ESPN article - UCONN done chasing other conferences for realignment

[EricSD]

I'm not sure I get the comments that UCONN was weak in "other" sports. The men's and women's soccer teams both routinely are ranked in the top 10. Women's field hockey has either won NC's, or been in the hunt for one. Women's polo has won a bunch of NC's. The men's baseball team made the NCAA's a few years back. I wouldn't say UCONN is a force in every sport that is offered, but certainly better than most schools out there...

 

[intlzncster]

Yup. Couldn't agree more. Perhaps the ACC can become a football only conference and their better teams could join the AAC for men's and women's basketball. That way the ACC could justifiably call themselves a power conference in basketball. I believe the AAC has more men's and women's basketball NCAA championships than the ACC, so the ACC could really gain some credibility in basketball by moving their basketball teams over to the AAC.

Really? Do you really believe this? The AAC has exactly 3 National championships in Men's basketball (all UConn - Lousiville is not a long term conference member). The ACC has a total of 12. No comparison.

Women's basketball does not rate in terms of determining power conference, no matter how much anyone here appreciates the sport. It is a nice little side dish, but not important in an of itself. Hence why ODU and La Tech had no influence on their conference's power. Ultimately money and exposure is what determines a power conference nowadays, for better or worse.

Any ACC team moving to the American, would lose out tremendously, both in terms of competition and national exposure. Look at the TV deals associated with each conference.

 

[Big UConn]

Really? Do you really believe this? The AAC has exactly 3 National championships in Men's basketball (all UConn - Lousiville is not a long term conference member). The ACC has a total of 12. No comparison.

Women's basketball does not rate in terms of determining power conference, no matter how much anyone here appreciates the sport. It is a nice little side dish, but not important in an of itself. Hence why ODU and La Tech had no influence on their conference's power. Ultimately money and exposure is what determines a power conference nowadays, for better or worse.

Any ACC team moving to the American, would lose out tremendously, both in terms of competition and national exposure. Look at the TV deals associated with each conference.

Careful what you say, buddy, this is a women's basketball board, and if you think women's basketball championships don't count, you are in the wrong place. And either you can't count or you are too lazy to look but UConn has 3 men's NCs, Cincinnati has 2 and Louisville has 3. That makes 8 men's NCs for the AAC. And yes, Louisville is still in the AAC. UConn has 8 women's NCAA championships and THEY DO COUNT. Total for the AAC = 16 NCAA NCs in basketball. If as you say, the ACC has 12 mens championships, they only have TWO women's (so I can see why you think they don't count.) If your count on the men's championships is correct, then the ACC has two less NCAA NCs than the AAC.

Like I say, join the AAC and join a power basketball conference.

 

[intlzncster]

Careful what you say, buddy, this is a women's basketball board, and if you think women's basketball championships don't count, you are in the wrong place. And either you can't count or you are too lazy to look but UConn has 3 men's NCs, Cincinnati has 2 and Louisville has 3. That makes 8 men's NCs for the AAC. And yes, Louisville is still in the AAC. UConn has 8 women's NCAA championships and THEY DO COUNT. Total for the AAC = 16 NCAA NCs in basketball. If as you say, the ACC has 12 mens championships, they only have TWO women's (so I can see why you think they don't count.) If your count on the men's championships is correct, then the ACC has two less NCAA NCs than the AAC.
Like I say, join the AAC and join a power basketball conference.

I'm aware of what board it is. I've been posting here (and prior versions) since early 2000.

Doesn't matter what you or I think. It's national audiences and tv execs that define the terms, whether you and I like it or not. Try to argue women's basketball determines who is a power conference on any non WBB board in the country and you'll be shot down instantly. What is said on this board does not determine who is a power conference and who is not.

I forgot about the Cincy championships, and counting Louisville's is laughable, as they aren't really a member. They are just a place holder for a year. So 5 vs 12 (or 13 depending on who you ask). If you insist on counting in Louisville, we'll just have a recount next year and subtract them back out. Seriously, it's foolishness.

You are one of the few people in the world who think ACC basketball is worse than AAC. Go make the statement on the Men's board. I'll be interested to see the response.

