences with.

[LA Muskie]

No offense, but asking if something that just happened i.e. a league punishing a program by barring them from the post season, could happen to us seems like a pretty reasonable question to me. I bet Butler thinks its a pretty reasonable question too.

XU95 seems to have answered my question. I never implied this WAS happening, I simply asked if anyone knew if it was possible since it just happened... within the last 12 months... to a school who we are reported to be moving conferences with.

OK I will grant you that. But the A10 hasn't done that to anyone else so the odds would be very low.

[LA Muskie]

ND will not be a member of this conference. It is all posturing for the best possible deal. At absolute most it is a 1-yr stopgap so that they never have to actually join the ACC.

[GoMuskies]

I think there's a VERY real possibility that Notre Daeme joins the league. But only for a year, and not to avoid the ACC (that's happening). They don't want anything to do with a year of the Big No Name. Now, if they did come along for a year, they might go independent in baseball for a year, because the new Big East's baseball will be truly dreadful.

[paulxu]

So they will screw it up for at least one school by staying in the Big East as an undecided (waiting for football to shake out) school.
Let's say they make it 10, and Fox announces expansion to 12 for 2014-15. And #11 and 12 are Richmond and Creighton.
Those 2 schools save a million dollars by announcing their departure before July 1.
Some other school (hopefully St Louis) has to sit around another year waiting for ND to decide what it's going to do, and pay 2 million for 14-15 if ND leaves.
It's time for Delaney to pull the trigger and sort all this stuff out.

[bobbiemcgee]

I like seeing UD and UC twisting in the wind. Adding ND for a year would be the ultimate insult.

[throwbackmuskie]

ND will not be a member of this conference. It is all posturing for the best possible deal. At absolute most it is a 1-yr stopgap so that they never have to actually join the ACC.

The thing you are missing here is the ACC is about to fall apart. Once MD does not have to pay the $50M buy out, other schools are going to jump ship, FSU, Clemson, GT.

[LA Muskie]

The thing you are missing here is the ACC is about to fall apart. Once MD does not have to pay the $50M buy out, other schools are going to jump ship, FSU, Clemson, GT.

I'm not missing that at all. ND is not going to end up in the ACC. Or the Big East. They will need a scheduling alliance to have a SOS that would make them eligible for the new playoff. They will play their other sports in the conference with which they have that alliance.

[GoMuskies]

The ACC is not falling apart. Not happening. At least not real soon.

[paulxu]

The ACC is not falling apart. Not happening. At least not real soon.

You hope.

[GoMuskies]

Of coiurse. But it's also what I expect.

[paulxu]

My ACC buddies here are going nutso not knowing what's going to become of their league if Delaney strikes.
They go back YEARS with ACC tradition...basketball tradition.

[LA Muskie]

The ACC is not falling apart. Not happening. At least not real soon.

The ACC will continue to exist. For the most part it will be old Big East football. While it will exist, it will not be in a form that ND will want to join. A scheduling alliance with those schools would mostly hurt ND, which it won't be able to afford.

[GoMuskies]

The ACC will continue to exist. For the most part it will be old Big East football. While it will exist, it will not be in a form that ND will want to join. A scheduling alliance with those schools would mostly hurt ND, which it won't be able to afford.

We shall see. But I expect you're wrong.

[coasterville95]

CBS's Goodman interviewed A10 commish for their thoughts.

Nothing we didn't expect. "Neither school has given us notice of intent to withdrawal". Then punted further discussion with "let's focus on this season".

Non news I know. I don't expect notice to be given until .5 minutes before the Big East announcement.

[Muskie1000]

Just asking... I'm watching the x game and I thought I heard the announcers mention that there was to be an announcement on Tuesday. Did anyone else hear that?

[MarvAlbert]

Just asking... I'm watching the x game and I thought I heard the announcers mention that there was to be an announcement on Tuesday. Did anyone else hear that?


Fox is having a press conference announcing the transformation of speed tv and fuel tv into fox sports 1 and fox sports 2...I think they want this whole big east headache to be done by then to announce the tv contract as well.

[LA Muskie]

We shall see. But I expect you're wrong.

About what do you think I am wrong? What will end up of the ACC? What ND will do? Both?

[paulxu]

I got an idea. Let's let the ACC break up, all the big football schools go off to the other 3 conferences.
The other guys who want to play football can join the little east.
Then Wake and Duke can give up football and join the Big East.

[GoMuskies]

About what do you think I am wrong? What will end up of the ACC? What ND will do? Both?

I think the ACC will basically be the same as it is today (but including Pitt/Cuse/Louisville/ND) in five years.

[GoMuskies]

About what do you think I am wrong? What will end up of the ACC? What ND will do? Both?

I think the ACC will basically be the same as it is today (but including Pitt/Cuse/Louisville/ND) in five years.

[LA Muskie]

I think the ACC will basically be the same as it is today (but including Pitt/Cuse/Louisville/ND) in five years.

So you think FSU, Miami, GA Tech, Clemson, UNC and UVA will still be in the ACC? If so you must believe major realignment is done. I don't.

[GoMuskies]

It's possible, I suppose, that one or two of those guys could leave. But I would be shocked if any of UNC, FSU or Clemson leaves. No one else really wants Miami.

[paulxu]

Jersey Guy trying to brighten MOR's day after he drove all the way to the 'Tas to see that mess.

http://ajerseyguy.com/?p=5408#more-5408

(I wouldn't count out Fox adding a 10th yet.)

[LA Muskie]

It's possible, I suppose, that one or two of those guys could leave. But I would be shocked if any of UNC, FSU or Clemson leaves. No one else really wants Miami.

When 1 or 2 of those leave, the floodgates open.

