Possible Big 12 Invite rumors

[Sick Puppy]

Why are we attractive (or should be attractive) to the B10

1) Both our basketball programs are among the nation's best, indisputable

2) We are NYC's team

3) We'll bring in New England too

4) Baseball

5) Hockey

6) Academic excellence

7) Mora improving football (he'll get a mega raise with an invite)

8) Other powerhouse regional or national programs

They want to be a legitimate basketball powerhouse, and they do, we're their solution (I don't think early exits is their goal)

I believe time is on our side, we're going to land on our feet

It's the best conference. We want the best. How awesome would Gophers vs Huskies hockey be? I could see us in the Frozen Four regularly.

 

[Billy Jack]

B1G is a pipe dream for now on many fronts. That is the real reason i cannot believe so many people's attitudes toward the Big 12. The 12 is positioning themselves as the 3rd League. If you CAN get in, you do it without hesitation.

In the article in “The Hour” that was linked earlier, Benedict explained why this is so complicated. “I don’t think money guarantees success. . . In some cases members if P5 conferences are still losing a lot of money on an annual basis even though they’re getting 5 times more than we are. . . I have no interest in going into a situation where you’re going to make more money but you’re not going to be competitive in anything. . . And that was certainly a factor in making the move back to the Big East. . . Would you give that up? And if so, why would you give that up?”

We know that fans will turn out in good times. We also know that fans did not turn out in the same numbers during the down years in the AAC. But fans did seem to be there through thick and thin over the years in the Big East. Those AAC years make many of us hesitant to repeat the same mistake. We are an an elite basketball program. I think that’s what Benedict is getting at when he talks about not getting into a situation where you’re making more money but are not competitive at anything. He wants to be careful about jeopardizing what we have - an elite basketball program. We did that once already.

From an institutional perspective, college sports are not really a big part of the institution’s core mission. In many ways, they fall into the category of public relations and student recruiting. For UConn to develop a higher academic profile, it’s necessary to bring in more students from out of state and increase selectivity. That’s what Public Ivies do. Basketball has put the university in front of more people and has greatly helped to increase the out of state enrollment. So, a big consideration is where the university wants to promote itself out of state. Games agains Big East opponents create headlines in New England, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and DC/MD/VA - which is most of our out of state academic recruiting territory - as well as in the Midwest. The university has to decide whether it wants to trade that off for headlines in the Midwest/Southwest. Tough decisions.

 

[Billy Jack]

So you think the college football playoff (expanding to 12 next year) will eventually only provide auto bids for the B1G and SEC? I don't see it happening. Sure those 2 leagues will always have a financial advantage, but having that advantage is not the determining "power" factor. Being in a football league with an auto-bid is the determining factor.

It’s not about next year. They have a long term plan and it’s not about autobids for the basketball tournament. It’s about football and football dollars.

 

[WestHartHusk]

Wandered over to the women's side. They seem more aligned that we have to go BigXII if the option presents itself. Let's be more like the women's board.

 

[hank970]

I can't disagree with much of what you said, other than the fact that both Hurley and Mora will soon be making a lot more. And it doesn't have to come from the state.

Basketball donations will be soaring, and football donations are probably a small fraction of what they can be.

Plus Hurley (and Andrea) are supposedly Northeast people

Job security and loyalty still matters to some people. Just ask Jim Calhoun

Yeah, like Luke Fickell and his wife were Ohio people...until they became Wisconsin people. Rare is the coach who doesn't aspire to appear on a larger, more prestigious stage and to make more money. Rarer still is the coach who'd decline a move which fulfilled those aspirations. Many UConn posters dream of an invitation to the B1G. Why? Because it's a bigger stage and membership means more prestige and more money. Coaches feel the same way, though they may not express their desires until they have a firm offer in hand. Hurley and Mora would be out the door in a heartbeat if the right offer came along.

 

[ucp990411]

It's the best conference. We want the best. How awesome would Gophers vs Huskies hockey be? I could see us in the Frozen Four regularly.

I think you are confusing the Big 10 with the Big 12. And regularly in the Frozen 4. Quite the optimist!!

 

[noeynox]

In the article in “The Hour” that was linked earlier, Benedict explained why this is so complicated. “I don’t think money guarantees success. . . In some cases members if P5 conferences are still losing a lot of money on an annual basis even though they’re getting 5 times more than we are. . . I have no interest in going into a situation where you’re going to make more money but you’re not going to be competitive in anything. . . And that was certainly a factor in making the move back to the Big East. . . Would you give that up? And if so, why would you give that up?”

We know that fans will turn out in good times. We also know that fans did not turn out in the same numbers during the down years in the AAC. But fans did seem to be there through thick and thin over the years in the Big East. Those AAC years make many of us hesitant to repeat the same mistake. We are an an elite basketball program. I think that’s what Benedict is getting at when he talks about not getting into a situation where you’re making more money but are not competitive at anything. He wants to be careful about jeopardizing what we have - an elite basketball program. We did that once already.

