Oh goodie, now we're going for Muntz level overstatements as if they make points.
No, we can't compete with football programs without football money. But if we drop football, to date, there is no indication that schools are willing to pay football money to benefit basketball. If basketball onlies were totally outgunned by football powers, the Big East and its teams would not be having the success they are.
Might this change in the future? Yes, it might, and I have been very clear that I believe that one day the power brands will try to dominate basketball revenues the way they dominate football revenues. That is why I would take a Big XII offer in the unlikely event it comes. But do I think it's irrational for others to conclude that the more football money Alabama and Arkansas generate, the more they will pour that back into football and that they don't care enough about hoops to break anything but football from the NCAA -- no, I don't think it is. When predicting the future reasonable people will come to differing conclusions.
You can keep going if you want. You have a free field because I've made my point to those who care what it is.