Future Scheduling Idea

[rs2905]

@Buffalo was because of a football contract. Calhoun wasn't happy about that.
@UMass was because of the U-game contract.
@Rice was Emeka's homecoming game.
I don't recall them playing @UCF in the Big East days. What year was that?

That was 2008. Also add @ Houston to the list. Point is, homecoming or not, football or not, UConn has done it. A game at URI is better than almost all of them.

 

[selles]

That was 2008. Also add @ Houston to the list. Point is, homecoming or not, football or not, UConn has done it. A game at URI is better than almost all of them.

I think there's a baseline assumption that we need to play a certain number of home games, for revenue and fan purposes. You may agree or disagree with that assumption, but I think most people accept it. And if you take that as a given, then we can only schedule so many home and homes.

The fact that we played a random out of conference away game against non top tier programs from time to time while in the Big East - when we had much better conference opponents and a better relative revenue stream - is irrelevant now. Now, we need to maximize our out of conference home and homes by ensuring that we play major teams with a national name and a high likelihood of being pretty good. That's why people weren't thrilled to hear about Auburn and that's why people aren't real excited about the thought of URI. It's not arrogance or dismissal of URI as a program. It's that that type of scheduling isn't the best way to keep our program relevant so long as we are stuck here in our lifeboat hoping for rescue by the P5.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

When did we visit Houston outside of AAC games?

I don't recall playing UCF (outside of tournament games) pre-AAC but I won't dispute that claim. If we did, it was very likely (either for recruiting or scheduling) football related.

 

[rs2905]

I think there's a baseline assumption that we need to play a certain number of home games, for revenue and fan purposes. You may agree or disagree with that assumption, but I think most people accept it. And if you take that as a given, then we can only schedule so many home and homes.

The fact that we played a random out of conference away game against non top tier programs from time to time while in the Big East - when we had much better conference opponents and a better relative revenue stream - is irrelevant now. Now, we need to maximize our out of conference home and homes by ensuring that we play major teams with a national name and a high likelihood of being pretty good. That's why people weren't thrilled to hear about Auburn and that's why people aren't real excited about the thought of URI. It's not arrogance or dismissal of URI as a program. It's that that type of scheduling isn't the best way to keep our program relevant so long as we are stuck here in our lifeboat hoping for rescue by the P5.

Yeah, I get that. Let's think of it this way: You can play 31 regular season games. 18 are conference games, we'll say 3 are in an exempt tournament (Maui or whatever). That leaves 10 non-conference games to schedule. In a perfect world, maybe you have 2 high-major opponents at home and 2 on the road. Would you rather play the remaining 6 as home cupcakes, or 5 and a road game at a good mid-major?

Being in the AAC means UConn needs smart scheduling, not insane scheduling. Playing URI in basketball on the road every once in a while is not going to make a difference in conference realignment. And if it does, it would be a positive one, given that a game like that has a much higher chance of ending up on national TV than a game against Central (which still, somehow, was on ESPNU last year).

I don't hate Auburn, simply because I think they're going to be good next year (2017-18) and they were desperate for someone to play this year. Not ideal, but I'm not losing sleep over it with games already lined up against Ohio State, Georgetown and Syracuse, plus the AZ series starting next year.

Like I said, URI is not a substitute for a maquee non-conference game, but I think it could be a helpful addition to an already strong schedule.

 

[rs2905]

When did we visit Houston outside of AAC games?

I don't recall playing UCF (outside of tournament games) pre-AAC but I won't dispute that claim. If we did, it was very likely (either for recruiting or scheduling) football related.

Houston in 1999-00, UCF in 2008

 

[FfldCntyFan]

Houston in 1999-00, UCF in 2008

My first guess is the Houston game wad for Jake Voskuhl (that was his senior year).

 

[rs2905]

My first guess is the Houston game wad for Jake Voskuhl (that was his senior year).

Quite possibly. Glad Houston and Rice were willing to play homecoming games for a UConn player...unlike another school I've heard of.

 

[Waquoit]

We played UCF the night before the Meineke Bowl in Charlotte. I was there watching with a bar full of UConn fans. The Observer said we were good tippers. IIRC, UCF was opening their new BB facility and they were looking for a big-name opponent.

 

[BUHusky]

Would you rather play the remaining 6 as home cupcakes, or 5 and a road game at a good mid-major?

I don't think the answer is quite that simple. Life in the AAC means striking a delicate balance between smart scheduling and maximizing revenue. While subtracting a home cupcake for a good road mid-major certainly helps the RPI (assuming you win...which is a whole other story), it hurts the revenue stream. UConn is clawing for every dollar it can find right now.

 

[rs2905]

I don't think the answer is quite that simple. Life in the AAC means striking a delicate balance between smart scheduling and maximizing revenue. While subtracting a home cupcake for a good road mid-major certainly helps the RPI (assuming you win...which is a whole other story), it hurts the revenue stream. UConn is clawing for every dollar it can find right now.