 

[Big UConn]

Careful what you say, buddy, this is a women's basketball board, and if you think women's basketball championships don't count, you are in the wrong place. And either you can't count or you are too lazy to look but UConn has 3 men's NCs, Cincinnati has 2 and Louisville has 3. That makes 8 men's NCs for the AAC. And yes, Louisville is still in the AAC. UConn has 8 women's NCAA championships and THEY DO COUNT. Total for the AAC = 16 NCAA NCs in basketball. If as you say, the ACC has 12 mens championships, they only have TWO women's (so I can see why you think they don't count.) If your count on the men's championships is correct, then the ACC has two less NCAA NCs than the AAC.

Like I say, join the AAC and join a power basketball conference.

Oh, and by the way Intiz, when we lose Louisville, you lose Maryland and although you net one NC,

1. you are still behind by one NC, and

2. UConn will have another women's NC and possibly also another men's.

 

[jplotinus]

"UCONN done chasing other conferences..."

LOL. Only because they are fresh out of other conferences to chase!

UConn gambled, and lost. All they can do now is try to dominate the new conference and wait for the phone to ring.

UCONN will likely NOT dominate the new conference in football. The AAC consists in football schools that are far more steeped in football tradition, glory and heritage than UCONN is. Thus, the new conference could help UCONN.

UCONN will likely dominate in basketball as the converse is true with respect to bb, especially WCBB.

Do posters agree?

 

[intlzncster]

Oh, and by the way Intiz, when we lose Louisville, you lose Maryland and although you net one NC,

1. you are still behind by one NC, and

2. UConn will have another women's NC and possibly also another men's.

The first point I responded in my previous post above.

Re the second: that's great but no one can predict the future. The men's is a crapshoot, and the women's is usually determined by injuries or lack thereof. UConn's managed to lose a number of National Championships due to injury.

And why are you saying 'you' and 'we'? I'm a UConn fan.

 

[Big UConn]

I'm aware of what board it is. I've been posting here (and prior versions) since early 2000.

Doesn't matter what you or I think. It's national audiences and tv execs that define the terms, whether you and I like it or not. Try to argue womens basketball determines who is a power conference on any non WBB board in the country and you'll be shot down instantly.

Okay, let's argue it on this one.

The women's NCAA Championship Game in New Orleans was broadcast to a national audience and had over 17,500 fans in attendance. Even non-fans know about UConn's women's teams, and players like Rebecca Lobo, Sue Bird and Maya Moore are known around the world. When UConn travels almost anywhere (except Syracuse) their women's team usually fills the building. UConn got its own TV deal with SNY because of women's BB. UConn women have about a dozen nationally broadcast games each year, and all games are on TV. Women's basketball is not yet as popular as men's but it is growing and more and more areas of the country are becoming interested in it as teams get competitive and players like Skylar Diggins, Elaine Della Donne, and Brit Griner become well known. No, it is not as popular yet as the men's game but any tv exec who ignores women's Basketball is an idiot.

 

[Big UConn]

UCONN will likely NOT dominate the new conference in football. The AAC consists in football schools that are far more steeped in football tradition, glory and heritage than UCONN is. Thus, the new conference could help UCONN.

UCONN will likely dominate in basketball as the converse is true with respect to bb, especially WCBB.

Do posters agree?

Absolutely!

 

[Big UConn]

The first point I responded in my previous post above.

Re the second: that's great but no one can predict the future. The men's is a crapshoot, and the women's is usually determined by injuries or lack thereof. UConn's managed to lose a number of National Championships due to injury.

And why are you saying 'you' and 'we'? I'm a UConn fan.

Really?

Pardon me then, but I am HARD CORE.

Belief in the UConn Huskies is fundamental to my being, my essence and my way of life.

If Geno says it, I believe it, and that is the end of it.

 

[intlzncster]

Okay, let's argue it on this one.

The women's NCAA Championship Game in New Orleans was broadcast to a national audience and had over 17,500 fans in attendance. Even non-fans know about UConn's women's teams, and players like Rebecca Lobo, Sue Bird and Maya Moore are known around the world. When UConn travels almost anywhere (except Syracuse) their women's team usually fills the building. UConn got its own TV deal with SNY because of women's BB. UConn women have about a dozen nationally broadcast games each year, and all games are on TV. Women's basketball is not yet as popular as men's but it is growing and more and more areas of the country are becoming interested in it as teams get competitive and players like Skylar Diggins, Elaine Della Donne, and Brit Griner become well known. No, it is not as popular yet as the men's game but any tv exec who ignores that fact is an idiot.

