Looking for signature wins

[upstater]

1-2 years ago, UConn made this season's schedule. When the year is over, UConn will have played Michigan, Ohio State, Texas, Syracuse, Gonzaga, Georgetown, Maryland, SMU 2x, and Cincy potentially 3x, and yet we're complaining about the schedule not giving ample opportunity for multiple signature wins?

 

[August_West]

1-2 years ago, UConn made this season's schedule. When the year is over, UConn will have played Michigan, Ohio State, Texas, Syracuse, Gonzaga, Georgetown, Maryland, SMU 2x, and Cincy potentially 3x, and yet we're complaining about the schedule not giving ample opportunity for multiple signature wins?

no. Thread was started by a PCU little brother to say "look at me look at me we are top 10"

 

[FriarJ]

Looking at it retrospectively, yeah it would be nice to have Providence on the schedule this year instead of Ohio State, Georgetown or Texas because Providence is ranked higher than either of those three teams (not including Michigan, Syracuse or Gonzaga because that was a tournament) but these series are usually booked multiple years in advance. History says that all three of those teams are better than PC in most years, but this year is the exception to the rule.

Honestly, I'd rather see UConn play series against the following former Big East teams than PC:

1. Syracuse
2. Pitt
3. Georgetown (already on the schedule)
4. Villanova
5. Louisville
6. West Virginia
7. St. Johns (MSG)
8. Notre Dame
--------------------------------------
9. PC

Not trying to be mean here or completely dismiss the idea, just trying to give an honest opinion.

What this list really speaks to is how messed up a state Connecticut is. 1/3 the state understands it's in New England, another 3rd thinks it's in NY and another 3rd doesn't care.

What we are talking about is trying to establish some type of regional rivalry which is important to PC ; UMass, BC, URI on schedule. I would assume this type of thing only matters to about a 3rd of you. Too bad really, packed arenas and ticket sales still matter to us.

 

[CTBasketball]

I don't know why we're trashing Providence. this season we're in no position to look down on any team.

 

[1999.2004.2011]

What this list really speaks to is how messed up a state Connecticut is. 1/3 the state understands it's in New England, another 3rd thinks it's in NY and another 3rd doesn't care.

What we are talking about is trying to establish some type of regional rivalry which is important to PC ; UMass, BC, URI on schedule. I would assume this type of thing only matters to about a 3rd of you. Too bad really, packed arenas and ticket sales still matter to us.

So UConn has six cupcake games OOC this year (Maine, New Hampshire, Furman, Sacred Heart, UMass-Lowell and Central Connecticut) and seven games versus tournament quality teams (Michigan, Syracuse, Gonzaga, Maryland, Ohio State, Texas and Georgetown). Most programs in the same spot as UConn are always going to have five-six games against lesser teams at the beginning of the year as part of the buildup to conference play, so realistically we will have anywhere from five to seven slots open in our out of conference schedule (two to three games usually reserved for a holiday tournament (Maui in 2016)).

With those remaining OOC slots to fill, I'd rather play Arizona, Ohio State, Georgetown (all on the 2016 schedule) than URI, BCU and PC.

 

[1999.2004.2011]

I don't know why we're trashing Providence. this season we're in no position to look down on any team.

I don't think we are trashing PC. Realistically, what does UConn have to gain by playing the New England schools vs the national programs that we already play OOC?

Hypothetical: What game provides more value to UConn (exposure, recruiting etc?) UConn-PC on FS1 or UConn-Ohio State on CBS?

 

[FriarJ]

I get what you want you have made it clear. I'm saying it's sad that establishing some type of regional rivalries in New England doesn't matter to many UConn fans. No big deal, it's been that way for a while. If you saw the atmosphere at the Ryan center this year you would know what I'm asking for.

 

[Hans Sprungfeld]

What this list really speaks to is how messed up a state Connecticut is. 1/3 the state understands it's in New England, another 3rd thinks it's in NY and another 3rd doesn't care.

What we are talking about is trying to establish some type of regional rivalry which is important to PC ; UMass, BC, URI on schedule. I would assume this type of thing only matters to about a 3rd of you. Too bad really, packed arenas and ticket sales still matter to us.

