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

[CL82]

I don't want to downplay your semi-news and I am certainly not meaning to discredit your sources. I believe you were told exactly what you wrote. But I read your thread title and the first thought I had was "yawn."

No disrespect, but haven't we always been trying to get a P5 invite? Hasn't that always been our goal? I'm sure we are trying hard.

On the flip side, this may be reading too much into it, but if we are only now trying "in earnest" to get that invite, shame on our administration.

Conspiracy Kitty says:
Your cynicism sickens me. What part of 2 degrees of separation don't you understand?

 

[buddy]

I don't have any reputable sources of any kind but I can read and make logical deductions.

UCONN's biggest perceived weaknesses since all of the CR shuffling began:
1. non-AAU
2. football program (includes off-campus stadium, stadium size, recent records, and recruiting grounds)
3. small endowment
4. men's basketball APR / post-APR era / post-Calhoun era

What UCONN has done since that time:
1. successfully secured funding from the state in excess of $1.5B to significantly expand buildings, labs, and faculty
2. time will tell, but firing Pasqualoni was a good start. Would love to see some artist renderings of what an expanded Rent would look like
3. hired a very successful fundraiser from Emory University who has boosted the endowment over $400M and has set records for money raised
4. perfect 1000 APR scores to go along with a National Championship - needless to say, UCONN hoops has successfully made the transition

These scheduled football and basketball games in New York and Boston and against B1G schools (or schools who are rumored to be on the B1G radar in Missouri and UVA) is a wonderful opportunity to show UConn's reach outside of CT. They're also hopeful signs that our AD is engaged in conversations with other B1G ADs.

UConn just needs to keep doing what we're doing. Build up research, the endowment and the football program. We can't make any conference decide to expand, but we sure as hell can make it more difficult to stay with the current status quo.

In regards to the ACC snub, the only perceived weakness I thought was #2 on your list, bad football, at least according to an FSU poster on this blog. None of the rest mattered to the ACC on the final go around. Academics didn't matter, endowment didn't matter, men's basketball APR didn't matter. No other sports mattered except football, according to what I read here. AAU didn't matter to the ACC. Our President appeared at many alumni gatherings this past year where she was promoting advancements at the university in an attempt to lure donors. Even at the Wall Street event, where there was money for the taking, no news on the CR scene. Not even a statement that they were doing anything proactive. Also, in regards to your last statement, please advise what the hopeful signs are that our AD is engaged in conversations with other B1G ADs. Are you referring to scheduled football games against a couple B1G teams down the road, or is there more to it?

 

[CL82]

No disrespect taken. Like I said, some may see this as a non story if you always assumed we were doing our due diligence. If you had any doubt about that, hopefully this helps quell it. The things that would make this more interesting aren't share-able.

But, perfect for sharing via PM. Right? Right?

 

[CL82]

Can we stop with the Dumb and Dumber clip. Albeit infinitely more funny, it's as old as the "in 20 minutes" thing...but only because "in 20 minutes" is not, was not, nor will never be even remotely funny.

You can't say that. It could be hilarious sometime in the future. Say, oh I don't know...in twenty minutes?

 

[UConn990411]

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...

He's actually on record as saying it's not a requirement (though it's certainly something the B1G prefers).

 

[UConn Dan]

In regards to the ACC snub, the only perceived weakness I thought was #2 on your list, bad football, at least according to an FSU poster on this blog. None of the rest mattered to the ACC on the final go around. Academics didn't matter, endowment didn't matter, men's basketball APR didn't matter. No other sports mattered except football, according to what I read here. AAU didn't matter to the ACC. Our President appeared at many alumni gatherings this past year where she was promoting advancements at the university in an attempt to lure donors. Even at the Wall Street event, where there was money for the taking, no news on the CR scene. Not even a statement that they were doing anything proactive. Also, in regards to your last statement, please advise what the hopeful signs are that our AD is engaged in conversations with other B1G ADs. Are you referring to scheduled football games against a couple B1G teams down the road, or is there more to it?

The APR/post season ban did matter. It wasn't the only issue but the ACC wasn't going to welcome a new member on a post season ban.

 

[sportsart]

The APR/post season ban did matter. It wasn't the only issue but the ACC wasn't going to welcome a new member on a post season ban.

They prefer you to be a current member before you get banned.

 

[Seaa Blue]

He's actually on record as saying it's not a requirement (though it's certainly something the B1G prefers).

At the O'Bannon trial: George Schroeder@GeorgeSchroeder · 15m
Delany also mentioned membership in the AAU at time of application & sponsoring at least 16 sports as requirements for B1G entry.

I believe that is the most recent comment. It seems like a rehearsed statement, but as time passes I could see some wiggle room by saying that Delany wasn't expressing the collective sentiment of the Presidents and Chancellors of the Big Ten (or that those sentiments have changed).