You are talking about one game. What about regular season broadcasting metrics? MCBB ratings are radically higher on average. Also, just look at the money involved in the respective sports. Mens dominates womens in that category. Total number of fans? Men. Airtime? Men. TV execs want to make money, which is why they put more mens games on TV.

Also, there are only a handful of well known women BB players, and they aren't exactly known worldwide. Most people know the top 50+ players on the Mens side, with the number radically higher if you include the NBA. NBA players are demigods overseas.

 

[intlzncster]

Really?

Pardon me then, but I am HARD CORE.

Belief in the UConn Huskies is fundamental to my being, my essence and my way of life.

If Geno says it, I believe it, and that is the end of it.

Ahhh, you are a greater fan than everyone else. My mistake. Didn't realize there was such an extreme spectrum of fandom. "Hard Core" is the absolute end of the spectrum I suppose? The more you know.

This, of course, means you are not remotely biased in the least, no?

And I'm pretty sure Geno would say that WCBB does not effect power conference determination.

 

[Big UConn]

Ahhh, you are a greater fan than everyone else. My mistake. Didn't realize there was such an extreme spectrum of fandom. "Hard Core" is the absolute end of the spectrum I suppose? The more you know.

This, of course, means you are not remotely biased in the least, no?

And I'm pretty sure Geno would say that WCBB does not effect power conference determination.

And I'm pretty sure Geno would say that the women's game is just as exciting as the men's. In fact I think it is more so. The women's game is played below the basket like the game was meant to be played by normal people. Watching the ball be dunked all the time is boring. Also, most men players are dumber than bricks. NCAA men's basketball is nothing more than a two year training camp for the pros. Women normally stay for four years. They are real students, not semi-pros. Women's basketball is the greatest thing since pillow fights!

And of course I am biased!

 

[jplotinus]

And I'm pretty sure Geno would say that the women's game is just as exciting as the men's. In fact I think it is more so. The women's game is played below the basket like the game was meant to be played by normal people. Watching the ball be dunked all the time is boring. Also, most men players are dumber than bricks. NCAA men's basketball is nothing more than a two year training camp for the pros. Women normally stay for four years. They are real students, not semi-pros. Women's basketball is the greatest thing since pillow fights!

And of course I am biased!

I agree that the women play a truer and better brand of basketball than men. This has been true, for me, since the '80s. Men dominate the court in ways that were not intended. Now, the height metric for which the game was designed is more truly reflected among women, not men:

Centers - 6-4
Forwards - 6-1
Guards - 5-9

On the men's side, you have 6-11 "small forwards" and 6-8 "point guards."

The game wasn't designed for that kind of height dominance IMHO

Women play it better.

 

[reno tony]

Does anyone know if there has ever been a brand new conference formed and one of their members won a National Championship in the first year? In any sport at all. If not... I suggest that the UCONN women might set a new standard next season.

 

[reno tony]

I agree that the women play a truer and better brand of basketball than men. This has been true, for me, since the '80s. Men dominate the court in ways that were not intended. Now, the height metric for which the game was designed is more truly reflected among women, not men:

Centers - 6-4
Forwards - 6-1
Guards - 5-9

On the men's side, you have 6-11 "small forwards" and 6-8 "point guards."

The game wasn't designed for that kind of height dominance IMHO

Women play it better.

I agree 100%. But, I still like watching the highlight reels every week. I can certainly appreciate the athletic ability it takes for a 6'10" man to make some of those plays.

 

[ed4ourgirls]

To my mind, the term HARD CORE fan summons images of some of the posters
on the Summitt, renowned for their specious, irrational, and scurrilous comments.

Not an attractive image.

 

[EricSD]

To my mind, the term HARD CORE fan summons images of some of the posters
on the Summitt, renowned for their specious, irrational, and scurrilous comments.

Not an attractive image.

I do think there's a difference between hard core, and the rabid, crazed, insane, nasty, bitter, jealous and angry fans you referenced. But I do get your point!

 

[RadyLady]

I believe that the UConn Men's games were shown on SNY at least 1 year before the women's team came on board.