[GoMuskies]

Perhaps. Perhaps not. I don't see UVA and GaTech driving what Florida State, Clem(p)son and UNC do. Much like none of the really give a damn that Maryland is going.

[LA Muskie]

Perhaps. Perhaps not. I don't see UVA and GaTech driving what Florida State, Clem(p)son and UNC do. Much like none of the really give a damn that Maryland is going.

It's not them. They all will want to leave in the end. It's Big, SEC and Big XII (in that order) deciding who will make the next move). Once that move happens, the other 2 will follow suit.

[GoMuskies]

Again, we'll have to agree to disagree. I don't see UNC, Clempson or FSU looking to move at this point. And they're really the only ones that matter.

[coasterville95]

At this point egos need stroked, checks need to be written, and it needs to happen in a way that makes all parties feel as if thy are winning.

We can give MOR the job of convincing the Big East selection committee that Dayton is a bad fit.

[throwbackmuskie]

Again, we'll have to agree to disagree. I don't see UNC, Clempson or FSU looking to move at this point. And they're really the only ones that matter.

Clempson wants out, they want a football focused conference. FSU feels the same way.

[Masterofreality]

At this point egos need stroked, checks need to be written, and it needs to happen in a way that makes all parties feel as if thy are winning.

We can give MOR the job of convincing the Big East selection committee that Dayton is a bad fit.

Based on what I heard yesterday, NOBODY wants the dump. X doesn't want them recruiting against it, Marquette and DePaul have no respect for it and want Creighton and St. L, and Georgetown wants Richmond to balance out the geographics.

Creighton had over 18,000 people at their game yesterday and it gives a bigger footprint with no market overlap.

The Cryers are in trouble for this new league.

[paulxu]

What a strange year this has been. Despite knowing better, looking at the roster and the newspapers, one never quite gives up hope.
So, being a year we should not be in the NCAA's, I'm still thinking a run is possible. Well hell, why not?

To balance out the less than normal year's results so far...we have the anticipation of joining the Big East.
We may hate all the football realignment, but it's given us this opportunity to once again move up. And the people who have guided the Flagship for the last 30 years put us in the position to have earned that chance...not to have fallen into it.

I know the news reports are all talking 9 or 10 teams, and I know that is the best for round robin home/home.
But I'm still of the mind it'll go to 12 out of the gate. I think Fox wants the inventory. If they are willing to help pay for X/Butler to leave the A10, and Creighton has no exit fee to speak of...why not go for the big splash with St. Louis and Richmond right out of the gate. Do it now and they've got time to reorganize fall schedules, etc.

So a season that began with much angst, is about to end with a lot of good news, and we're still playing.
I hope a lot of people show up Wednesday night. Not only to attend what may be the last A10 home game, but to honor the 3 seniors.
1 who transfered to help, 1 who was enigmatic (maybe even to himself), and 1 who never stopped trying.
Thanks guys. I've enjoyed the ride.

[LA Muskie]

Based on what I heard yesterday, NOBODY wants the dump. X doesn't want them recruiting against it, Marquette and DePaul have no respect for it and want Creighton and St. L, and Georgetown wants Richmond to balance out the geographics.

Creighton had over 18,000 people at their game yesterday and it gives a bigger footprint with no market overlap.

The Cryers are in trouble for this new league.

From what I have heard and can tell, Dayton is on the board mostly out of default, and partly because TV execs want them considered in the analysis. That said we would not "block" Dayton. We're mostly sitting out that discussion.

[coasterville95]

Yes, unless we have the miracle March that we are still hoping for against all odds. This will go down as the season we got called up to the majors. The basketball itself will be simply footnoted as a rebuilding year.

[Caveat]

Again, we'll have to agree to disagree. I don't see UNC, Clempson or FSU looking to move at this point. And they're really the only ones that matter.

They'll move for the bigger payday that the Big10 would theoretically offer -- I'm just not convinced any other conferences want to expand. Expansion only makes sense if the new revenue added allows the total take home for each school to remain the same while adding more people to the table. Plus, in the B10's case, they need to worry about their current fans not turning away from the product due to the addition of so many traditionally poor football schools.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Would be nice if true:

MHver3 ‏@MHver3
Fox telling C7/Bigeast? they will pay them nearly 4 million per school if ND joins as a permanent member. You were right DudeofWV. It's on!

Unfortunately this guy is hardly reliable

[paulxu]

Subway alumni still valuable for eyeballs I guess.
Not sure I'd favor ND for one year, and then have them leave for football reasons.
But maybe it would accelerate the ACC mess.

[drudy23]

Subway alumni still valuable for eyeballs I guess.
Not sure I'd favor ND for one year, and then have them leave for football reasons.
But maybe it would accelerate the ACC mess.

Perhaps this allows them to retain true independence in football? Especially after coming off of the National Championship game with some leverage. Big East for all sports...true independence for football.

[paulxu]

I think you are right...I just don't think they'll have a lot of leverage in the future to remain independent.
Eventually the conferences will tire of that and keep them out of the National Championship game.

[LA Muskie]

The Big East may make all the sense in the world to us, given ND's stated preference for football independence. But it doesn't make sense to the people who matter at ND. It just is not happening long-term. And an extra mil in *our* pockets isn't going to convince them otherwise.

[MHettel]

The Big East may make all the sense in the world to us, given ND's stated preference for football independence. But it doesn't make sense to the people who matter at ND. It just is not happening long-term. And an extra mil in *our* pockets isn't going to convince them otherwise.

Then what exactly DOES make sense for them? It's easy to second guess other ideas, but you arent bringing any alternatives.

ND has one goal that stands above all else. Maintain Football Independence. Thats it's. They get it with the Big East.

