I'm more interested in athletic conferences not one trick pony basketball leagues. And who gives a rip about academics, we're talking banners here not eggheads. Sorry I just have a higher standard for Uconn athletics than you do I guess, I don't want to return to the Yankee Conference II. The real Big East is dead and buried.
My major concern is UCONN basketball.
Joining the one trick pony Big East will result in attracting and netting NE and NYC metro area recruits who will improve our on-court performance. This is fairly evident, though not apples to apples, just looking at our recruiting performance while affiliated w/ the Big East as compared to the AAC. Don't get me wrong the UCONN mystique still rides in the households of some recruits, but many others dismiss the AAC (on its face) and subsequently UConn.
I don't think it's unreasonable to believe a four star from Mass or Ct. does not get excited about the prospect of playing against directional schools or mid-Southwest schools. Other than national camps and tournaments where NE kids compete against kids across the country, there is simply no connection.
But having Nova, G'town, Seton Hall, possibly St. Johns and Providence on the schedule connects and excites Northeast recruits, and their families have the opportunity to attend multiple games due to a more convenient proximity.
The AAC basketball agenda grapples with what can a conference become given its remnant origin. Other conferences, including the Old Big East and the New had a specific vision including rivalries, recruiting bases, and venues, all leading to an increase of conference strength and individual program success.
Not sure whether waiting for P5 is in our best interest. Better to recognize who we are (a basketball school) and get in where we fit in with the NBE.