 

[intlzncster]

And I'm pretty sure Geno would say that the women's game is just as exciting as the men's. In fact I think it is more so. The women's game is played below the basket like the game was meant to be played by normal people. Watching the ball be dunked all the time is boring. Also, most men players are dumber than bricks. NCAA men's basketball is nothing more than a two year training camp for the pros. Women normally stay for four years. They are real students, not semi-pros. Women's basketball is the greatest thing since pillow fights!

And of course I am biased!

Agreed. But exciting has nothing to do with Power Conference status, which is what we are arguing here. The discussion doesn't have anything to do with the aesthetics of WCBB.

 

[alexrgct]

Now we're getting into an argument about the quality of women's basketball (not backed by any actual evidence, btw, and I'm a huge WBB fan)? Go look at the deal ESPN has to broadcast the women's tourney vs the $10 billion CBS and Turner paid to broadcast the men's tourney. Look at the contracts for third tier TV rights that powerful men's programs have vs UConn's WBB deal with SNY. There simply is no comparison. This argument is stupid. The AAC is a wretched conference. Of you disagree, your head is in the sand. Uconn may still be a force in basketball, especially women's as long as Geno is around, but that does not a power conference make. Counting Louisville as a conference member is absolutely asinine. The AAC is sparse with power programs of any sort and sparser in terms of schools that carry any major media market. It's an unmitigated disaster if Uconn is in it for long. Yes, I will still enjoy the women's basketball program.

 

[alexrgct]

I agree that the women play a truer and better brand of basketball than men. This has been true, for me, since the '80s. Men dominate the court in ways that were not intended. Now, the height metric for which the game was designed is more truly reflected among women, not men:

Centers - 6-4
Forwards - 6-1
Guards - 5-9

On the men's side, you have 6-11 "small forwards" and 6-8 "point guards."

The game wasn't designed for that kind of height dominance IMHO

Women play it better.

Magic Johnson and Kevin Durant think your right to watch basketball should be revoked if you truly believe something this ridiculous. My God, where do some of you come up with this crap? Basketball, was designed for people who can run, jump, pass, shoot, and play within a team concept. Many, many of those people happen to be men.

BTW, with the increase in players who are 6'4" and above on the women's side who don't play a traditional post role also think your argument is absurd. Breanna Stewart, Candace Parker, EDD, not to mention up-and-comers like Brianna Turner, A'Ja Wilson, etc., are doing to the women's game what players like Magic, Lebron, Dirk, and Durant are doing on the men's side. That's a good thing, btw.

 

[intlzncster]

Magic Johnson and Kevin Durant think your right to watch basketball should be revoked if you truly believe something this ridiculous. My God, where do some of you come up with this crap? Basketball, was designed for people who can run, jump, pass, shoot, and play within a team concept. Many, many of those people happen to be men.

BTW, with the increase in players who are 6'4" and above on the women's side who don't play a traditional post role also think your argument is absurd. Breanna Stewart, Candace Parker, EDD, not to mention up-and-comers like Brianna Turner, A'Ja Wilson, etc., are doing to the women's game what players like Magic, Lebron, Dirk, and Durant are doing on the men's side. That's a good thing, btw.

This thread is funny. First it was women's basketball determines power conference status, then there was "one great team makes a great (and deep!) conference", and now, it even managed to veer down the path of "basketball is best played by short people". Amazing stuff.

 

[reno tony]

This thread is funny. First it was women's basketball determines power conference status, then there was "one great team makes a great (and deep!) conference, and now, it even managed to veer down the path of "basketball is best played by short people". Amazing stuff.

 

[Big UConn]

Now we're getting into an argument about the quality of women's basketball (not backed by any actual evidence, btw, and I'm a huge WBB fan)? Go look at the deal ESPN has to broadcast the women's tourney vs the $10 billion CBS and Turner paid to broadcast the men's tourney. Look at the contracts for third tier TV rights that powerful men's programs have vs UConn's WBB deal with SNY. There simply is no comparison. This argument is stupid. The AAC is a wretched conference. Of you disagree, your head is in the sand. Uconn may still be a force in basketball, especially women's as long as Geno is around, but that does not a power conference make. Counting Louisville as a conference member is absolutely asinine. The AAC is sparse with power programs of any sort and sparser in terms of schools that carry any major media market. It's an unmitigated disaster if Uconn is in it for long. Yes, I will still enjoy the women's basketball program.

