Forgive my ambiguity here, reputable source: UConn making earnest P5 Push | Page 2 | The Boneyard

Forgive my ambiguity here, reputable source: UConn making earnest P5 Push

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We damn well better be aggressively pursuing P5 admittance. I take that as a given. My concern is that there is no reciprocal interest and no one here knows whether there is or not.
 
uconndogs said:
We damn well better be aggressively pursuing P5 admittance. I take that as a given. My concern is that there is no reciprocal interest and no one here knows whether there is or not.
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There's also a potential partnership issue. It's a tough sell for a conference to expand to an odd number given the scheduling nightmares that come associated with that. Other schools that may be of interest to a P5 conference are either tied up by a GoR or huge exit fee (most likely both). The schools left on the sidelines aren't that appetizing once you get past UConn, BYU and maybe a few others depending on what conference would want them.
 
Dooley said:
There's also a potential partnership issue. It's a tough sell for a conference to expand to an odd number given the scheduling nightmares that come associated with that. Other schools that may be of interest to a P5 conference are either tied up by a GoR or huge exit fee (most likely both). The schools left on the sidelines aren't that appetizing once you get past UConn, BYU and maybe a few others depending on what conference would want them.
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If conference championship game deregulation passes (and it looks like it will this Spring) the ACC may want an even number of basketball schools. They would only need 1 school to get to 16. Just sayin.
 
WhartonHusky said:
Herbst has described athletics as the "front porch" of a University. She absolutely recognizes it's value in marketing, branding, and fundraising.
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That's basically what she said at the NYC Alumni event over the winter. Basically agreed that P5 is very important for UConn's image and future aspirations; but, is focused on research dollars, state budget wrangling, increasing number and quality of faculty, etc. because that is what UConn can control, cannot control when/if the P5 decides to expand (or contract to a P4 alignment). The fact that she spoke on the academic side of the house versus athletic (Warde was there) makes me thinks if there is a push for P5, it is the B1G for obvious reasons.
 
I would expect at a minimum that anyone worth a damn at UCONN is making a full-balls-out push for a P5 invite. I don't think it's coming, but if they aren't pushing 24/7, they are not doing their job.
 
Mr. Conehead said:
That's basically what she said at the NYC Alumni event over the winter. Basically agreed that P5 is very important for UConn's image and future aspirations; but, is focused on research dollars, state budget wrangling, increasing number and quality of faculty, etc. because that is what UConn can control, cannot control when/if the P5 decides to expand (or contract to a P4 alignment). The fact that she spoke on the academic side of the house versus athletic (Warde was there) makes me thinks if there is a push for P5, it is the B1G for obvious reasons.
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The B1G would not wish to dilute their current cash pile by adding another member without the expectation the new member would eventually contribute to said cash pile… make a deposit, not a withdrawal, ya know. Is UConn that school?
 
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Rinaldi said:
The B1G would not wish to dilute their current cash pile by adding another member without the expectation the new member would eventually contribute to said cash pile… make a deposit, not a withdrawal, ya know. Is UConn that school?
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Framed by the BTN, why not? Without the BTN our value pales, IMO. What the BTN needs and we can help supply, nicely, is quality content, year round
 
amory said:
I do appreciate knowing that the school is making a concerted effort and that they realize how important this is for the university as a whole.

But the real question is whether there's any legitimate P5 interest in UConn. Rumors keep popping up about UCF, Cincinnati, BYU, even Memphis. Haven't heard anything solid about there being interest in UConn since we were passed up for the ACC spot that they gave to Louisville.
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The teams you mention that have rumors popping up about them would only be B12 possibilities and that's because that conference is fluid. I don't think you're going to see rumors re ACC or BIG10 expansion since those conferences know to keep their mouths shut.
 
The Funster said:
Framed by the BTN, why not? Without the BTN our value pales, IMO. What the BTN needs and we can help supply, nicely, is quality content, year round
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The BTN is offered by Comcast out of Middletown, but it is on a specialty sports tier. If UConn were to be invited, the BTN would in all likelihood go to a basic expanded tier (a la ESPNU) and demand a higher carriage rate. That along with advertising revenue in the Hartford/New Haven market would approach the aforementioned cash pile. Add in Fairfield County, and it far exceeds it.
 
amory said:
Rumors keep popping up about UCF, Cincinnati, BYU, even Memphis. Haven't heard anything solid about there being interest in UConn since we were passed up for the ACC spot that they gave to Louisville.
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ThetaZoo said:
The teams you mention that have rumors popping up about them would only be B12 possibilities and that's because that conference is fluid. I don't think you're going to see rumors re ACC or BIG10 expansion since those conferences know to keep their mouths shut.
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The B12 wouldn't leak about UConn either if they have us highly rated, because they'd worry the ACC or B1G might preemptively take us away if they knew a B12 invite was imminent. Why invite competition for the most attractive candidate remaining?

I'd expect something to leak in the late stages of a possible B12 deal, but not 6 months early, which is where we now are.
 
pj said:
The B12 wouldn't leak about UConn either if they have us highly rated, because they'd worry the ACC or B1G might preemptively take us away if they knew a B12 invite was imminent. Why invite competition for the most attractive candidate remaining?

I'd expect something to leak in the late stages of a possible B12 deal, but not 6 months early, which is where we now are.
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Do you really see UConn as a fit in the B12? As much as UConn wants P5, it's a bit hard for me to see that arrangement. ACC yes. B1G maybe. B12...not so much.
 