Is the argument about the olympic sports? The one team that has exploited the economics of college athletics more than any other team is suddenly going to make a foolish decision like consider the position of their Olympic sports over the possibility of positioning their Basketball team as the crown jewel of a conference of ALL like-minded institutions and potentially a national footprint. THAT makes sense?

FOX wants ND so that they have a shot at getting their hands on the ND Football rights. ND has NOTHING TO LOSE and everything to gain in this scenario. The worst case outcome for ND is a better Football deal with Fox, or a better football deal with NBC becasue Fox has an inside lane and can drive the price up.

ND to the BE makes all the sense in the world. In fact they only have to agree to next year, and they would still have several months to observe the general landscape to see if anything emerges which is superior.

Given the state of the industry, the BE has GOT to be a less risky move than the ACC right now. The Big 10 could come calling one day for ND, but unless ND is willing to compromise some of their Football Independence, I dont see how it makes a ton more sense to go B10 over the BE.

[PMI]

I think it's cool we're going to the Big East and all, but what we really should have done was go independent.

[LA Muskie]

Then what exactly DOES make sense for them? It's easy to second guess other ideas, but you arent bringing any alternatives.

ND has one goal that stands above all else. Maintain Football Independence. Thats it's. They get it with the Big East.

Is the argument about the olympic sports? The one team that has exploited the economics of college athletics more than any other team is suddenly going to make a foolish decision like consider the position of their Olympic sports over the possibility of positioning their Basketball team as the crown jewel of a conference of ALL like-minded institutions and potentially a national footprint. THAT makes sense?

FOX wants ND so that they have a shot at getting their hands on the ND Football rights. ND has NOTHING TO LOSE and everything to gain in this scenario. The worst case outcome for ND is a better Football deal with Fox, or a better football deal with NBC becasue Fox has an inside lane and can drive the price up.

ND to the BE makes all the sense in the world. In fact they only have to agree to next year, and they would still have several months to observe the general landscape to see if anything emerges which is superior.

Given the state of the industry, the BE has GOT to be a less risky move than the ACC right now. The Big 10 could come calling one day for ND, but unless ND is willing to compromise some of their Football Independence, I dont see how it makes a ton more sense to go B10 over the BE.

Notre Dame is holding out for the same deal they had with the ACC from BiG. They don't have it yet, but rumors are that Delaney is willing to do it. If BiG won't do it -- and I think they will -- Notre Dame is already sitting on the same offer from the Big XII and would prefer that -- because of the football implications -- to the Big East.

The days of complete football autonomy are over and Notre Dame knows it. They may remain "independent" but will need a scheduling alliance to assure a place at the playoff table. The cost of that alliance will be their non-football sports. For now.

Eventually Notre Dame will have to join a conference in football. They are gradually coming to realize this. The scheduling alliance will be the first step, and it's an arrangement they've already come to grips with internally (the ill-fated ACC deal).

[xu95]

From what I have heard and can tell, Dayton is on the board mostly out of default, and partly because TV execs want them considered in the analysis. That said we would not "block" Dayton. We're mostly sitting out that discussion.

This right here.

You keep hearing Dayton mentioned mainly so it looks like they had multiple options and then made decisions. However, while it hasn't been 100% decided yet, it is almost done with Creighton, SLU, and Richmond.

As for "blocking Dayton", no we won't do it, however they have made it known that they would rather not have them involved. That isn't blocking, just letting your preference be known. I believe Butler has also shared the same sentiment.

[kyxu]

That isn't blocking, just letting your preference be known. I believe Butler has also shared the same sentiment.

All rivalry-ing aside, but why? Honest question. I remember we were instrumental in bringing Dayton to the A-10. Wonder why we'd prefer them not to come along now.

[GoMuskies]

Notre Dame is already sitting on the same offer from the Big XII

If either the ACC or Big XII is to get "raided" in the coming years, my suspicion is that the Big XII is the entity more likely to crumble. I mean, the Big XII IS the conference that has managed to lose Mizzou, A&M, Colorado and Nebraska over the years. And geographically that league blows (I know; I live in the middle of it).

Don't believe the GOR hype.

[PMI]

All rivalry-ing aside, but why? Honest question. I remember we were instrumental in bringing Dayton to the A-10. Wonder why we'd prefer them not to come along now.

At that point, we weren't that far removed from the 80s. I would venture to guess that it mostly has to do with the fact that dayton has been really mediocre for a long time. When they were added to the A10, it was conceivable that they would be or become one of the better programs in the league. With the Big East, it's hardly conceivable that they'll be anything more than a consistent bottom feeder.

[xubrew]

I'm pretty sure ND wants to be independent. Although they're not in a conference, they could still have fixture games against Michigan, Michigan State, Purdue, Boston College, USC and Navy. Scheduling is not an issue, since their football schedule was complete through the year 2018 as it was, and joining the ACC as a partial member is actually forcing them to buy out of some games.

They want a bowl tie-in. As a partial member of the Big East (where they were supposed to play three BE teams a year, but didn't always do it) allowed them to be tied in with the Big East bowls. Now, they'll play five ACC teams a year (one of which will probably always be Boston College) they can be a partial member and go to ACC bowls (Chick-Fil-A, Gator, etc). If they can achieve this without joining the ACC, then they'll look to stay in the Big East.

Notre Dame does care about it's other sports as well. I'm not saying they get the attention that football gets, but the olympic sports at ND get a lot of attention. Their hockey team is in Hockey East, and that won't change no matter what happens. They have a good La Crosse team, and the ACC is a very good La Crosse conference. They've been competitive in men's and women's soccer, and the ACC is tops in both those sports. Baseball....not so much, but the ACC is a permier baseball conference. Being in the ACC will make those sports more self sustaining. They won't make tens of millions, but they'll make enough to where they don't need to be subsidized. They won't get tens of thousands of people out at La Crosse, but they should get thousands if they're playing top notch ACC teams, and that will help pay for it.