From an institutional perspective, college sports are not really a big part of the institution’s core mission. In many ways, they fall into the category of public relations and student recruiting. For UConn to develop a higher academic profile, it’s necessary to bring in more students from out of state and increase selectivity. That’s what Public Ivies do. Basketball has put the university in front of more people and has greatly helped to increase the out of state enrollment. So, a big consideration is where the university wants to promote itself out of state. Games agains Big East opponents create headlines in New England, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and DC/MD/VA - which is most of our out of state academic recruiting territory - as well as in the Midwest. The university has to decide whether it wants to trade that off for headlines in the Midwest/Southwest. Tough decisions.

Well reasoned response. I respect it.

I do feel there will be a break off by the P5 or its remants.

 

[Chuck]

Obviously we don't get to decide on a future destination, but the B12 is the least appealing P5 conference from a big-name school standpoint. What I do find hilarious is UCF, UC and Houston fans on-line complaining that they don't want any G5 schools added in the future.

That's why I think you take the B12 offer it comes. Look at the arrogance of the P5 bottom feeders, even the new money. How dare any of them look down on UConn when they can't hold a candle to our success
I don't think anyone in the thread is head over heels excited about the Big 12. Those wanting to go, see it as a necessary step (and many don't think it's the last necessary step). Most of us at least like the Big East and a lot love it. There are a minority that feel this isn't really the Big East. If we could turn the clock back, we'd prefer if the defectors spent their time, money and influence on being the poachers rather than the poached.

To state the obvious, UConn is different than the rest of the Big East. The commonality is geography (with some) and history (with some, and the name). But UConn is a very different institution. UConn is probably the most hated Big East team. If the Big 10 invited, we'd jump in a nanosecond. If the ACC invited and somehow was stable, we'd jump in less than a second. But that ACC doesn't exist, and Big 12 isn't a perfect fit. Any move to the ACC or Big 12 would be done with eyes wide open that we could be moving again in the future.

 

[superjohn]

Yeah, like Luke Fickell and his wife were Ohio people...until they became Wisconsin people. Rare is the coach who doesn't aspire to appear on a larger, more prestigious stage and to make more money. Rarer still is the coach who'd decline a move which fulfilled those aspirations. Many UConn posters dream of an invitation to the B1G. Why? Because it's a bigger stage and membership means more prestige and more money. Coaches feel the same way, though they may not express their desires until they have a firm offer in hand. Hurley and Mora would be out the door in a heartbeat if the right offer came along.

The Big 10 is a bigger stage for basketball? I'm in Big 10 country and I disagree.

I only see Hurley leaving for the NBA down the road.

 

[uconnric]

That's why I think you take the B12 offer it comes. Look at the arrogance of the P5 bottom feeders, even the new money. How dare any of them look down on UConn when they can't hold a candle to our success

I don't think anyone in the thread is head over heels excited about the Big 12. Those wanting to go, see it as a necessary step (and many don't think it's the last necessary step). Most of us at least like the Big East and a lot love it. There are a minority that feel this isn't really the Big East. If we could turn the clock back, we'd prefer if the defectors spent their time, money and influence on being the poachers rather than the poached.

To state the obvious, UConn is different than the rest of the Big East. The commonality is geography (with some) and history (with some, and the name). But UConn is a very different institution. UConn is probably the most hated Big East team. If the Big 10 invited, we'd jump in a nanosecond. If the ACC invited and somehow was stable, we'd jump in less than a second. But that ACC doesn't exist, and Big 12 isn't a perfect fit. Any move to the ACC or Big 12 would be done with eyes wide open that we could be moving again in the future.

The ACC is taking on water as we speak, it's not a stable conference right now. FSU, Clemson, Miami, UNC, UVA, etc. are just waiting for an opening to leave. The B1G doesn't need us. While I'm still doubtful the Big 12 would give us an invite, we'd have to take it. The Big 12 is much more stable conference right now. It will be ranked behind the B1G and the SEC in terms of competition and value, but still the best option we would have.

 

[bendm]

if the goal is to get invited to the breakaway-from-the-ncaa-league, which it should be, than UConn basketball and football needs to prove it can be successful in a P5 conference (while they still exist). a few years in the BIG12 would be our audition. no BE teams are making the cut.

 

[upstater]

The ACC is taking on water as we speak, it's not a stable conference right now. FSU, Clemson, Miami, UNC, UVA, etc. are just waiting for an opening to leave. The B1G doesn't need us. While I'm still doubtful the Big 12 would give us an invite, we'd have to take it. The Big 12 is much more stable conference right now. It will be ranked behind the B1G and the SEC in terms of competition and value, but still the best option we would have.

I agree with this. I'm not sure why the Big12 would even offer UConn right now. But the stuff that's come out of the ACC in the lat week tells me the SEC and B1G will be talking to some of those 4 schools shortly.

Notre Dame may want to horn in on that conversation as well.

When you have the sort of news that came out of the ACC, things will start moving rapidly. I expect the B1G and SEC to start talks with 3 or 4 of those programs at least. 2 for the SEC, talks with 3 for the B1G. 2 of the less than Magnificent 7 will be left out in the cold, and it could be 2 of Miami, Virginia Tech and NC State.

