ESPN article - UCONN done chasing other conferences for realignment

[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.

 

[Icebear]

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.

Nor do I expect it to gain such access anytime soon.

 

[jplotinus]

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.

BigUconn

I like your style and perspective. I have said many of the same things myself in prior threads. My experience in saying them was that many posters didn't like it and were really committed to a belief the AAC was inferior and brooked no opposition to their inferiority complex.

I am very pleased with your willingness to take on all comers.

The AAC is equivalent to any other conference. In <5 years it is highly likely the AAC's all important (to some) $$$ deal(s) will equal or exceed that of the conferences that have greener grass per the green glasses worn by some.

Hang in there. Time and reason are on your side.

 

[intlzncster]

BigUconn

I like your style and perspective. I have said many of the same things myself in prior threads. My experience in saying them was that many posters didn't like it and were really committed to a belief the AAC was inferior and brooked no opposition to their inferiority complex.

I am very pleased with your willingness to take on all comers.

The AAC is equivalent to any other conference. In <5 years it is highly likely the AAC's all important (to some) $ deal(s) will equal or exceed that of the conferences that have greener grass per the green glasses worn by some.

Hang in there. Time and reason are on your side.

Prolly not.

But there's nothing intrinsically wrong with taking the opposing view point, no matter how delusional it is. Time is definitely on your side if you allow it to extend out into infinity. (Rational) Reason has yet to be offered for your side of the particular argument.

 

[HuskyNan]

I can't believe what I'm seeing in this thread. I didn't think it was possible, but there really are two people who think losing Notre Dame and replacing it with Central Florida is a good deal. If UConn fans weren't showing up to watch the UConn women play Providence or Seton Hall, will they show up to watch East Carolina, Tulsa or Tulane? UConn's SOS is going to take a nosedive and drag the RPI with it along with the athletic department's profits as the bball, football, soccer, field hockey, golf, track & field, etc teams have to fly across the country dozens of times.

UConn has got to get out of this crappy conference ASAP. Now, please excuse me while I to back to throwing darts at my Warde Manuel poster.

 

[Fishy]

If you think UConn is actually content in the AAC, you're beyond help. If you think Warde Manuel is content in the AAC, you are equally beyond help.

Over the short term, the AAC is a penalty box - over the long term, it's the slow, but sure atrophy of our athletic programs. That includes women's basketball - the AAC will hurt Geno's program and when he retires, it will hurt a whole lot more. Top recruits are not going to flock to play Central Florida or Tulsa or the other grease fires we're lumped with.

Most folks here get it. Some don't - they're kidding themselves.

 

[intlzncster]

I can't believe what I'm seeing in this thread. I didn't think it was possible, but there really are two people who think losing Notre Dame and replacing it with Central Florida is a good deal. If UConn fans weren't showing up to watch the UConn women play Providence or Seton Hall, will they show up to watch East Carolina, Tulsa or Tulane? UConn's SOS is going to take a nosedive and drag the RPI with it along with the athletic department's profits as the bball, football, soccer, field hockey, golf, track & field, etc teams have to fly across the county dozens of times.

UConn has got to get out of this crappy conference ASAP. Now, please excuse me while I to back to throwing darts at my Warde Manuel poster.

Damn wish I mentioned RPI. That would have been the easiest, surest shot over the bow.

 

[HuskyNan]

Damn wish I mentioned RPI. That would have been the easiest, surest shot over the bow.

There was too much territory to cover in explaining why the AAC is a slow-acting poison to UConn athletics.

 

[doggydaddy]

So, as fans, what can we do? Pretty much nothing but complain.

Or maybe go to more games and support the teams.

 

[intlzncster]

So, as fans, what can we do? Pretty much nothing but complain.

Or maybe go to more games and support the teams.

When you're chewing on life's gristle....doooooon't grumble. Give a whistle!

 

[Icebear]

If you think UConn is actually content in the AAC, you're beyond help. If you think Warde Manuel is content in the AAC, you are equally beyond help.

Over the short term, the AAC is a penalty box - over the long term, it's the slow, but sure atrophy of our athletic programs. That includes women's basketball - the AAC will hurt Geno's program and when he retires, it will hurt a whole lot more. Top recruits are not going to flock to play Central Florida or Tulsa or the other grease fires we're lumped with.

Most folks here get it. Some don't - they're kidding themselves.

Fishy, I have tried to explain that to jplot from the beginning. The bad news is he doesn't want to accept the truth. The worse news is he now has a partner although I suspect the possibility of a clone.

 

[RadyLady]

Fishy, I have tried to explain that to jplot from the beginning. The bad news is he doesn't want to accept the truth. The worse news is he now has a partner although I suspect the possibility of a clone.

But the Good news is...maybe they will exchange private messages discussing their good fortune in gaining access to the AAC in lieu of another thread, and pat each other on their collective backs at UConn's position of being a very big fish in a very, very, very, very small pond...for just about all sports, that is.

And the rest of us can go back to gnashing our teeth over recruiting, USA basketball, and the WNBA.

 

[Fishy]

Fishy, I have tried to explain that to jplot from the beginning. The bad news is he doesn't want to accept the truth. The worse news is he now has a partner although I suspect the possibility of a clone.

It was worth a try, but it won't help.

I suspect one of them cannot be taught and the other is just a garden-variety troll from the ESPN boards.

 

[Big UConn]

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.

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.[/quote]

Intlz, for the umpty-ump time Louisville is in our conference next year. The year after that, they may not even be rated so let's talk about what we know, not what we think might happen.

Your main problem seems to be that you think a school is defined by the conference it is in. That may be true for the Ivy League, but it is not true most others. Duke for example has an excellent academic reputation, better than any other ACC school and that doesn't change because they are in a conference where they rarely win a football game. And Duke will play us in basketball until Hell freezes over.

There is no conference where UConn would not be rated at the top in both men's and women's basketball. That being true, any power team will play us, regardless of the conference. As I said before, Notre Dame was begging us to play next year, and we said no. We have the choice. Do you think Duke will stop playing us? Baylor? Stanford? We get to pick and choose, baby, because we are the best.

UConn men are rated 14th in the preseason poll. I reckon they are closer to 4th than 14th. We'll see.

Football, well, I cannot really talk freely about that because of the board rules. But we can become a national powerhouse in football if we make the right decisions.

 

[Big UConn]

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.

I really don't think that will be a big problem for us. I haven't seen us ready for a bowl game since Edsell left.

 

[Big UConn]

BigUconn

I like your style and perspective. I have said many of the same things myself in prior threads. My experience in saying them was that many posters didn't like it and were really committed to a belief the AAC was inferior and brooked no opposition to their inferiority complex.

I am very pleased with your willingness to take on all comers.

The AAC is equivalent to any other conference. In <5 years it is highly likely the AAC's all important (to some) $ deal(s) will equal or exceed that of the conferences that have greener grass per the green glasses worn by some.

Hang in there. Time and reason are on your side.

Thanks. I agree.