Rinaldi said:
Do you really see UConn as a fit in the B12? As much as UConn wants P5, it's a bit hard for me to see that arrangement. ACC yes. B1G yes. B12...not so much.
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Why not?
 
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Rinaldi said:
Might as well add the PAC12 to the list as well...
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Geographically, how different is the Big12 to the American
big-121.jpg

today.
20130702013606!American_Athletic_Conference_Member_Locations.png
 
The B12 is as good a geographic fit for us as the AAC, and it's a much better conference. If the B1G won't add without a partner and if there won't be a partner until the GoR expire for the ACC or B12, then the B12 could be our best landing place ... until the next realignment shuffle in 10 years.

From the B12's point of view, money is the key thing, and also potential for a network which might enable the conference to continue after expiration of the current contract. For that they need markets. UConn brings more money than any other available school. BYU would be comparable in value to us, and Cincy, USF, and UCF would be distinctly worse.
 
Yes, the American. Of course you are correct. I simply thought, among the P5, there may be some better options. I quite misunderstood your point.
 
My UConn insider has also told me the same as I have mentioned before. "They (Warde and Susan) have been working their butts off!"

I also heard that "Susan is a huge sports fan and understands the importance of being in a P5."

Whether or not we make it is another question, but it's not for lack or trying.
 
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For the love of.....UCONN is never going to get an invite from the Big 12. Never.
 
I believe UConn's land bridge from NYC to New England (and other attributes) makes y'all far too attractive for B1G to take a pass on. Now, why Delany felt the need to put the AAU requirement on record is a curiosity. Assuming the directive to do so came from above, it's hard to speculate on the direction that this is headed. I believe they know that UConn's AAU invite is coming, but perhaps not the timing. So, sit tight...


Bedsides, don't you have NCAA credits to collect for a while yet?
 
I appreciate that UConn is working behind the scenes quietly. Most mergers are built over time and trust is needed. One way to earn trust is to keep lips sealed. I have little doubt that UConn has received "guidance" regarding media leaks.

All that being said I would also appreciate if UConn had some moles highly involved in any talks that could provide some positive media spin or generate social media buzz occassionally.
 
It would be consistent with the modus operandi of Delany and the B1G Presidents and Chancellors to communicate with Herbst and others at UConn about B1G membership with a non-disclosure agreement in place similar to their experience with Maryland. It appears to me that Herbst is positioning UConn as a candidate for B1G membership and suspect ongoing conversations are being held behind the scenes about a path to B1G membership.

"Before the meeting could take place, the Big Ten asked Maryland officials to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Delany did not want public discourse. A year earlier, when the Big Ten had inquired about several Big 12 schools, conference officials initially wanted transparency in the process. Instead, the public discussion led to mayhem."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/maryland-to-big-ten-its-money-versus-tradition/2012/12/11/3c5da16c-3fd0-11e2-ae43-cf491b837f7b_story.html
 
Rinaldi said:
Do you really see UConn as a fit in the B12? As much as UConn wants P5, it's a bit hard for me to see that arrangement. ACC yes. B1G maybe. B12...not so much.
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Obviously the B1G and ACC are better fits, but one of the reasons UConn didn't get an invite was for football reasons. The Big 12 already has great football. The reason for any potential expansion would be to add numbers to get to a CCG, so why not add UConn?
 
amory said:
I do appreciate knowing that the school is making a concerted effort and that they realize how important this is for the university as a whole.

But the real question is whether there's any legitimate P5 interest in UConn. Rumors keep popping up about UCF, Cincinnati, BYU, even Memphis. Haven't heard anything solid about there being interest in UConn since we were passed up for the ACC spot that they gave to Louisville.
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how many rumors did you hear about MD or Rutty before they moved to the Big?
 
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CTGoonie said:
If conference championship game deregulation passes (and it looks like it will this Spring) the ACC may want an even number of basketball schools. They would only need 1 school to get to 16. Just sayin.
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CTGoonie count me as one of your fans, but if you're thinking that UConn only joins the ACC as a BB member only - then it. NFW!

B C, WF, Syra...., Pitts all are full members and we're not? that and the whole ACC if they think will bite at that.
 
OkaForPrez said:
I'm sorry folks, I have to keep this intentionally vague and while nothing I write here will appear out of step with traditional rumor mongering, it gave me comfort to hear it so choose to take from it what you want.

While I'm sure we've all assumed UConn is working hard to pitch the P5 conferences for inclusion I'm now 2 degrees of separation from someone directly involved in the process...The person who brought this to me is not a realignment junky...All of the talking points they referenced fit the discussion and the source they indicated is plausible.
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Although this sounds like the girl from Ferris Bueller (my best friend's sister's boyfriend's brother's...), you've still made my day. You're now in my Fab 5... ;)

 
Sea Goat said:
CTGoonie count me as one of your fans, but if you're thinking that UConn only joins the ACC as a BB member only - then it. NFW!

B C, WF, Syra...., Pitts all are full members and we're not? that and the whole ACC if they think will bite at that.
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I don't thinks that's what he means. He likely means if conference championship game and division rules are deregulated (vote coming this year) then the ACC can go to a single division in football with 15 teams (picking the two highest ranked teams for the champ game) plus keep the deal with ND, and round out basketball and other Olympic sports with 16 full members.

Likely not going to happen. Unless the ACC network comes to fruition, so yeah not gonna happen.
 
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