Okay, I guess I didn't realize that the point of collegate sports is to make money. Silly me! I thought it had to do with students representing their university in athletic competition. Well, since you've clearly pointed out the error of my ways, I have a suggestion. Why doesn't the State of Connecticut simply sell off UConn to the highest bidder, and use the money to buy a professional sports team. How about the Patriots? Then we can join a "power conference," the NFL. Isn't that what it is all about? Making money off of sports?

Bytheway, in case you haven't heard the breakup of the Big East has resulted in a payoff of $25M to UConn. That is not a bad hunk of change. I understand it will be paid to UConn in $5M yearly installments. That is on top of whatever UConn negotiates for media rights. Also, the $10B paid by Turner is not all going to universities, and the part that is, will go to whatever universities are in the tournament. UConn has just as much right to compete for that money as any other school. In fact I think they will and will do a good job.

Also, if counting Louisville as part of the AAC is "asinine" then counting Maryland as part of the ACC is equally asinine. Yet that doesn't seem to bother you.

Finally, last I heard UConn was a state school, and the governor of our state just signed a bill to increase payments to UConn for expansion by $150M per year. That is on top of what it presently gets.

Considering all of the above, I have a hard time believing that unless UConn immediately joins some meathead conference we are doomed. UConn is not hurting financially. The AAC is a fine conference that is perfect for UConn. As was said above, it is a better conference than we deserve in football. It is certainly as competitive as the Big East was in Men's Basketball, is more competitive than the Catholic Big East is in Men's Basketball. And no conference in the USA is better than it in Women's Basketball. UConn's presence in the AAC will raise all the other teams. We will continue to kick the crop out of Duke, North Carolina, Maryland, and any other ACC wannabe that tries to challenge us in WCBB. We are the best. Period. End of story.

 

[HuskyMJ]

Considering all of the above, I have a hard time believing that unless UConn immediately joins some meathead conference we are doomed. UConn is not hurting financially.

Technically I agree with you. We are a major program in a mid major league but our coaches, facilities, and money is greater than the small conference schools that have had success in other sports. If Boise State can hang with the big dogs in football, if VCU can go to the Final 4 in basketball, if Butler can go to the national championship in basketball then nothing is stopping us. Mid major league in name but when a recruit visits and sees the new practice facility being built they will see a major program with better traits than schools in a better 'name' conference.

 

[intlzncster]

Okay, I guess I didn't realize that the point of collegate sports is to make money. Silly me! I thought it had to do with students representing their university in athletic competition. Well, since you've clearly pointed out the error of my ways, I have a suggestion. Why doesn't the State of Connecticut simply sell off UConn to the highest bidder, and use the money to buy a professional sports team. How about the Patriots? Then we can join a "power conference," the NFL. Isn't that what it is all about? Making money off of sports?

Unfortunate to be sure, but true, in today's day and age. Just about nothing points to NCAA sports being just about the athletics and academics anymore. It's also a marketing tool, one of the best options a university has.

Bytheway, in case you haven't heard the breakup of the Big East has resulted in a payoff of $25M to UConn. That is not a bad hunk of change. I understand it will be paid to UConn in $5M yearly installments. That is on top of whatever UConn negotiates for media rights. Also, the $10B paid by Turner is not all going to universities, and the part that is, will go to whatever universities are in the tournament. UConn has just as much right to compete for that money as any other school. In fact I think they will and will do a good job.

Each ACC school will make at least $17 million annually for the next 15 years on their TV deal alone. That works out to a hell of a lot more than what we get on this deal.

Also, if counting Louisville as part of the AAC is "asinine" then counting Maryland as part of the ACC is equally asinine. Yet that doesn't seem to bother you.

No need to count Maryland. They are essentially irrelant in the comparison, other than Louisville is superior to them athletically.

Finally, last I heard UConn was a state school, and the governor of our state just signed a bill to increase payments to UConn for expansion by $150M per year. That is on top of what it presently gets.

That's taxpayer money though. Quality athletics make money for a school.