I'm not ruling out the possibility that they will stay, but I understand why they wouldn't want to. The ACC does offer them some things that the Big East doesn't. If they can find a way to get those things anyway, then they'll stay.

[Juice]

The Big East may make all the sense in the world to us, given ND's stated preference for football independence. But it doesn't make sense to the people who matter at ND. It just is not happening long-term. And an extra mil in *our* pockets isn't going to convince them otherwise.

But doesn't the semi-affiliation with the Big East/ACC help ND with lower level bowl tie-ins, for the countless years they weren't in a BCS bowl? Because it's my understanding that they can stand in for Big East teams and soon to be for ACC teams in whatever bowls those conferences have agreements with. That being said, would ND then have to reach an agreement with every bowl on when or if they can be substituted into a bowl if they do not have Big East or ACC affiliation?

Sorry if that was confusing. My point is just that I do think ND gets some things from the semi-independent relationship with the Big East and ACC.

[Masterofreality]

Isn't it great that Xavier doesn't have to concern itself with little piddling items like that football thingy?

[danaandvictory]

At that point, we weren't that far removed from the 80s. I would venture to guess that it mostly has to do with the fact that dayton has been really mediocre for a long time. When they were added to the A10, it was conceivable that they would be or become one of the better programs in the league. With the Big East, it's hardly conceivable that they'll be anything more than a consistent bottom feeder.

I think there's also a recruiting component. X has fought conference affiliation in recruiting for a long time - if this deal goes through they immediately have an ingrained advantage over both UC and Dayton, even before you get to the things X hangs its hat on (facilities, NCAA success, academic counseling/grad rate). Southwest Ohio isn't the most fertile recruiting ground in the world but between Cincy and Dayton a lot of high-major prospects have come through over the past decade.

[X-band '01]

I think ND goes to Hockey East next season. This is the final season for the CCHA, Brew.

[DC Muskie]

What is La Crosse? I know lacrosse, but have no idea that La Crosse is.

Is it some sort of Mexican religious activity?

[SlimKibbles]

What is La Crosse? I know lacrosse, but have no idea that La Crosse is.

Is it some sort of Mexican religious activity?

A town in Wisconsin?

[paulxu]

Swofford makes play for ND to ACC in 2013.

http://www.news-record.com/blogs/847372-87/acc-surveying-catholic-7-situation

[Cheesehead]

A town in Wisconsin?

yep! Nice town too. Very pretty.

[MHettel]

Notre Dame is holding out for the same deal they had with the ACC from BiG. They don't have it yet, but rumors are that Delaney is willing to do it. If BiG won't do it -- and I think they will -- Notre Dame is already sitting on the same offer from the Big XII and would prefer that -- because of the football implications -- to the Big East.

The days of complete football autonomy are over and Notre Dame knows it. They may remain "independent" but will need a scheduling alliance to assure a place at the playoff table. The cost of that alliance will be their non-football sports. For now.

Eventually Notre Dame will have to join a conference in football. They are gradually coming to realize this. The scheduling alliance will be the first step, and it's an arrangement they've already come to grips with internally (the ill-fated ACC deal).

I fully understand what you are saying. But what I dont understand is why people dont understand that all decisions are made considering the circumstances. And when circumsatnces change, it should open the door for a new decision.

So lets pick apart the ND / ACC scheduling alliance. It would make NO SENSE for a conference like the ACC to agree to some soft scheduling agreement with ND where ND could slide into one of the ACC bowl slots and take 100% of that bowl revenue. The ACC is not receiving anything of value in that arrangement aside from the appearance of stability. The ACC was in a bad position and had to make a deal with the devil to signal to everyone that the conference was not only stable, but strong enough to bring ND in. It's a bad deal for the ACC, but given the circumstances seemed to be a deal they needed to make. But in the meantime, the ACC has been weakened by the loss of Maryland, has the vultures circling over various other members, and took a real blow when ND openely said they wont be joining in 2013.

So now you are saying that the B10 has the same deal on the table for a scheduling alliance. I just dont think they do, simply because they dont NEED to do that. The B10 doesnt need to sacrifice a bowl slot just to send a message to everyone that they are here to stay. The SEC and B10 are currently in the drivers seat on re-alignment, and are positioend to be the big winners when it's all over. Why do they need to put ND in a position to take a bowl slot (and the revenue) away from them? ND is going to play Michigan and Michigan State and Purdue all the time ANYWAY, so what does the B10 get? Nothing.

the B12 might have a bit more incentive to offer soemthign like that, but geographically that doesnt make a ton of sense for ND.

I'm sure the B10 has a "full membership" offer to ND. I'm sure all the other conferences do to. But unless a conference is desperate, I cannot see any reason why they would give up a potential bowl slot to ND just so they can get a few OOC games scheduled that probably would have been scheduled anyway. It CERTAINLY would have nothing to do with adding the ND olympic sports.

the ACC offered that scheduling deal to ND becasue the needed to. it was a last ditch effort to keep the conference together. The writing seems to be on the wall for the ACC, and no other conference is situated in such a place where they would need to do something so desperate.

[paulxu]

ND's contract with NBC goes through 2015. The champhionship playoffs start in 2014.
That's bound to confuse to some degree, and for the future it certainly seems like they'll end up in some conference.

Meanwhile, they are toying with the idea of playing in the C7 BE for basketball and olympic sports.
If that happens, that might mean X, Butler and ND for 5 in the west. Creighton and Richmond?

