So, who does Uconn recruit against?

[doggydaddy]

From my perspective, I'd say Duke, ND, Stanford, Tennessee. Maybe Maryland and Louisville?

Can these schools use the lack of completion against UConn?

Using the top 25, here are the schedules this year.

Duke 1,6,6,7,8,9,11,12,12,18
ND 2,2,4,8,12,13,20
Stanford 1,4,9,9,18,19,25
Tennessee 3,6,7,12,15,15,16,22,24
Maryland 1,2,6,12
Louisville 1,1,7,19

Uconn 2,3,5,5,8,9,10,13

Maryland goes to the Big Ten and Louisville goes to the ACC. That should be a wash for ND and Duke. Louisville will see tougher comp in the ACC. Maryland will see less comp in the Big Ten.

Uconn will not play those two games against Louisville, but I would bet they add ND and another top twenty team.

I just don't see the big advantage where the opposing coach can use schedule to hurt Uconn recruiting.

 

[Biff]

From my perspective, I'd say Duke, ND, Stanford, Tennessee. Maybe Maryland and Louisville?

Can these schools use the lack of completion against UConn?

Using the top 25, here are the schedules this year.

Duke 1,6,6,7,8,9,11,12,12,18
ND 2,2,4,8,12,13,20
Stanford 1,4,9,9,18,19,25
Tennessee 3,6,7,12,15,15,16,22,24
Maryland 1,2,6,12
Louisville 1,1,7,19

Uconn 2,3,5,5,8,9,10,13

Maryland goes to the Big Ten and Louisville goes to the ACC. That should be a wash for ND and Duke. Louisville will see tougher comp in the ACC. Maryland will see less comp in the Big Ten.

Uconn will lose those two games no longer play those two games against Louisville, but I would bet they add ND and another top twenty team.

I just don't see the big advantage where the opposing coach can use schedule to hurt Uconn recruiting.

edited your text......I couldn't stand to read your "accidental prediction".

 

[HGN]

Some coaches while recruiting against UConn will use our AAC affiliation as a negative. But in the end, it's the school that wins the NC.....not the Conference. Geno knows this. That's why he said that when asked which league is UConn in to tell them that UConn is in a league of their own. Any team in any league can win the NC, some teams just have a better chance to win it than others. And when the pairings come out for the NCAA Tournament I bet no team is going to want to look up and see UConn on their side of the bracket.

Strength of schedule may mean something to the NCAA Selection Committee, but they all
know who UConn is, no matter what league there're in.

 

[Scotter]

The program is financially independent with the ticket revenue, the SNY and other media deals, and the NIKE contract. The practice facility is being built. The facilities are going to be there and the program budget is going to be there. The program is not going to be at a budgetary disadvantage with BCS schools.

And UConn is obviously not going to have an issue getting games on TV or scheduling opponents for non-conference games. It has its media market and its relationship with ESPN that has been reinforced over the years by UConn willing playing whoever and whenever ESPN wants. The UConn schedule is still going to include the majority of the very best teams in the country and a recruit's family and friends will have just as much opportunity to see the player play on TV.

Money and media exposure are the areas where conferences really matter not the quality of competition and UConn is protected in both of those areas in ways that are unique in WCBB.

 

[Alydar]

A possible benefit to the AAC is that UConn will travel twice a year to play in Texas. (if they continue to play Baylor it will be 5 times every 2 years) Texas, despite Jefferson, is new recruiting ground for UConn and they will get written up in area papers, and young players will come and see what sort of player they can become playing for UConn.

 

[UcMiami]

I just don't think the players Uconn recruits are going to be concerned about schedule or conference - and I wouldn't limit the recruiting competition to any specific list of schools either. Wilson may come down to a choice between her local school and Uconn for example and you would have to have a wide list to include South Carolina in a specific list. At the level Uconn is recruiting it seems to be ... coaching staff, teammates, academic standards, national exposure, location, friends - after those maybe you get down to specific conferences or schools on the schedule, but you win on one or another of the comparisons I listed.

For schools down the food chain like a Cincinnati or Houston maybe you can excite a recruit about playing a Uconn or ND, or Louisville and your aspirations to improve your program - I just don't see it for a Uconn or Duke or ...