Considering all of the above, I have a hard time believing that unless UConn immediately joins some meathead conference we are doomed. UConn is not hurting financially. The AAC is a fine conference that is perfect for UConn. As was said above, it is a better conference than we deserve in football. It is certainly as competitive as the Big East was in Men's Basketball, is more competitive than the Catholic Big East is in Men's Basketball. And no conference in the USA is better than it in Women's Basketball. UConn's presence in the AAC will raise all the other teams. We will continue to kick the crop out of Duke, North Carolina, Maryland, and any other ACC wannabe that tries to challenge us in WCBB. We are the best. Period. End of story.

No one's arguing UConn is doomed. Most people assert that we will be fine in most sports. That said, our quality of competition, both athletically and academically, has taken a nosedive. We now play in an inferior conference.

And it is note REMOTELY as competitive as BE basketball was. That was THE power conference in Men's Basketball over the past 5-10 years. And the Women's side was no slouch either (Rutgers, ND, Louisville, etc...).

 

[Big UConn]

Unfortunate to be sure, but true, in today's day and age. Just about nothing points to NCAA sports being just about the athletics and academics anymore. It's also a marketing tool, one of the best options a university has.

Yes it is a marketing tool. And how is UConn, with 8 women's NCs since 1994 and 3 men's NCs since 1998 going to be hurt by being in the AAC? As everyone says, we are the Flagship of the AAC. We are going to win conference title after conference title. We are going to post season tournament after post season tournament. What's not to like?

The competition is too weak? Really? We play two Texas schools in football, plus two Florida schools and Cincinnati. We'll see how many of those we win. Our OOC in football includes Michigan and Maryland, and I am sure we can keep that kind of competition coming.

Men's basketball? Well, this year we've got Louisville, the national champ last year, ranked 2nd this year. We are ranked 14th:

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-bas...25-2013-14-season-ncaa-men-college-basketball

Memphis is 15th. Of the old Big East, Marquette is ranked 9th and Syracuse 10th.

Sure looks to me that this year's AAC beats this years Big East

Women's basketball? Don't even try.



Each ACC school will make at least $17 million annually for the next 15 years on their TV deal alone. That works out to a hell of a lot more than what we get on this deal.

So what? Do you really think that in a few years we won't be able to do better?



No need to count Maryland. They are essentially irrelant in the comparison, other than Louisville is superior to them athletically.

Really? I guess that is why the Big Ten took them and not Louisville.



That's taxpayer money though. Quality athletics make money for a school.

We are making money. According to the UConn Foundation, our athletics are entirely self supporting. Structures such as the Practice Facility are paid for by donations.




No one's arguing UConn is doomed. Most people assert that we will be fine in most sports. That said, our quality of competition, both athletically and academically, has taken a nosedive. We now play in an inferior conference.


Honestly, that is so false. Our football competition is the same or better. Our men's basketball competition is the same or better. Our women's basketball competition is the same or better.

Look at the Catholic BE women's basketball teams. They stunk and still do. None of them has ever won a National Championship. Not only that, they were pathetic.

Notre Dame and Louisville were the only two Big East teams that ever did anything in Women's basketball besides UConn. Notre Dame is BEGGING to continue playing us. We said no, at least for this year. Do you want to bet that Louisville would jump at the chance to keep UConn on the schedule? What we gain by getting out of the Big East is not having to play teams like Seton Hall, Villanova, and the other garbage teams of the old BE.



And it is note REMOTELY as competitive as BE basketball was. That was THE power conference in Men's Basketball over the past 5-10 years. And the Women's side was no slouch either (Rutgers, ND, Louisville, etc...)

Over the last ten years, Connecticut won two NCs, Syracuse one, and Louisville one. We are playing Louisville this year, plus a stronger conference schedule than we would have had had the old BE still been intact. Being in the AAC is an all win, no loss situation. We are in a league where our name will still be at the top of the Marquee. What I cannot understand is why UConn fans don't realize how good this is.

 

[intlzncster]

Yes it is a marketing tool. And how is UConn, with 8 women's NCs since 1994 and 3 men's NCs since 1998 going to be hurt by being in the AAC? As everyone says, we are the Flagship of the AAC. We are going to win conference title after conference title. We are going to post season tournament after post season tournament. What's not to like?