[xubrew]

I don't think the agreement is for Notre Dame to take all of the bowl revenue when they're in an ACC bowl. Aligning with ND probably raises the payout that the conference gets.

[GoMuskies]

And they get 2 or 3 home games a year against Notre Dame that will be part of the conference's TV deal. I think that would be attractive to any of the leagues. Not just a desperate one.

[LA Muskie]

I fully understand what you are saying. But what I dont understand is why people dont understand that all decisions are made considering the circumstances. And when circumsatnces change, it should open the door for a new decision.

So lets pick apart the ND / ACC scheduling alliance. It would make NO SENSE for a conference like the ACC to agree to some soft scheduling agreement with ND where ND could slide into one of the ACC bowl slots and take 100% of that bowl revenue. The ACC is not receiving anything of value in that arrangement aside from the appearance of stability. The ACC was in a bad position and had to make a deal with the devil to signal to everyone that the conference was not only stable, but strong enough to bring ND in. It's a bad deal for the ACC, but given the circumstances seemed to be a deal they needed to make. But in the meantime, the ACC has been weakened by the loss of Maryland, has the vultures circling over various other members, and took a real blow when ND openely said they wont be joining in 2013.

So now you are saying that the B10 has the same deal on the table for a scheduling alliance. I just dont think they do, simply because they dont NEED to do that. The B10 doesnt need to sacrifice a bowl slot just to send a message to everyone that they are here to stay. The SEC and B10 are currently in the drivers seat on re-alignment, and are positioend to be the big winners when it's all over. Why do they need to put ND in a position to take a bowl slot (and the revenue) away from them? ND is going to play Michigan and Michigan State and Purdue all the time ANYWAY, so what does the B10 get? Nothing.

the B12 might have a bit more incentive to offer soemthign like that, but geographically that doesnt make a ton of sense for ND.

I'm sure the B10 has a "full membership" offer to ND. I'm sure all the other conferences do to. But unless a conference is desperate, I cannot see any reason why they would give up a potential bowl slot to ND just so they can get a few OOC games scheduled that probably would have been scheduled anyway. It CERTAINLY would have nothing to do with adding the ND olympic sports.

the ACC offered that scheduling deal to ND becasue the needed to. it was a last ditch effort to keep the conference together. The writing seems to be on the wall for the ACC, and no other conference is situated in such a place where they would need to do something so desperate.

I agree everything is context specific. To be clear, I didn't say that BiG has a non-football offer on he table. I don't believe they do. I believe ND is hoping hey can get there. I also believe BiG may believe there would be value there, if they can get enough ND games each year and monetize those games to some degree. (I doubt they'd give ND the same deal $$$ wise as the Big East/ACC have done.)

For the reasons you point out, I think the Big XII would give them the ACC deal or close to it. Some have reported that they already have.

I don't think the Big XII is going anywhere. They certainly lost out in the last round but they have done an outstanding job of righting the ship. Neither the Big XII nor the ACC will disappear. But Big XII will be in the club of 4. The ACC will not be.

[xubrew]

There was talk of ND becoming an affiliate Big Ten member for hockey. It's kind of funny because when they went to meet with the Big Ten, everyone thought it was a meeting about ND becoming a full member. In reality, it was just about hockey and the television agreement for their football game against Michigan State.

As an affiliate member, there was talk of a scheduling agreement in football and basketball.

I don't know if that's what LA is thinking about or not.

Obviously, this never materialized.

[MHettel]

I don't think the agreement is for Notre Dame to take all of the bowl revenue when they're in an ACC bowl. Aligning with ND probably raises the payout that the conference gets.

So you are saying ND will split the revenue? How much sense does that make? ND splits NOTHING in football.

[JTG]

Isn't it great that Xavier doesn't have to concern itself with little piddling items like that football thingy?

Well, now that you mention it...you know someone was going to bring this up...Football...with the new found riches from FOX, what are the chances of starting Gtown, Butler, Villanova level football for X. I remember hearing, if we had an extra million or so a year, football, at a non-scholarship level would be possible. Thanks for the lead in MOR

[SixFig]

Well, now that you mention it...you know someone was going to bring this up...Football...with the new found riches from FOX, what are the chances of starting Gtown, Butler, Villanova level football for X. I remember hearing, if we had an extra million or so a year, football, at a non-scholarship level would be possible. Thanks for the lead in MOR

Ummmm how about we spend money on basketball (or any other scholarship sport) first?

Wish people would get off football, at least until we win our first National Championship or two. Then we can talk. People want to relive the "good old days of football"...well I want a basketball 'ship. Eyes on the prize people

[JTG]

Ummmm how about we spend money on basketball (or any other scholarship sport) first?

Wish people would get off football, at least until we win our first National Championship or two. Then we can talk. People want to relive the "good old days of football"...well I want a basketball 'ship. Eyes on the prize people

Butler has football AND 2 Final Fours....It can be done.

[LA Muskie]

Well, now that you mention it...you know someone was going to bring this up...Football...with the new found riches from FOX, what are the chances of starting Gtown, Butler, Villanova level football for X. I remember hearing, if we had an extra million or so a year, football, at a non-scholarship level would be possible. Thanks for the lead in MOR
As long as Title IX exists (or at least is interpreted in its current form) there will be no varsity football at Xavier. Period.

[LA Muskie]

Butler has football AND 2 Final Fours....It can be done.
It can be done if football was pre-existing. It is very difficult to add Football under Title IX, scholarships or no scholarships.

[GoMuskies]

Good. We need to keep our undefeated streak alive.

[paulxu]

Isn't the Fox Sports 1 thing suppose to kick off tomorrow?