 

[KnightBridgeAZ]

As was said above, the conference affiliation is immaterial for recruits in terms of the other teams in the conference. I don't really think it is material for most lesser schools. I guess some can sell that they are either in the same conference as UConn (or some other schools) or can sell that they are in a "major" conference, but Duke, Tennessee, Texas (for that matter), etc. could all be in the AAC and - the same as UConn - it really isn't an issue. These are schools that have "name recognition".

As I said in another thread - financial concerns are there for the long term. I disagree with the person above that stated that the program is self-sufficient. It was some seasons, I have no idea if it is now, but regardless - the lack of conference money (and it is difficult to see where conference money will come from) - is going to affect the athletic department. Unless you believe UConn WBB should set up camp separate from Men's Basketball, Football and the other sports.

As an outsider, I have to say I get amused by what worries you. Sure there are negatives to being in the AAC - but the impact is likely worse for USF and Cincy WBB, I suspect. It is worse for UConn athletics as a whole than for WBB.

 

[hjoerring]

In the short term it should not; indeed, it should be a plus to the other schools in the conf.- if they are willing to put money in wbb. (Do keep in mind that if we remove m/wbb and hockey, UCONN is not the best in the aac. Only as a BRAND) It has been said however that in the longer term the potential lack of competitive games will play their trick on players sharpness. Verbal motivation can go so far-- even with the best of coaches. Now, scheduling can handle most of this because UCONN is UCONN. But, isn't there a danger if we are forced to schedule games early on in the season then in the middle an end. All top teams are hardly worried about losing at the beginning of their season compare with the middle and end. To those who dabble in conspiracy is it possible that the acc will one day conspire to discourage it's members from playing us? Claiming that there is enough in-house competition might sell! I have always trusted Stanford (and now the Pac 12), Baylor (for some reasons) and the Big 10 (they are always game), but not ND and Duke (NC might be the lone voice against such a practice). Of course this is simply waxing a paranoia. As for recruiting, we will get our share of the cream- the independent thinkers, but some in the middle of the (f.ex, those who obsessed and moved by getting to play with/against this or that player will be convinced to go elsewhere (thinking of the forward who recently went to ND after dropping UCONN and OS. Perhaps it is a better place for her-- academic: private vs.public; close to home; playing with friends; dreams of being the next dynasty. Who knows. Perhaps we were the ones who decided that trouble lied on the other side of that glitter).

 

[jdubct]

Uconn will continue to focus on scheduling the toughest out of conference schedule in the country. Reportedly they want to add a SEC team (Ky?) for next year. If Duke does not want to continue the series, maybe North Carolina or Lousiville will be scheduled. So the program profile will remain high. Meanwhile the rest of the AAC schools will build their programs and become more competitive.

 

[jsloanjr]

Now, UCONN needs to fill teir Nov and Dec schedule with any many tough top 25 teams as possible.........This is a huge benefit to us fans to see good teams early and not the Towsons of the world and it will say who in WCBB wants no part of UCONN and don't you think Geno will play that to the hilt?........

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Wow, this thread sure got hijacked by the "woe is me about the aac lament"! I think the who do we recruit against list is too narrow. Many of these kids start with a list as long as your arm and for some, even very highly ranked, there is the tug of family ties and "being close." Look at A'ja Wilson. As for Louisville I am not so sure. True we competed for Hammond. The rest of the list sure represents those we most often find ourselves in competition with for top recruits.

 

[Tonyc]

UConn will have to add another couple of top teams and I hope they are during Feb and March just to have something for the team to work towards instead of just thinking they can coast through the second half of the season.

There are no "IFs" for this team this year. Its not like IF somebody does this or IF somebody does that UConn will make the FF. They pretty much have their ticket punched for Nashville and both games. Explosive Confident Team Chemistry and depth even with a short bench. This is the most complete team WCBB has seen. They have everything in every player a coach would want. There are no players you can play one on one and you cant double team anybody and leave somebody else open. A very balanced team on both sides of the ball.