Actually, it demonstrates that UConn has been a national (more so than regional) brand for a quarter century.

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

I don't know why we're trashing Providence. this season we're in no position to look down on any team.

In your mind is UConn 0-11 right now? They've lost to Syracuse and Gonzaga by a combined 6 points and played a top 5 Maryland team down to the wire after a slow start. You're talking about them like they're St. John's. They're a fringe top 25 team right now.

 

[upstater]

I get what you want you have made it clear. I'm saying it's sad that establishing some type of regional rivalries in New England doesn't matter to many UConn fans. No big deal, it's been that way for a while. If you saw the atmosphere at the Ryan center this year you would know what I'm asking for.

If UConn was in another conference, t could afford to have a regional rivalry. I'd like to see it. But UConn is only going to get 6 or 7 conference games of any value this season. It needs to maximize it's OOC as best it can, and nationally, the games against Texas and Ohio State and Maryland just sell better. You could compare say Providence to Georgetown, and there'd be a real argument.

 

[Kitaman]

I get what you want you have made it clear. I'm saying it's sad that establishing some type of regional rivalries in New England doesn't matter to many UConn fans. No big deal, it's been that way for a while. If you saw the atmosphere at the Ryan center this year you would know what I'm asking for.

If you read the threads, we have to schedule OOC to get our RPI up, considering our conference. You need us more than we need you right now. But I am one who would relish a decent New England opponent every year. I won't call it a rivalry because if we scheduled BC or UMass they too would also 'think' its a rivalry.

No fan here says a NE opponent/rivalry doesn't matter we just need to find one consistent enough for us to consider rivals. In other words you all have more work to do.

So enjoy your 'good' team and All American this year, and stop worrying about us.

 

[champs99and04]

I get what you want you have made it clear. I'm saying it's sad that establishing some type of regional rivalries in New England doesn't matter to many UConn fans. No big deal, it's been that way for a while. If you saw the atmosphere at the Ryan center this year you would know what I'm asking for.

Agreed 100%. I was at the Ryan center and it was one of the most enjoyable college games I've ever been to. Administratively, there are probably as many or more reasons to schedule nationally than locally, but as a fan there is no question what I would prefer. Regional rivalries should be the driving force behind college athletics; unfortunately, money has steered basketball and football in a different direction. It's sad that we don't play Syracuse, St. Johns, Providence, URI, etc. every year, but it is what it is.

 

[intlzncster]

I think we should play . It's good for New England hoops. Saying home and homes with PC isn't good for us makes us sound like pathetic Syracuse fans. I never want to sound like a cuse fan so bring it on.

I'd trade UMASS Lowell for PC any day of the week.

 

[FriarJ]

Actually, it demonstrates that UConn has been a national (more so than regional) brand for a quarter century.

Do Indiana, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Iowa State, etc... have national profiles?
Your excuse is BS

 

[FriarJ]

Agreed 100%. I was at the Ryan center and it was one of the most enjoyable college games I've ever been to. Administratively, there are probably as many or more reasons to schedule nationally than locally, but as a fan there is no question what I would prefer. Regional rivalries should be the driving force behind college athletics; unfortunately, money has steered basketball and football in a different direction. It's sad that we don't play Syracuse, St. Johns, Providence, URI, etc. every year, but it is what it is.

Sad but true, I constantly see fans on these boards talking about money like its going right in their pockets, this thread has many references to it. Sad because you know it would be a fun game for the fans. Filling arenas brings in money too. Fishy has had some good posts on this in the past, maybe he can chime in here.

 

[FriarJ]

I'd trade UMASS Lowell for PC any day of the week.

Do you play Lowell at their place every other year? that is what is required to play PC and the real chance of a loss to a team with a "poor" RPI is more than the powers to be in Huskyland can brave.

 

[intlzncster]

Do you play Lowell at their place every other year? that is what is required to play PC and the real chance of a loss to a team with a "poor" RPI is more than the powers to be in Huskyland can brave.

Well, a win against UML probably weakens our RPI anway!

