Sitn' in the Catbird Seat

[Fordham_57]

In the latter days of the old Big East when many people on this board were suggesting we break away and form an all basketball only league, i was very dubious. First, I wondered if we had the "onions" to do it, and secondly I was worried how we could survive without the likes of the Syracuses, Pitts, and UConns who were a bulwark of our conference.

Boy was I worried needlessly. The best thing about the new Big East is that it IS all basketball and we should be solid for years to come. We don't have to worry about the other poach happy football/basketball conferences invading us.

I have wondered though if we would be smart to stay a 10 team league which is ideal for equal home/away series, or would it improve our league strength by going to a 12 team league. Any thoughts?

Either way, we're as happy as a Cheshire cat. (or a pig stuck in sh*t, if you prefer). Frank

 

[TheBluePirate]

Like it exactly as it is. Undiluted. The bigger the conference, the bigger the boneyard. I am really pleased at what we have collectively. Stand fast!

 

[SPK145]

One word for you: FOX. If they weren't willing to (over??)pay to set up the new conference, where would we be now?

I was always of the opinion that a 2-division, 12-team conference would be better but I don't think that anymore. Love it as a round-robin conference. Leave it alone,

 

[Bud Boomer]

I still don't see any value in expansion at the moment. A few years ago, everyone was certain that St. Louis would be a good addition, and they've been atrocious every year since. The league is developing nicely, continuing to recruit at a high level, and outperforming on the court. Let this breathe a little longer, realize some tournament success, and allow the mid majors that appear to be good candidates distinguish themselves. We can have our choice of mid major basketball schools whenever we want them. No need to rush into it.

 

[Section112]

We are very fortunate to be a part of this frankly. We have not been relevant in a very long time and the 10-team league is really developing. Even Depaul looks like they are getting better. We just have to get better faster than the Johnnies if we want to get the local recruits IMO. Keep it at 10 teams. And Fox won't change it now until they start getting a better return for their investment.

 

[Pirate64]

"Catbird Seat" Channeling Red Barber. Love it.

I wouldn't change the league one bit.

 

[Save Continental]

I like being the only show in town, but it would be great if Fox can pry some of the live sports away from ESPN. It could give some great lead-ins to our games, more eyeballs watching BE basketball etc. I hate the NBA, but a big part of me wishes Fox won that bid a couple years ago.

As far as the conference, the balanced schedule is awesome. It's fair and balanced, like Fox.

 

[radecicco]

Love it as it is. Realistically, who besides Gonzaga could add any juice to what we have now? And that ain't happening due to geography.

 

[TheBluePirate]

One word for you: FOX. If they weren't willing to (over??)pay to set up the new conference, where would we be now?

I was always of the opinion that a 2-division, 12-team conference would be better but I don't think that anymore. Love it as a round-robin conference. Leave it alone,

Round-robin makes it much more difficult to pry at a chink in the armor of the conference. It's the fairest way and all teams get the same shake. Fewer teams increases the brand-matching by comparison. What I mean is fewer "marquee-team-versus-apparent-victim" matches. Fewer names in the mix elevates all the names.

 

[hallgrad80]

I too like the league at 10 teams . If there was any thought about adding two more teams you have to ask yourself what teams would you add that gives you entrance into another large TV market and is a recognizable name. We already cover the top markets like , NY, Chi, Phil,Boston , DC ( 5.of the top 10 ) and the only major TV market where there's looks to be a fit would be St. Louis, the school and TV market (21) . While it appears that the majority would love to keep the number at 10 if Fox pushes to expand and adding additional markets then I would speculate that the BE would do so especially if it results in more money from TV revenues.

 

[Halldan1]

Two years ago the league's commissioner Val Ackerman addressed the media at the first Big East press conference in NY. She said there were no immediate plans in the next three years or more to expand.

 

[Vegas pj]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it! Pure & simple.

 

[HALL85]

Unless there are two teams that make perfect sense and add value to the existing league, you hold off. You need to build the brand and they are doing a good job of that. Still need to get one or two teams deep into the NCAA to get respect and credibility, but the league is a much, much better place than we could have ended up.

 

[SPK145]

The Big East would do whatever FOX asks for.

 

[Shuathelete]

I for one accept our new overlord, Fox Sports.

The Wichita and Marquette commercials were in the middle of prime NFL sunday... thats bananas

Seton Hall, Where Followers Prosper.

All Hail Fox.

 

[anon_4htvdezyfe7k9]

Love the current BE setup - the basketball only factor, the home and home games against all 9 opponents, the Fox coverage, etc. That said, we need to start to have better NCAA showings if we want to be legitimately respected as a top basketball conference, despite our regular season conference RPI and other rankings over the last few years.

 

[Vegas pj]

The Big East would do whatever FOX asks for.

Shamelessly, I borrow a famous movie quote - "Show me the money".

 

[cernjSHU]

I like the League the way it is. The only team I would really like to see is UConn. Yeah, I know that they were trying to leave the league and good for them that they are in the AAC for trying to pull that crap. But they are old school Big East and they would strengthen the league and add more prestige. The problem I have is what other team would I want in? Dayton - No. St Louis - No. I would love Gonzaga but they are geographically challenged.

 

[Section112]

UConn works for bball only. Does not work if they want to continue with football. Can't have a conf team with one foot in and one out with our current set-up. If big money football conferences come calling they jump no matter the price.

 

[Bobbie Solo]

UConn just tried to get into the Big 12 or something a week or two ago. So they're still out b/c their goals have not changed at all. Damn shame b/c if they just gave up on this football bullshit they would benefit so much from joining us in basketball...both men's & women's...cuz it's not like the AAC is much better than the Big East for their elite women's program either.

 

[catholicman]

I am rooting for UCONN to fade into oblivion. Less competition for NYC recruits. Poetic justice to remedy the years of cheating.
The same goes for Syracuse. Can't wait for Boeheim to retire and Hopkins to run it into the ground.

 

[The Crows Nest]

The Big East would do whatever FOX asks for.

True....and their ratings have not been great.....can see them wanting a "marquee" name to join...UCONN ( admittedly a lot to be worked out there). Gonzaga.....?

But I agree the conference has worked out well; plus, nationally, all the juggling of conference members has calmed down, if you notice...