The number of BE in-conference games will be reduced in future seasons. Not a lot of teams want to schedule the Huskies. I think it’s great that Nicki Collen and Baylor will accept the challenge.I just don't think Baylor would be a wise priority for the valuable few OOC games... Unless they want a sustained TX presence for recruiting...
What formula are they going to use to reduce games? Also, aren’t they seeking a twelfth team to alleviate the bye?The number of BE in-conference games will be reduced in future seasons. Not a lot of teams want to schedule the Huskies. I think it’s great that Nicki Collen and Baylor will accept the challenge.
I don’t know exactly what the formula will be. Obviously, it’s a lot easier with 12 teams than 11, where you could have Eastern & Western divisions.What formula are they going to use to reduce games? Also, aren’t they seeking a twelfth team to alleviate the bye?
A Western division in the Big East? They should add Gonzaga for the 12th team. But then there would be no natural local rivalries for Gonzaga. Notre Dame would be the best fit if they hadn't gone over to the dark side. Too bad all these WBB teams have to follow their football teams into whatever conference they prefer.I don’t know exactly what the formula will be. Obviously, it’s a lot easier with 12 teams than 11, where you could have Eastern & Western divisions.
I'm hearing Kim is looking for a home game with Central CT, Fairfield or Quinnipiac...or all three for their future OOC schedule.I’m in favor, now that Baylor is Mulkey-free.

If any teams should be added to the BigEast, my first option would be Jose, South Florida.A Western division in the Big East? They should add Gonzaga for the 12th team. But then there would be no natural local rivalries for Gonzaga. Notre Dame would be the best fit if they hadn't gone over to the dark side. Too bad all these WBB teams have to follow their football teams into whatever conference they prefer.
Late Edit
That would be a great addition to the BE. But Jose is now the top dog in the AAC with Geno gone, and USF has a D1 football program that calls the shots when it comes to conference affiliation.If any teams should be added to the BigEast, my first option would be Jose, South Florida.
Afraid of Kim, eh?I’m in favor, now that Baylor is Mulkey-free.

I’m afraid of Kim and Bobby Knight. They throw things.Afraid of Kim, eh?![]()
Yea, but with Kim it’s only her jacket, which is not nearly as bad as getting hit with a chair…..I’m afraid of Kim and Bobby Knight. They throw things.

How about Loyola of Chicago? Jesuit school with no football; natural rival for both Marquette and DePaul, ideal for filling out an East-West scenario (Creighton, Butler, Xavier). The men were once a powerhouse; the school has the resources and there are plenty of available arenas in Chicagoland.That would be a great addition to the BE. But Jose is now the top dog in the AAC with Geno gone, and USF has a D1 football program that calls the shots when it comes to conference affiliation.
UConn, St. Johns, Seton Hall, Georgetown, Providence and Villanova in the East.How about Loyola of Chicago? Jesuit school with no football; natural rival for both Marquette and DePaul, ideal for filling out an East-West scenario (Creighton, Butler, Xavier). The men were once a powerhouse; the school has the resources and there are plenty of available arenas in Chicagoland.
or Dayton or St LouisHow about Loyola of Chicago? Jesuit school with no football; natural rival for both Marquette and DePaul, ideal for filling out an East-West scenario (Creighton, Butler, Xavier). The men were once a powerhouse; the school has the resources and there are plenty of available arenas in Chicagoland.
That would be a great addition to the BE. But Jose is now the top dog in the AAC with Geno gone, and USF has a D1 football program that calls the shots when it comes to conference affiliation.
I can only think of two TX recruits and admittedly one worked out but you know not really a fertile recruiting territory.I guess if you want a TX recruiting presence and be able to kill two birds with one stone with flights then you'd want to get Baylor and TX on opposite home and away schedules so you are going there every year.
The tournament is regularly in TX so also not a bad idea with getting the team comfortable with that trip.
BTW--- I still think Gonzaga in the Big East could work. They are really the only school that is good enough in both genders and without the football burden. Yeah the distance is a challenge but they could forge a new rivalry with Creighton. In reality, Gonzaga only has rivalries now with CA schools and they are just as far away from them as Creighton.
What did I miss? Are we losing a team, or is it a rotation of playing most teams 2x and a few 1x? Thanks in advanceI know Geno has said it is a lot tougher to get teams to play UConn and as @oldude noted, next year the conference schedule moves to only 18 conference games so there is room for 2 more OOC games.
Yes, that’s possible. But we’re talking about football and basketball. The problem is that the AAC has a 12 year, $1 billion contract with ESPN. While I doubt that ESPN cares much about USF crew or volleyball. I don’t think they would be pleased if the top WBB program jumps ship to a rival conference who’s contract is with FOX Sports.Not that it’s likely but can’t a school divide its athletic teams into two conferences for major sports? It clearly is allowed with minor sports like hockey.
Money. Plain and simple.A Western division in the Big East? They should add Gonzaga for the 12th team. But then there would be no natural local rivalries for Gonzaga. Notre Dame would be the best fit if they hadn't gone over to the dark side. Too bad all these WBB teams have to follow their football teams into whatever conference they prefer.
Late Edit
Translation: Of course the home and home OOC series won’t start until 2024-2025. Baylor would be have to be wacko to play against a team with a healthy Edwards, Nika, Paige, Caroline, Azzi and Griffin.
Completely agree! Well said, though “Chevelle” might be a bit of an overstatement. I’m thinking SUV, family sedan, Ford Taurus. She (Colleen) is certainly no Kim Mulkey and Baylor will either continue it’s slide into “elevated mediocrity” or self-adjust within a very few years. I have nothing against her but, as you so eloquently said, replacing a world class craftsman with a journeyman is not going to give you the results you are looking for!I know Geno has said it is a lot tougher to get teams to play UConn and as @oldude noted, next year the conference schedule moves to only 18 conference games so there is room for 2 more OOC games. I just don't think that Baylor will be nearly as competitive under Collen as it was under Mulkey. She's taken a "Maserati" and is turning into a "Chevelle" in two short years. From Kim's 28-3 and 11 straight conference titles to 28-7, losing the Conference Tournament in 2022 and this year's 20-12 record and 4th place finish in the Big12. If this trend continues, I will be surprised if she will even be coaching in 2024-25.