[JTG]

Isn't the Fox Sports 1 thing suppose to kick off tomorrow?

According to usa today there will be a press conference tomorrow.

[paulxu]

It looks like the Jersey Guy is now being picked up by USA today.
And is saying the news conference will be on Thursday. Wonder what Fox does tomorrow? Punt?

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/bigeast/2013/03/04/catholic-seven-7-negotiations/1963671/

Take that back. Remainder guys on tap for Thursday. Guess BE still to be announced tomorrow.
Maybe this article is just all rehash. Sorry.

[coasterville95]

With the TV revenue being multiplied by 10 + possible increased revenue from merchandise and ticket sales - I think the winner in this at Xavier, may in fact be the non-revenue Olympic sports. I think basketball already gets every wish granted, so maybe all this new money can help bolster the rest of our sports.

I mentioned it a long time ago, but compared to our new peer group - how are our Olympic Sports in terms of coaching, facilities and equipment?

So, after any wishes from Basketball and our Olympic sports, maybe we will have the cash to perhaps offer one of the other sports our new conference competes in, such as LaCrossse, Ice hockey, etc.

[PMI]

Seriously guys, "lacrosse" is one word, not a French last name.

[waggy]

La Crosse

[Stephen FriarFan]

On the who would have thunk it list, Regis as in Regis and Kathy Lee , was on the radio in Providence and said they will have the fox news conference at 1:00 and he is joining the Fox sports group and will host a daily sports talk show. No joking.. I guess it's a name.

[JTG]

On the who would have thunk it list, Regis as in Regis and Kathy Lee , was on the radio in Providence and said they will have the fox news conference at 1:00 and he is joining the Fox sports group and will host a daily sports talk show. No joking.. I guess it's a name.

I read somewhere yesterday that Regis was going to be involved with Fox Sports 1. Didn't pay much attention to him but I do know he's a huge sports fan. I'm sure Fox has there eye on lots of people from other networks who can get out of their contracts, or are at the end of their contracts. I think Pete Gillen should have a talk show, that would be hilarious.

[paulxu]

I'm starting to think that ND could bollox this whole thing up this week.
If they are concerned that the ACC might not survive as a good place to put their BB, then they have 3 options: BE, little east or ACC next year.
What a zoo.

[coasterville95]

No one school should have that much power, but they do. In a way, you have to respect that.

Notre Dame knows they have every television network drooling, and can do whatever they want, including stalling for the best offer. How they get away with "We're keeping our football team out of your conference" is wild, why, "Because we can, and you want our name in your conference so bad you'll let us"

Wild if a school that by rights, should have no say in this, could hold this up. Take you and your football team to a football playing conference, be that the ACC, Big Ten, Little East, whatever.

[paulxu]

That's all we need. Regis Philbin as studio host for the BE games with ND being part of the mix.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/05/sports/fox-planning-national-sports-network-it-hopes-can-challenge-espn.html?smid=tw-share&_r=4&

[xubrew]

So you are saying ND will split the revenue? How much sense does that make? ND splits NOTHING in football.

It makes as much sense as anything could possibly make.

The non-BCS bowls that the ACC is tied into (Chick Fil-A, Russel Athletic, Sun, Belk, Independence (and I forget the rest) can take Notre Dame instead of an ACC team. That's one of the things that the ACC has to offer. If ND were a true football indpendent, they wouldn't get any bowl tie-ins outside of the BCS...at least not under the current agreement. That's why going to the ACC as a partial member makes sense for them. A LOT of sense.

....and yes. I would expect that they would share the bowl revenue with the ACC in the years they were selected as the ACC team. I can't imagine that wouldn't be part of the agreement. It was with the Big East. Also, because those bowls have the possibility of selecting Notre Dame, it will compel them to want to allign with the ACC, and have bigger payouts in order to do it.

[paulxu]

Had posted that above.
Worried now that ND can come to C7BE, but maybe that will be good for a year or two. Lots of eyeballs for Fox, and MSG.
I don't think they are in any rush for the ACC while they wait to see what happens to Maryland, and further restructuring of football conferences.
Here's a nice article about how our investment has paid off so far; Cintas, coaches, etc.

http://college-basketball.si.com/2013/03/05/gonzaga-butler-xavier-excel-tournament/#more-2853

[paulxu]

Fun watching the football twitter guys now talking about basketball.
All because of the ND/ACC alliance, MSG as a desired venue, etc.
If Fox's press conference is in 1/2 hour, and they've got all the deep pocket people there who spend ad $, I would think they wouldn't want to kick off Fox Sports 1 with a statement like "we'll have the BE, but we're not sure exactly whose in it."
Then again, have ND come into play at the last moment always screws things up.

[xu2002]

Is the Fox press conference being televised or streamed anywhere?

[Titanxman04]

Is the Fox press conference being televised or streamed anywhere?

I too, would like to watch this

[Muskie1000]

anyone hear anything? its now 2 and I can't find anything. Is it 1 EST?

[More Cowbell]

http://msn.foxsports.com/other/story/FOX-Sports-announces-FOX-Sports-1-network-030513

[Muskie1000]

well that isn't helpful. When will this torture end?

[GoMuskies]

Interesting that Big East basketball isn't mentioned in the link. More poorly kept secrets for now, I suppose.

[More Cowbell]

well that isn't helpful. When will this torture end?

Methinks that is all you will get until the negotiations finish.

[paulxu]

From that article, I guess we'll play on different days now:


COLLEGE BASKETBALL – Dozens of exclusive prime time games on Monday and Thursday nights,

Plus, Erin Andrews went to Fox Sports I think.

[coasterville95]

So, in short the update is there is no update?