 

[UConn Dan]

They prefer you to be a current member before you get banned.

Exactly!

 

[CTGoonie]

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.

Sorry for the confusion. For the record that hypothetical scenario was for all football too. I realize it would leave the ACC with 15 1/2 members but I'm sure they can work it out. I mean they have 2 conference teams playing each other out of conference so it's unbalanced already.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

To plug their mid-Atlantic hole, any chance the ACC gets creative and invites Navy in as a football only member (maybe lacrosse, too), which adds an historical name and allows ND to cover one of its traditional games as an in-conference match, and Georgetown in all other sports except for football? That would make Syracuse very happy and add a solid basketball name. Plus, the combined weight of Navy & G-Town is likely equal to or greater than Maryland.

 

[1999.2004.2011]

To plug their mid-Atlantic hole, any chance the ACC gets creative and invites Navy in as a football only member (maybe lacrosse, too), which adds an historical name and allows ND to cover one of its traditional games as an in-conference match, and Georgetown in all other sports except for football? That would make Syracuse very happy and add a solid basketball name. Plus, the combined weight of Navy & G-Town is likely equal to or greater than Maryland.

I know that partial conference members will only get a partial share of the league's tv revenue, but I don't really know if Georgetown and Navy would be worth their approx. share of the revenue on the television side of things

 

[billybud]

To plug their mid-Atlantic hole, any chance the ACC gets creative and invites Navy in as a football only member (maybe lacrosse, too), which adds an historical name and allows ND to cover one of its traditional games as an in-conference match, and Georgetown in all other sports except for football? That would make Syracuse very happy and add a solid basketball name. Plus, the combined weight of Navy & G-Town is likely equal to or greater than Maryland.

I don't think so. More likely to add UConn if they added a football program.

The problem is that the ACC is at 14...15 is an awkward, unbalanced number...going to 16 makes sense but the slot will probably wither awaiting Notre Dame.

I'd like to see the ACC just tell the Irish.."now or never" and then add Cincy and UConn. But you can't really push Notre Dame...they know folks are lined up to take them in.

 

[FDNY99]

I don't think so. More likely to add UConn if they added a football program.

The problem is that the ACC is at 14...15 is an awkward, unbalanced number...going to 16 makes sense but the slot will probably wither awaiting Notre Dame.

I'd like to see the ACC just tell the Irish.."now or never" and then add Cincy and UConn. But you can't really push Notre Dame...they know folks are lined up to take them in.

I think the only folks lined up to take them in is the B-12...IMHO the B1G ship has already sailed

 

[nelsonmuntz]

I don't think so. More likely to add UConn if they added a football program.

The problem is that the ACC is at 14...15 is an awkward, unbalanced number...going to 16 makes sense but the slot will probably wither awaiting Notre Dame.

I'd like to see the ACC just tell the Irish.."now or never" and then add Cincy and UConn. But you can't really push Notre Dame...they know folks are lined up to take them in.

I think ND has about 5 years to make the playoff before their relevance will fade even more. ND can't argue that they don't have a good coach, because they have a very good coach. It may just be that ND is not ND anymore.

I think UConn's best realistic case for something positive in CR is to be a partial ACC member like ND. I don't think it is likely, but it is the best outcome that seems even remotely possible. To do that, UConn needs to get the basketball team back in the Top 10 and get the football program to 8 or 9 wins.

 

[MattMang23]

Plus, the combined weight of Navy & G-Town is likely equal to or greater than Maryland.

Ehhh. Don't be so sure of that. I've spent some time in DC and most of the college sports conversation centers on Maryland, Virginia and even VT football. Georgetown is mostly an afterthought, except when they are exceptionally good- (kinda like St. John's' relationship with NYC) and so is Navy. Navy is bigger nationally than it is within the DC area.

 

[MattMang23]

I'd like to see the ACC just tell the Irish.."now or never" and then add Cincy and UConn. But you can't really push Notre Dame...they know folks are lined up to take them in.

Hello Big East circa 1997. Not fun having that problem now, is it?

 

[MattMang23]

I think ND has about 5 years to make the playoff before their relevance will fade even more. ND can't argue that they don't have a good coach, because they have a very good coach. It may just be that ND is not ND anymore.

Weird, I thought they just made the BCS championship game not too long ago.

 

[billybud]

Hello Big East circa 1997. Not fun having that problem now, is it?

Beats not having it, I reckon.

The Irish do bring a draw for the five games a year and a name OOC opponent.

And their non revenue sports are very good.

But...if you are one who wants the conference to go to 16, they are a hindrance.

 

[nd73]

I don't think so. More likely to add UConn if they added a football program.

The problem is that the ACC is at 14...15 is an awkward, unbalanced number...going to 16 makes sense but the slot will probably wither awaiting Notre Dame.