 

[noeynox]

That's why I think you take the B12 offer it comes. Look at the arrogance of the P5 bottom feeders, even the new money. How dare any of them look down on UConn when they can't hold a candle to our success

I don't think anyone in the thread is head over heels excited about the Big 12. Those wanting to go, see it as a necessary step (and many don't think it's the last necessary step). Most of us at least like the Big East and a lot love it. There are a minority that feel this isn't really the Big East. If we could turn the clock back, we'd prefer if the defectors spent their time, money and influence on being the poachers rather than the poached.

To state the obvious, UConn is different than the rest of the Big East. The commonality is geography (with some) and history (with some, and the name). But UConn is a very different institution. UConn is probably the most hated Big East team. If the Big 10 invited, we'd jump in a nanosecond. If the ACC invited and somehow was stable, we'd jump in less than a second. But that ACC doesn't exist, and Big 12 isn't a perfect fit. Any move to the ACC or Big 12 would be done with eyes wide open that we could be moving again in the future.

Speaking only for myself, i love Big East. But the gauntlet has been thrown down. Football is here to stay or it would have gotten axed already. Therefore, the best conference for all sports has to always be reevaluated.

 

[noeynox]

There will be only 2 power conferences.

Of how many teams each?

 

[businesslawyer]

It is not a small distinction for -- I don't know -- people who actually support UConn. We did not leave the Big East. That's not an opinion, it's a fact. But it's a fact that those who misstate it then find people to blame other than the Catholic schools who walked away from UConn.

 

[superjohn]

Of how many teams each?

20/20+ teams

 

[CL82]

Regarding the Mike Anthony piece this morning ... I doubt that Benedict would be speaking on the record or making these kinds of public comments if there was anything happening with the Big 12.

I don't know, he seemed appropriately neutral on it. If I were to guess, I would think there has been some exploratory conversations but there is no imminent decision for him to make.

For what it's worth, it might not be the worst idea in the world to suggest that the program has value and people are interested in it.

 

[CL82]

Lol if you're going to mention me, tag me.

Biz was absolutely correct in what he posted. I'll never understand why the C7 has this deep seated need to pretend that the conference that we're both in wasn't started in 2013. Why is that such a stigma to you?

 

[UConnSwag11]

Stay away from the ACC

 

[mussels]

It is not a small distinction for -- I don't know -- people who actually support UConn. We did not leave the Big East. That's not an opinion, it's a fact. But it's a fact that those who misstate it then find people to blame other than the Catholic schools who walked away from UConn.

Maybe kicked out, but we were desperately looking for the door. No?

 

[August_West]

Ok l’il bro

 

[Sick Puppy]

I think you are confusing the Big 10 with the Big 12. And regularly in the Frozen 4. Quite the optimist!!

With all due respect you ucp, not sure what you mean? I’m not confused at all about my conferences. If you rule out the Ivi‘s early 20th century success, the Big Ten was always the best conference and probably always will be. I mean… The Rose Bowl. BTW, Minnesota is a big 10 school. And my reference to hockey, well, it’s always been supported and successful at UConn going backs decades, much like basketball. I don’t think it’s a stretch to think UConn could be a premier hockey program. Our little neighbor downstate did fairly well this year. Just for kicks here’s a fun picture of the Minnesota high school hockey championship game.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Lol if you're going to mention me, tag me.

Biz was absolutely correct in what he posted. I'll never understand why the C7 has this deep seated need to pretend that the conference that we're both in wasn't started in 2013. Why is that such a stigma to you?

Creates an interesting question. We have 4 NCs in the Big East, or do we? If 2014 was the same conference, then yes that's 4, but then 2023 doesn't count as 5, since this is a new conference.

They left, we sold them the name. Does anyone know if they also got the history? I know they didn't get the NCAA credits.

In any even, if @FriarJ says if we leave they won't take us back. I'm not sure that's even true, but if it is, why would we want to come back? We don't know what the future holds, but being in the same boat with solid D1 football and basketball programs it will be brighter than just hoops.

 

[businesslawyer]

Maybe kicked out, but we were desperately looking for the door. No?

No. That's just not right. We, with Cincy and USF, were looking to rebuild the football part of the conference while still playing the Catholic onlies. And the Catholic basketball onlies left.

Would we have left the Big EAst for a better spot? Yes. Like every member of every organization and every employee of every employer. What in the world is the point of saying someone would leave for a better offer. We stayed and rebuilt the best we could having had the Catholic schools walk out.

 

[uconnfan68]

Creates an interesting question. We have 4 NCs in the Big East, or do we? If 2014 was the same conference, then yes that's 4, but then 2023 doesn't count as 5, since this is a new conference.

They left, we sold them the name. Does anyone know if they also got the history? I know they didn't get the NCAA credits.

In any even, if @FriarJ says if we leave they won't take us back. I'm not sure that's even true, but if it is, why would we want to come back? We don't know what the future holds, but being in the same boat with solid D1 football and basketball programs it will be brighter than just hoops.

The only sure thing is that FriarJ will have zero say in any decision.