[CSS85]

So, in short the update is there is no update?

According to the Cincinnati Business Courier UC will get $30 million as will the other two football schools. C7 schools will get $1.5 million each, and the deal will be announced Wednesday. That seems like a whole lot of money for the C7 to give up for the Big East name and the ability to leave right now. I can't see anywhere near that evaluation. The only thing not mentioned is how much if any Fox will pay each school to cover this loss.

[GoMuskies]

I assume these guys weren't all entitled to equal shares in the first place. So it may not be quite as big a give as it looks like.

Frankly, who cares, though? None of the money is coming to me.

[DC Muskie]

UC should dump that money into renovating Nippert and still not receive an invite from the ACC.

But they will have the nicest stadium in the MAC in 2018.

[coasterville95]

The UC fans today by me have been too excited about the 30 million to notice their conference is leaving.

Have to admit, that does ease the pain. Nipper redo is what 60-70, that's half that right there.

And it still doesn't solve the fundamental problem of selling enough tickets to make them attractive to a big boy conference.

[paulxu]

Their AD said none of the $ going to stadium renovations.

[DC Muskie]

Their AD said none of the $ going to stadium renovations.

Their AD also said they would be fine.

[GoMuskies]

The UC fans today by me have been too excited about the 30 million to notice their conference is leaving.


I really don't get that. Do those fans think UC is sending them a check?

[DC Muskie]

I really don't get that. Do those fans think UC is sending them a check?

Probably. Maybe they put the check on display at the Shoe and everyone can touch it.

[coasterville95]

I heard that they will need to use 15 mil of that to make up for the drop in TV revenue.

Funny how the local business courier is relevant in a sports story.

[xubrew]

As for the rest of the Big East, The Metro may be coming back!!!!

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2013/03/05/former-metro-commissioner-wouldnt-mind-if-big-east-revives-name/1965393/

[Stephen FriarFan]

Welcome to the Big East,

I know this seems like a lot of money , I think it is more like 27million for Cinnci and Uconn and a lot of that is money that will be paid later. I would love to see the back room deal that Fox may have put out because I am sure they gave something for the C7 to walk away early.

I guess tomorrow is the day.....
Welcome

[PM Thor]

Why would they bring back the name of a conference that was mediocre at best? It's like labelling itself as a middling conference just by evoking a historic middling conference. A new name is easy to do. The American Conference. Tadaa! Easily there are 20 new names so much better than rehashing an old, used up name.

I HATE dayton.

[GoMuskies]

Louisville won two national titles and went to four Final Fours out of the Metro (I think they were still in the Valley in '75). Memphis also went to a (since vacated) Final Four from the Metro. That beats no history at all, I suppose.

[BMoreX]

Honestly, it would be pretty cool if this was announced tomorrow afternoon and then you could announce it at Senior Night tomorrow during the game.

[coasterville95]

But save the Big East announcement for one of the second half time out - we don't want to over shadow the achievements of our sneiors - both team and band/cheer.

They honored the Blue Blob-ette on Saturday - probably because the blob is heading for Hagan's Hangar for the womens tourney.

Although being able to celebrate as one big Muskie family would be a nice feature!

[xubrew]

The classic Metro lineup prior to the forming of the Great Midwest was Louisville, Cincinnati, Memphis, Tulane, Southern Miss, Florida State and Virginia Tech. It routinely sent multiple teams to the tournament and produced a few Final Four teams. That's not a super conference, but those didn't exist back then. Things were more practical.

I was way too young to remember this, but in the early 1990s the Metro Conference actually looked into forming a sixteen team all sports superconference. The membership would have been.....

BC
Cincinnati
Pitt
Rutgers
Syracuse
Penn State (Temple was to be their replacement after they committed to the Big Ten)
VA Tech
West Virginia
East Carolina
Florida State
Miami, FL
Louisville
Memphis
South Carolina
Southern Miss
Tulane

The reason they didn't do it was basically because too many potential members thought it was too insane. My how things have changed......and not for the better.

[GoMuskies]

I think Denny Crum screwed it up. He didn't want to give up his little personal fiefdom in the Metro.

VaTech wasn't VaTech in those days either. Other than having Dell Curry, they pretty much sucked at everything back then.

[Juice]

The classic Metro lineup prior to the forming of the Great Midwest was Louisville, Cincinnati, Memphis, Tulane, Southern Miss, Florida State and Virginia Tech. It routinely sent multiple teams to the tournament and produced a few Final Four teams. That's not a super conference, but those didn't exist back then. Things were more practical.

I was way too young to remember this, but in the early 1990s the Metro Conference actually looked into forming a sixteen team all sports superconference. The membership would have been.....

BC
Cincinnati
Pitt
Rutgers
Syracuse
Penn State (Temple was to be their replacement after they committed to the Big Ten)
VA Tech
West Virginia
East Carolina
Florida State
Miami, FL
Louisville
Memphis
South Carolina
Southern Miss
Tulane

The reason they didn't do it was basically because too many potential members thought it was too insane. My how things have changed......and not for the better.

Didn't the WAC try something like this at some point in the 90s or early 2000s?

[GoMuskies]

Also, 'brew, you left South Carolina out of the teams that were in the Metro pre-Great Midwest.

Who can forget this classic Louisville/USC fight from '88. Louisville rallied from about 14 down in the minute to force OT and win. A quality childhood memory.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snq4Oau_iDE

[BMoreX]

http://espn.go.com/college-sports/story/_/id/9019093/big-east-football-schools-keep-close-110-million-league-split-according-report

[xubrew]

Didn't the WAC try something like this at some point in the 90s or early 2000s?