I'd like to see the ACC just tell the Irish.."now or never" and then add Cincy and UConn. But you can't really push Notre Dame...they know folks are lined up to take them in.

I agree with you Billy, I have said this for awhile that I was shocked that the ACC gave into the partial arrangement.
It's a money maker for both sides but it also is ripe for resentment.

 

[Kolumbo]

Geographically, how different is the Big12 to the American

today.

Night and day?

 

[OkaForPrez]

Night and day?

30% increase in average travel distance per school for a 20x increase in revenues from UConn's perspective. No Brainer.

 

[Kolumbo]

30% increase in average travel distance per school for a 20x increase in revenues from UConn's perspective. No Brainer.

I am not sure 30% is correct, but even if it is, that is a significant difference. I was only pointing out how different those two conferences are geographically. Now if you want to remove UCONN, Temple, Navy, Cincy, ECU, UCF, USF, and Memphis from the AAC map, then sure, they are similar.
Would the money be better in the Big 12? Yes. Will UCONN ever get an invite? Never.

 

[OkaForPrez]

I am not sure 30% is correct, but even if it is, that is a significant difference. I was only pointing out how different those two conferences are geographically. Now if you want to remove UCONN, Temple, Navy, Cincy, ECU, UCF, USF, and Memphis from the AAC map, then sure, they are similar.
Would the money be better in the Big 12? Yes. Will UCONN ever get an invite? Never.

Iowa state and Kansas are roughly the same distance driving from storrs as usf , ucf and Memphis are. 30% is correct I looked it up and the average is heavily offset by temple. While 30% is significant it's not the leap you are making it out to be by equating it to the pac, it's in the realm of reasonableness, certainly for uconn.

Wvu is 530 miles away, the big 12 on average is 1500, so wvu as a datapoint is already a geographic departure from the traditional big 12. The American was set on bringing in Boise and sdsu at one point. How important is geography?

Bowlsby is on record as saying the big 12 wants to move away from the LHN model and focus on a digitally delivered sports network. We've seen the numbers on uconns market penetration and the wealth of the market. If conferences go direct digital at 10-15 a month over streaming like the new sling model you sure as shit can bet we can monetize that as good as anyone.

If the big 12 needs 2 for a champ game your damn right were competitive for one of those spots.

These are my own thoughts by the way and in no way related to the op.

 

[HobokenHusky]

Guys, he's mentioning possible NDAs. He obviously is being a great friend and is not saying anything further, but I am going to infer this means actual conversations with actual P5 conferences have taken place. Hopefully they were good conversations.

 

[Point6]

Guys, he's mentioning possible NDAs. He obviously is being a great friend and is not saying anything further, but I am going to infer this means actual conversations with actual P5 conferences have taken place. Hopefully they were good conversations.

I was thinking the same thing. And I assume that he would be unlikely to post if the report from his contact was: there have been conversations and its a nonstarter. So, I think we can conclude we are in.
The other inference is that why have a conversation with an NDA if a move is not imminent? You cant keep secrets for years. So, I think its clear a move is announced soon.
The other inference that can be gleaned is that we are talking about the B1G. He said we are "using all available resources." That to me is a reference to the state level funding that is getting us up to B1G metrics on the academic side. That money would be pumped into a fast food sponsored stadium if we were talking about the ACC.
Lastly, I think he's talking about us joining in 2017. The reference to "2 degrees of separation" is a clear signal to 2017. We are "separated" now from the B1G by two years: 2015 and 2016.

 

[ConnHuskBask]

I wouldn't read too much into it, besides the actual message that @OkaForPrez said.

We are making an actual push for membership. That's comforting to here, because I've been concerned that Herbst really doesn't grasp or care about the athletic implications of this.

I believe OP and respect that he can't give anymore than what he said.

 

[CTMike]

I was thinking the same thing. And I assume that he would be unlikely to post if the report from his contact was: there have been conversations and its a nonstarter. So, I think we can conclude we are in.
The other inference is that why have a conversation with an NDA if a move is not imminent? You cant keep secrets for years. So, I think its clear a move is announced soon.
The other inference that can be gleaned is that we are talking about the B1G. He said we are "using all available resources." That to me is a reference to the state level funding that is getting us up to B1G metrics on the academic side. That money would be pumped into a fast food sponsored stadium if we were talking about the ACC.
Lastly, I think he's talking about us joining in 2017. The reference to "2 degrees of separation" is a clear signal to 2017. We are "separated" now from the B1G by two years: 2015 and 2016.

All you needed at the end there was "Never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line!" and it would have been perfect.

 

[Point6]

I wouldn't read too much into it"

C'mon man! I thought I was being conservative.

 

[Point6]

All you needed at the end there was "Never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line!" and it would have been perfect.

I had to google it.