I think that's absolutely a good point and should be considered. But I also don't think it should rule out playing a high-quality team on the road every other year. Somewhat related: How much money does UConn make from guarantee games, factoring in low attendance and the check they're cutting the team that comes in?

 

[CT Rhody]

I don't think the answer is quite that simple. Life in the AAC means striking a delicate balance between smart scheduling and maximizing revenue. While subtracting a home cupcake for a good road mid-major certainly helps the RPI (assuming you win...which is a whole other story), it hurts the revenue stream. UConn is clawing for every dollar it can find right now.

Agreed but the road contest would provide minimal expenses and you could play the home game at the XL center and if URI delivers on the preseason top 25 ranking it would sure to be a sell out generating additional revenue for that one game then they would get for a buy game from some mid major program. Let alone ESPN would be sure to pick up that series and put it on national TV creating the visibility UConn is looking for non-conference.

Obviously nothing is a slam dunk in scheduling, look at the series with Georgetown, while they have a national name their teams over the past couple of years have been dreadful. They have been mid-way or bottom half of the new mid major version of the Big East.

 

[BUHusky]

How much money does UConn make from guarantee games, factoring in low attendance and the check they're cutting the team that comes in?

That's a very good question. And if it's an XL game they also have to subtract the rent. That said I'm sure they are still coming out in the black despite all those factors. Or at least I hope so...

 

[CT Rhody]

That's a very good question. And if it's an XL game they also have to subtract the rent. That said I'm sure they are still coming out in the black despite all those factors. Or at least I hope so...

I saw a number 5yrs back that said a game at the XL that sells out, UConn makes roughly a million dollars off that event. A sell out is huge not only from the obvious ticket sale perspective but also from the beverage and concession perspective.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

One additional thing to factor into the equation is the commitment we have in terms of games played each year on the XL Center.

 

[TRest]

Agreed but the road contest would provide minimal expenses and you could play the home game at the XL center and if URI delivers on the preseason top 25 ranking it would sure to be a sell out generating additional revenue for that one game then they would get for a buy game from some mid major program. Let alone ESPN would be sure to pick up that series and put it on national TV creating the visibility UConn is looking for non-conference.

Obviously nothing is a slam dunk in scheduling, look at the series with Georgetown, while they have a national name their teams over the past couple of years have been dreadful. They have been mid-way or bottom half of the new mid major version of the Big East.

I'm not convinced ESPN would have any interest in it, and I don't even know what network (if any) has the rights to A10 home games. Having said that, URI should be in our rotation, we have played them more often than any other school. And URI is PC's true rival, that should be stipulated somewhere before UConn plays any of you guys.

 

[CL82]

Sorry, but on what planet is UConn too good for a H/H with URI?

Earth.

You're welcome.

 

[CT Rhody]

I'm not convinced ESPN would have any interest in it, and I don't even know what network (if any) has the rights to A10 home games. Having said that, URI should be in our rotation, we have played them more often than any other school. And URI is PC's true rival, that should be stipulated somewhere before UConn plays any of you guys.

ESPN has I believe 9 URI's games this year. ESPN, CBS Sports, and NBC Sports have the A-10 rights. I mentioned before, ESPN just picked up the OOC URI vs Houston game. If ESPN is interested in that game then I'm sure they would certainly be interested in a URI vs UConn game.

Agreed that URI is PC true rival. Like I mentioned before, UConn playing URI would cut PC fans deep since UConn won't play PC.

 

[Dream Jobbed 2.0]

ESPN has I believe 9 URI's games this year. ESPN, CBS Sports, and NBC Sports have the A-10 rights. I mentioned before, ESPN just picked up the OOC URI vs Houston game. If ESPN is interested in that game then I'm sure they would certainly be interested in a URI vs UConn game.

Agreed that URI is PC true rival. Like I mentioned before, UConn playing URI would cut PC fans deep since UConn won't play PC.

I'm in.

 

[rs2905]

Earth.

You're welcome.

Great argument. Well done.

 

[Athlete94]

I wanted to reach out to the Uconn fans since I now live in the great Hartford area and can appreciate what UConn has done with their athletic program. Plus I'm obviously a Uconn fan now only behind URI. I first wanted to say congrats on landing Mal over PC. I find it humorous that PC fans see Uconn as a rival but the gist I get living here is that Uconn fans barely have PC on their radar. If you read PC boards, their distaste for Uconn is palpable to the point that it’s obsessive.

On to my schedule point, with Uconn trying to find solid “local” games due to the AAC being so spread out across the country, it brings me to this idea. Why wouldn't Uconn get into a series with URI? At first thought you might not be all that interested but here are the reasons.

1. Reduces travel on the players
   
2. Adds another projected top 25-40 opponent to the schedule (while Dan Hurley stays at URI)
   
3. You could play one in Storrs, Kingston, Hartford, and Providence
   
4. The game in Providence would easily sell out extending out Uconn’s brand
   
5. This would be a gut punch to PC who badly wants a series with Uconn to continue to quote un quote “rivalry” with UConn.
   