Yeah, they had a sixteen team format where there were two divisions of eight (the Mountain and Pacific Divisions). In basketball you played all the teams in your division twice, and one team from the other side in a home and home. It was essentially your mirror. In other words, if you finished in third place in one division, than you'd play the third place team in a home and home the following year.

What was even more crazy was that teams from the two divisions played each other in out of conference games. I remember one year Tulsa ran the table in conference play, but had lost to two conference teams in out of conference games.

It didn't make a whole lot of sense, and eventually the eight teams in the Mountain Division became the Mountain West. That created an additional conference, which is why we went to 65 teams in the NCAA Tournament. They didn't want to reduce the number of at-larges, so they created the play-in game. A decision that I still think was utterly absurd.


Also, 'brew, you left South Carolina out of the teams that were in the Metro pre-Great Midwest.

Who can forget this classic Louisville/USC fight from '88. Louisville rallied from about 14 down in the minute to force OT and win. A quality childhood memory.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snq4Oau_iDE

I remember that. I was eight years old. What was funny is that the cable went out throughout much of the city. With not much time left in the game, Louisville was down by 15 (or whatever it was), and then the cable goes out. Ten minutes later it comes back on, and the game is inexplicably in overtime. It turns out that in an even more ridiculous development, Will Olliges, who was far more Caldwell than Caldwell ever was for Xavier, went on a rampage and scored twelve points in ninety seconds, or something like that. That game is the stuff of urban legend.

[GoMuskies]

It turns out that in an even more ridiculous development, Will Olliges, who was far more Caldwell than Caldwell ever was for Xavier, went on a rampage and scored twelve points in ninety seconds, or something like that.

That didn't happen. Craig Hawley hit a mid-court shot to send the game to OT, though. Hawley was a slightly better Kenny Harvey.

Will Olliges scored three points that season.

[Masterofreality]

Also, 'brew, you left South Carolina out of the teams that were in the Metro pre-Great Midwest.

Who can forget this classic Louisville/USC fight from '88. Louisville rallied from about 14 down in the minute to force OT and win. A quality childhood memory.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snq4Oau_iDE

What? There was a fight at a basketball game before December, 2011? Too bad ESPN wasn't there to prolong the coverage for weeks on end.

Oh, and there was a fight at the Notre Dame/St. Johns game tonight. No way those "gangstas" from ND get invited to the New Big East now after they "zipped 'em up"!

[xubrew]

That didn't happen. Craig Hawley hit a mid-court shot to send the game to OT, though. Hawley was a slightly better Kenny Harvey.

I may be thinking of a different game. From junior high on I can remember with more accuracy. Before that, though, it kind of jumbles together.

Did something like that happen once?? I remember a game where they were way down, the cable went out all over the place, and when it came back on the game was in overtime and Olliges turned into an all star. I thought it was the South Carolina game, but I could easily be wrong about that.

[GoMuskies]

I never had cable, so I wouldn't have known if the cable went out. But Will scored 15 career points (6 in a season was his max). I don't recall any of them being meaningful.

http://www.totalbasketballstats.com/Player.asp?id=12465

[waggy]

My most vivid memory of the Metro was a Lou Banks gorilla slam against S. Carolina.

[paulxu]

The Gamecocks are taking a lot of heat in this thread tonight.

[coasterville95]

Channel 12 saying the big press conference for the new Big East is Thursday.

[xubrew]

Channel 12 saying the big press conference for the new Big East is Thursday.

They should wait until next Thursday. That way it assures the Atlantic Ten can't ban Xavier from the conference tournament.

[coasterville95]

What about after we win our first round game. They won't send us home mud tournament.

Besides, I thought the consensus was the A10 wasn't vindictive like that. Then again we are talking about only giving a 3 month notice. That's also probably unprecedented.

[JTG]

What about after we win our first round game. They won't send us home mud tournament.

Besides, I thought the consensus was the A10 wasn't vindictive like that. Then again we are talking about only giving a 3 month notice. That's also probably unprecedented.

Rupert Murdock is helping X pay for the early exit...he owns FOX

[Muskie1000]

What about after we win our first round game. They won't send us home mud tournament.

Besides, I thought the consensus was the A10 wasn't vindictive like that. Then again we are talking about only giving a 3 month notice. That's also probably unprecedented.


Maybe we are only giving them a 3 month notice in the public forum, but are you telling me that the A-10 commissioner doesn't have any idea that this is coming? They know it and I'm sure they are already moving on.

[More Cowbell]

Maybe we are only giving them a 3 month notice in the public forum, but are you telling me that the A-10 commissioner doesn't have any idea that this is coming? They know it and I'm sure they are already moving on.

Exactly. They have known this was coming for a long time.

[GoMuskies]

We wouldn't leave until July 1. So we've still got some time to give our three months notice.

[xu95]

We wouldn't leave until July 1. So we've still got some time to give our three months notice.

Technically June 30th. July 1st will be our first day in the Big East.

[DoubleD86]

I thought I saw on Twitter that part of the expected agreement is that while the BE7 is giving up a bunch of that money from the existing pot, they get to keep the Big East tourney credits for the NBE.

Has anyone else heard something like that?

[xudash]

I thought I saw on Twitter that part of the expected agreement is that while the BE7 is giving up a bunch of that money from the existing pot, they get to keep the Big East tourney credits for the NBE.

Has anyone else heard something like that?

No, they're cutting up the overall pool into two specific dollar amounts - not tied to this or that - and the NBE will take a smaller payout in consideration for retaining the BE brand and MSG site.

[xu95]

No, they're cutting up the overall pool into two specific dollar amounts - not tied to this or that - and the NBE will take a smaller payout in consideration for retaining the BE brand and MSG site.

And leaving earlier.