Who can compete with UConn recruiting? Nobody UConn is the best and those recruits who are 18 yrs old and over have lived through the UConn dynasty. A recruit who is 18 was born in 1995 and 10 years later most likely began hearing and watching WCBB and who did they see? UConn. If positions are available on UConns roster those who want it can come. If starting positions are available at UConn Im sure more then enough kids will come. UConn meets both BB and educational needs. CT is the Capital of College BB and UConn Womens BB and there is no other team that can say that.

So if your an opposing coach what do you say to a recruit when competing against UConn for her? You cant knock the program. You might say I guarantee you will start for us? I want to build a top team and we will start with you. You wont sit the bench. Hey you'll be close to home if you play for us. Hey Geno is UConn and that's gotta be tuff to overcome.

 

[UConnCat]

As an outsider, I have to say I get amused by what worries you. Sure there are negatives to being in the AAC - but the impact is likely worse for USF and Cincy WBB, I suspect. It is worse for UConn athletics as a whole than for WBB.

There are some who look for things to worry about. There are others who may be responding to many posts on neutral boards claiming that UConn's conference schedule will hurt recruiting and cause UConn to become the next La Tech, ODU, etc. The latest and greatest is that rival teams may refuse to schedule UConn knowing how dependent it will be on a strong OOC schedule to attract recruits.

 

[Bestiarius]

Nobody UConn is the best and those recruits who are 18 yrs old and over have lived through the UConn dynasty. A recruit who is 18 was born in 1995 and 10 years later most likely began hearing and watching WCBB and who did they see?

Tierney Lawlor is the first UConn player to be born after the 1995 championship victory. Born 9/14/95.

 

[Wonkster]

edited your text......I couldn't stand to read your "accidental prediction".

How come you didn't edit it to "UConn will loose those two games" while you had the chance?

 

[Wonkster]

... As for Louisville I am not so sure. True we competed for Hammond ...

... and Chong.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

... and Chong.

I meant competed. Geno had her at hello. Nope, forgot that Wonk. Thx But I did read somewhere last year that the dream for her was always UConn.

 

[Wonkster]

I meant competed. Geno had her at hello. Nope, forgot that Wonk. Thx But I did read somewhere last year that the dream for her was always UConn.

The claim that UConn was a player's 'dream school' means little. Do you have any idea how many kids have said that and then gone elsewhere after getting an offer from Connecticut?

 

[RockyMTblue2]

The claim that UConn was a player's 'dream school' means little. Do you have any idea how many kids have said that and then gone elsewhere after getting an offer from Connecticut?

Of course. Chong's statement was after accepting, making it doubly easy or genuine because irrelevant. She's an earnest young lady and growing up "just over the border" she may have dreamed the dream a long time. I'd like to think so. Also feel that Louisville will increasingly be a team on the radar of the same recruits Geno and Co. target.

 

[ctchamps]

As was said above, the conference affiliation is immaterial for recruits in terms of the other teams in the conference. I don't really think it is material for most lesser schools. I guess some can sell that they are either in the same conference as UConn (or some other schools) or can sell that they are in a "major" conference, but Duke, Tennessee, Texas (for that matter), etc. could all be in the AAC and - the same as UConn - it really isn't an issue. These are schools that have "name recognition".

As I said in another thread - financial concerns are there for the long term. I disagree with the person above that stated that the program is self-sufficient. It was some seasons, I have no idea if it is now, but regardless - the lack of conference money (and it is difficult to see where conference money will come from) - is going to affect the athletic department. Unless you believe UConn WBB should set up camp separate from Men's Basketball, Football and the other sports.

As an outsider, I have to say I get amused by what worries you. Sure there are negatives to being in the AAC - but the impact is likely worse for USF and Cincy WBB, I suspect. It is worse for UConn athletics as a whole than for WBB.

My take is this. Which of the following two choices would most fans choose? UConn in the AAC with Geno as coach, or UConn in the ACC without Geno as coach. It would be an overwhelming choice of coach vs. conference.

UConn wbb will be fine as long as Geno coaches. It doesn't matter which conference he is in for recruiting or success. The story may be different for his successor. The competition was just heating up in the former BE with several universities moving into the top twenty. But for years, UConn was alone in its' success until Stringer arrived at Rutgers. There was a period when BC offered competition, but it wasn't until ND developed that there was any real challenge to UConn, other than Rutgers. And as long as Geno is in the program the WBB will be funded. The deals that UConn has with SNY and IMG are significant. The football program and it's future is the big question mark.