6. I also love the idea of a game at Mohegan, wonder if Mohegan could financially makes this as rewarding as games played in Storrs for example

I believe this would be a win – win for all parties involved.

URI=TULANE=BORING....

 

[Robertelamin]

There would be way more interest in a PC home and home than a URI home and home. I have nothing against URI but whatever history the programs have is ancient at this point and the last time the team was relevant Lamar Odom was there.

 

[Carduccib]

UMass series is close I read somewhere

 

[TRest]

UMass series is close I read somewhere

From the UMass AD. No confirmation from our side.

 

[80shusky]

We are losing two of our home & homes after this season Ohio State and Georgetown. While these did not live up to the expectations when scheduled based on last year, hopefully they are better this year. So for "better" non-conference opponents (excluding Maui) for this year we have:
Syracuse - neutral floor
Ohio State - H&H
Auburn - H&H
Gtown - H&H
Plus Loyala Marymount (not a "better" team but at least a true road game) just for scheduling purposes.

For 2017 we lose Ohio State and Gtown but gain Arizona which is clearly an upgrade.
Arizona - H&H
Auburn - H&H

I would hope we have discussions looming for at least another H&H or two if possible and a neutral court game at MSG against somebody. Duke loves to play at MSG. Maybe we would add Syracuse again. There was some discussion about a Syracuse H&H which would be great. Then of course another pre-season tourney worth 2-3 games would be necessary for non-conference. I would love to see us add Villanova for a H&H. Who else would be a good MSG game?
It would also be interesting to see if the American could add a conference vs conference set up like Big 10/ACC challenge or something of the like. But who would it be with?
Maybe an American/Pac-12? American/A10 for more local exposure.

 

[Dream Jobbed 2.0]

I'd dig AAC A10. Enough good teams there for us to cycle through.

 

[Fishy]

Obviously nothing is a slam dunk in scheduling, look at the series with Georgetown, while they have a national name their teams over the past couple of years have been dreadful. They have been mid-way or bottom half of the new mid major version of the Big East.

Here's the rub - UConn scheduling Georgetown guarantees a game on ESPN or Fox.

Check the Big East's television schedule - if you want to be on Fox, you better be Georgetown or Nova or playing Georgetown or Nova. I think only one network game doesn't involve one or the other.

 

[CL82]

Great argument. Well done.

Says the guy with the orange in his mouth. Russ, if you don't like the tongue in cheek answer, don't ask the sarcastic question.

With limited slots and a conference that has some low RPIs we need to maximize our non-conference schedule. URI doesn't have a recent history that makes justifies a home and away. Likewise with a conference schedule with too many teams not generating a lot of interest, adding another ho hum game has be done thoughtfully. Better to schedule a team that fill will Gampel or better yet XL. Keep in mind that the students subsidize the athletic department budget to the tune of about $20 million annually (sort of, since some of that goes to offset student athletic facility use.) Playing in a half arena and giving away a home date is tough to justify. If URI has consistent success, then that analysis changes. They haven't earned a home and away.

 

[rs2905]

Says the guy with the orange in his mouth. Russ, if you don't like the tongue in cheek answer, don't ask the sarcastic question.

With limited slots and a conference that has some low RPIs we need to maximize our non-conference schedule. URI doesn't have a recent history that makes justifies a home and away. Likewise with a conference schedule with too many teams not generating a lot of interest, adding another ho hum game has be done thoughtfully. Better to schedule a team that fill will Gampel or better yet XL. Keep in mind that the students subsidize the athletic department budget to the tune of about $20 million annually (sort of, since some of that goes to offset student athletic facility use.) Playing in a half arena and giving away a home date is tough to justify. If URI has consistent success, then that analysis changes. They haven't earned a home and away.

It's actually a lemon.

And I think I explained my reasoning. If you think UConn can schedule nothing but P5 schools, then you just don't understand how scheduling works. URI is a solid RPI game and would look even better with a road game once in a two-year period. URI fills Gampel and will draw more to XL than a Maine or New Hampshire. I understand the downside to giving away a home game every other year, but you have to balance that with what improves your chances as a team. That's why I think this is fair. Even if you disagree, it's not so outrageous that it should be dismissed immediately.

 

[CL82]

If you think UConn can schedule nothing but P5 schools, then you just don't understand how scheduling works.

Mmm, it's a bit of jump from scheduling URI as a home and away, to scheduling only P5's right? URI hasn't earned that, but a one off is fine. That could change if they have consistent success but first they'd need to do that.

 

[7774]

It's actually a lemon.

And I think I explained my reasoning. If you think UConn can schedule nothing but P5 schools, then you just don't understand how scheduling works. URI is a solid RPI game and would look even better with a road game once in a two-year period. URI fills Gampel and will draw more to XL than a Maine or New Hampshire. I understand the downside to giving away a home game every other year, but you have to balance that with what improves your chances as a team. That's why I think this is fair. Even if you disagree, it's not so outrageous that it should be dismissed immediately.

I really doubt replacing one of our home guarantees with a series against URI improves our chances as a team. It's not going to make that much difference.