 

[Fishy]

The new reality is that rivalries are dead. Just plain dead.

Will UConn and Providence play again? Yes. Soon? I doubt it. Because of the network thing, we'll likely see Boston College first.

UConn will play Michigan, Syracuse, Gonzaga, Maryland, Georgetown, Texas and Ohio State.

That's just how it's going to be - national programs on national networks. There are games in the works with former Big East teams for a CBS/Fox split, but Providence isn't one of them.

When someone can sell UConn-Providence to CBS on a Saturday, that game has a chance of happening. Until then, I would not spend a lot of time thinking about it.

 

[FriarJ]

I don't like that reality. I'm old and I want it back to the way it was. Also, kids get off my lawn!

 

[pepband99]

In a nutshell - Hey PeeCee - get relevant nationally, and come back and see us.

 

[FriarJ]

Hey nutbagger, piss off

 

[Fishy]

I don't think the northeast ever really did rivalries very well - just not in the DNA like it is in the southeast, for example.

But look around the country - serious rivals like Kansas and Missouri or Texas and Texas A&M won't play each other because they're, what? Mad? In different conferences? Different networks? I have no idea.

Consider a rivalry like UConn and Providence where it's really not a blood feud and there is a real network issue where both teams are beholden to different networks for table scraps - it doesn't have much of a chance. It has to get to national television and I don't see that happening - and giving away the gate for a home game playing at Providence on FS1 doesn't make a lot of sense in the new age.

UConn and Georgetown got made because CBS wanted it. UConn and Nova will likely get done for the same reason. If you look at some of the games UConn has agree to in coming years, those games are set because either ESPN wanted it or CBS wanted it. When CBS wants Providence, there you go.

 

[FriarJ]

Unfortunately this thread is going to end because of facts. I hate that. Hey all this realignment and chasing the almighty dollar has been very good to PC, but I apparently want my cake and to eat it too.

 

[UC990411]

We played Maine, New Hampshire, Sacred Heart, and UMass Lowell already, and we have CCSU on Wednesday. We don't have the margin of error to include any more New England cupcakes on our schedule. Sorry.

Ahhhh, delusional...you won't be saying that in March when we have to win the AAC tourney to get into the dance

 

[caw]

Yeah, I'm definitely not trying to say they're as good, just that, composition wise, there are a lot of similarities.

Bentil clearly has a much more advanced offensive game than Oriakhi did, though it remains to be seen if Bentil can hang with elite centers one on one. Dunn and Kemba are much different players, but their impact on the game is similar. I definitely don't see Lindsey being as good as Lamb, but I could see Bullock having a Roscoe-like impact. Hell, you could even liken Chuckwu leaving before the season to Majok leaving.

Overall team talent level is probably not as high and they don't have a living legend on the sidelines.

I agree, anyway have a nice holidays, I'm getting on a plane to the beaches of Thailand.

 

[champs99and04]

I agree, anyway have a nice holidays, I'm getting on a plane to the beaches of Thailand.

Have fun man

 

[Stainmaster]

Ahhhh, delusional...you won't be saying that in March when we have to win the AAC tourney to get into the dance

Still on board with the "Fire Kevin Ollie" movement? How's that treating you?

 

[CTBasketball]

In your mind is UConn 0-11 right now? They've lost to Syracuse and Gonzaga by a combined 6 points and played a top 5 Maryland team down to the wire after a slow start. You're talking about them like they're St. John's. They're a fringe top 25 team right now.

In my mind, UConn has been playing like an incompetent team 50% of the time. For those who have watched us this season, we're not as good as our ranking suggests.

 

[intlzncster]

In my mind, UConn has been playing like an incompetent team 50% of the time. For those who have watched us this season, we're not as good as our ranking suggests.

And yet, for the other 50% (or whatever the actual % is) we have looked very very good. If they can put it together, consistently, they'll be a very good team, and a very tough out in March. If they don't, well then much of what you see is what you get.

 

[Kitaman]

I agree, anyway have a nice holidays, I'm getting on a plane to the beaches of Thailand.

Why do you always tell us how good your stomach feels when we sit around here with stomach aches???

Enjoy and be safe.