What are the other conference institutions' credentials as of next year, minus Rutgers/Louisville.

The competition is too weak? Really? We play two Texas schools in football, plus two Florida schools and Cincinnati. We'll see how many of those we win. Our OOC in football includes Michigan and Maryland, and I am sure we can keep that kind of competition coming.

Football is the best of the bunch, especially because UConn is so low on the pecking order. Make no mistake though, non of these schools will be playing for a national championship in football. I'm afraid we'll never get a power conference invite until we improve the profile of our football program.

Men's basketball? Well, this year we've got Louisville, the national champ last year, ranked 2nd this year. We are ranked 14th:
Memphis is 15th. Of the old Big East, Marquette is ranked 9th and Syracuse 10th.

And next year? The days of having 5-9 schools in the top 25, and 3-4 in the top 10, are over.

Sure looks to me that this year's AAC beats this years Big East

Note sure what your point is? There is no "this years Big East". Again, there is no need to include Louisville nor Rutgers as they aren't conference members, just a yearly placeholder. Do the comparison in a years time if you must.

Women's basketball? Don't even try.
Again, as one player does not a team make, one team does not a conference make. Women's basketball competition is awful in the new conference. Cincy? It's just UConn.

So what? Do you really think that in a few years we won't be able to do better?

Yes, the AAC will likely NEVER get 17 million per school for a TV deal. Not in the next 10 years at any rate. Unless other schools are getting 40 million per. The American will always be behind the ACC, Big10, Big12, SEC, and PAC10.

Really? I guess that is why the Big Ten took them and not Louisville.

That was due to market penetration (Maryland/DC and NC), Academics and academic facilities. Louisville is notoriously lower brow in that regard. Also why Rutgers got an invite (NYC market and prestigious AAU member). I only made the comment in relation to 'irrelevance' to the conversation, because MD will be gone eventually, and not part of the discussion.

We are making money. According to the UConn Foundation, our athletics are entirely self supporting. Structures such as the Practice Facility are paid for by donations.

Great, but a bunch of other schools in the conference do not. Btw, that money you spoke of is an appropriation that appears to come from taxpayer money (plus some donation) and has nothing to do with athletics. Read here.

Honestly, that is so false. Our football competition is the same or better. Our men's basketball competition is the same or better. Our women's basketball competition is the same or better.

Football may be same, but not likely. Basketball your statement is patently false. the top 10 ACC schools would be slot somewhere in the top 11 of our conference next year. The answer is the same for the womens side. Even if you took last years BE and compare it to AAC, you'd get the same result. You cannot realistically make an argument to the contrary. Do it, and I'll shoot it down without effort. You might be the only person in America that would take your side of the argument.

Look at the Catholic BE women's basketball teams. They stunk and still do. None of them has ever won a National Championship. Not only that, they were pathetic.

So who has won a NC besides UConn in our new conference?

Notre Dame and Louisville were the only two Big East teams that ever did anything in Women's basketball besides UConn. Notre Dame is BEGGING to continue playing us. We said no, at least for this year. Do you want to bet that Louisville would jump at the chance to keep UConn on the schedule? What we gain by getting out of the Big East is not having to play teams like Seton Hall, Villanova, and the other garbage teams of the old BE.

No. Rutgers was dominant. Georgetown (a catholic) have been good of late. As has Syracuse. Villanova was good in the past.

Over the last ten years, Connecticut won two NCs, Syracuse one, and Louisville one. We are playing Louisville this year, plus a stronger conference schedule than we would have had had the old BE still been intact. Being in the AAC is an all win, no loss situation. We are in a league where our name will still be at the top of the Marquee. What I cannot understand is why UConn fans don't realize how good this is.[/quote]


Again, for the umpty-ump time, Louisville is not in our conference as of next year!! You are definitely biased and delusional in this argument. Seriously, would 99% of America take your side? They would not. When you are that far on the other side of the scale, you are probably wrong. When you look around the table and can't spot the sucker, it's probably you.

 

[KnightBridgeAZ]

And as you keep discussing Football, remember that the AAC doesn't have any guarantee of admission to the new "BCS" or "playoff" or whatever they are calling it (neither did the old BE in the plans at the end). But the old BE did have access to the old BCS throughout its life.