UConn has four years of financial security in the AAC based on the monies it will receive from the BE's past successes and the dissolution of the old BE. After that things get dicey financially. The AAC contract is for only six years, so if the conference can develop something with it's football programs and the bb programs the next contract could be significantly better. But that will be extremely difficult because the conference is vulnerable to further raids.

Men's bb at UConn is a gray area. IMO, KO will prove to be an incredible coach and loyal to UConn. If I'm correct the men's program will be a national program as long as he is at the helm. And if no further teams are poached the conference has a good nucleus of teams to be competitive and command a better media contract

The big loser in all this is UConn football. It went from Division 2 to a successful Division 1 program in ten years. But it couldn't capitalize on this success and the past three years have been a disaster. A good part of that was the result of the previous AD. The new AD has yet to make a statement other than removing the football HC before this season ended. The hire of the football coach this off season will be pivitol if UConn has any hopes of getting into a stronger conference (one of the so called P5).

On the academic side UConn is doing things to rapidly to continue moving the University in a upward direction. That will be the most important factor for the future of UConn.

The problem for UConn is two fold. The CR has put UConn's athletic programs at a disadvantage relative to other athletic programs in the P5. But if UConn can keep it's bb programs successful the major negative outcome will be it's football program. The second issue is far more significant than the relative strengths and weaknesses of athletic revenues. The biggest problem for every university will be the future of higher education and the economy in general. The focus on athletics and media contracts could be myopic and dangerous if the changing tide of academics in higher education and the general changes in America's and American's financial situation are not understood.

 

[ctchamps]

@RockyMTblue2, you are one heck of a speed reader!

 

[RockyMTblue2]

@RockyMTblue2, you are one heck of a speed reader!

A thoughtful, well written post is an easy read. Come around more often.

 

[Fishy]

You're whistling past the graveyard if you're not concerned about the AAC. Looking at the polls, next year's AAC's membership has 901 points in top 25 voting....UConn has 900 and the rest of the conference chipped in with one.

We're replacing Notre Dame, Villanova, Georgetown, Syracuse and St. John's with Central Florida, Southern Methodist, Temple, Tulane and Houston. Next year, we'll replace Louisville and Rutgers with East Carolina and Tulsa. There isn't a single in-season matchup where television might be able to predict a competitive matchup - the program will have to live out of conference.

With Geno, all things are possible, but opposing programs will hammer our conference affiliation and they'll be successful with some kids.

 

[DavidinNaples]

You're whistling past the graveyard if you're not concerned about the AAC. Looking at the polls, next year's AAC's membership has 901 points in top 25 voting....UConn has 900 and the rest of the conference chipped in with one.

We're replacing Notre Dame, Villanova, Georgetown, Syracuse and St. John's with Central Florida, Southern Methodist, Temple, Tulane and Houston. Next year, we'll replace Louisville and Rutgers with East Carolina and Tulsa. There isn't a single in-season matchup where television might be able to predict a competitive matchup - the program will have to live out of conference.

With Geno, all things are possible, but opposing programs will hammer our conference affiliation and they'll be successful with some kids.

Fishy...w/ all due respect for a BY veteran w/ 6,605 "likes"... when opposing coaches hammer UConn's conference affiliation (and they will), Geno need only respond with these 5 points:
1. UConn has 8 National Championships, how many does school have?
2. KML and Stewie play for UConn, would you like to join them?
3. The USA olympic team had 6 of 12 players from UConn, how many did have?
4. We are going to be on ESPN 10 times this season, do you like playing on national tv?
5. I just signed a new contract, I'll be at your graduation five years from now.

I like our chances with any recruit who wants to win N.C.s and be the best possible player. Go Huskies..!!

 

[Fishy]

Lol - of 6,605 likes, about three of them came from posts on the women's board, but thanks.

I won't lie - this conference scares the crap out of me. It's not like the former Big East where UConn can 'grown' the conference around it. It's an ugly collection and it will drag on the hoop programs - of course, Geno is a powerful counter-argument, but even he will have some challenges with it.