The AAC is a VERY good conference.

[UofMemphis]

Why are Memphis fans obsessed with adding more schools to the conference? You realize the TV contract is already set so we'll just be adding more mouths to feed. I don't care if you think they'll make the NCAA tournament every year, those NCAA credits are not guaranteed...

Wichita State is better off joining the A-10, they don't have to worry about the other school's football priorities and they are currently on pace to get 5 or 6 bids...plus Davidson is coming in next year. That would be a better fit.

It's not just me, or just Memphis fans...just look how many WSU threads there are on the AAC board.

 

[MattMang23]

the Metro and CUSA were both hybrids...

CUSA 1.0 had: Louisville, Cincy, Memphis, Marquette (non-football), St. Louis (non-football), Charlotte (non-football)

Fine, I shall rephrase...

"Says the guy whose team has never played in a hybrid conference since television contracts meant something."

 

[Marty Jackson]

Marty, that's all true, but I think it is easy to see the differences in perspective from UConn and Memphis. Memphis is in a much better league, which is a good league. For UConn, we lost a league that in recent years was not just good, but amazingly so, in an unprecedented way. It was number 1 with no other league even close. So yes, there is a clear drop off from that level of play, especially the lack of depth.

While we can expect Houston and Temple to be better, we lose Louiville, and I think Cinci is playing far above their historic level. They are often a top 40-50 team, rarely top 25, and very, very rarely top 10. There is no chance that this league approaches what the Big East was, but that doesn't mean it stinks. I hope UofMemphis and others can at least appreciate why we see it as a significant downgrade.

We're saying the same thing... Nobody is suggesting that the AAC is the Big East.
But there is clearly a contingent on this board that will respond to anything positive about this league with a 'debbie downer' response. There are very few Uconn fans that would take the AAC over the ACC, Big, or even Big 12. you could probably say that about any program in the AAC.

But at least for this year and likely next (and the next after that), Uconn is in the AAC. the better our conference does, the better that is for Uconn. Getting a fb ranked in the Top 10, keeps this league in the picture. Getting a team in the final four gets this team noticed. Do I want that team to be Uconn? Hell yes. but if not, then I would rather a team from the AAC get that spot.

It's just surprising how many Uconn fans seem to root against this conference.

 

[UofMemphis]

see tonight for more evidence...Houston tomorrow has me worried.

 

[metsfan2323]

Every conference road game has been a win (or loss) we had to fight for, even UCF made a run when they put their big guy in. No easy games on the road.

 

[AZHuskiePop]

The hybrid BE conference probably was the single greatest reason for the disintegration of the BE conference. The two groups had needs that were too dissimilar.

One or two teams is not a group.
Leagues like the AAC with an olio(I always wanted to use that word ). of schools . Need to be pragmatic to survive. The Big East Catholics were a specific dynamic of small privates with a long history together whose claim to fame was BB. They actually conceived that league as BB league with football as a necessary evil.
I don't think anyone in the AAC would have any delusions of why they are there.

 

[CTBasketball]

One thing I'm certain of. USF will have a scary frontcourt in the next 2-3 years.

 

[Payday]

Marty, that's all true, but I think it is easy to see the differences in perspective from UConn and Memphis. Memphis is in a much better league, which is a good league. For UConn, we lost a league that in recent years was not just good, but amazingly so, in an unprecedented way. It was number 1 with no other league even close. So yes, there is a clear drop off from that level of play, especially the lack of depth.

While we can expect Houston and Temple to be better, we lose Louiville, and I think Cinci is playing far above their historic level. They are often a top 40-50 team, rarely top 25, and very, very rarely top 10. There is no chance that this league approaches what the Big East was, but that doesn't mean it stinks. I hope UofMemphis and others can at least appreciate why we see it as a significant downgrade.

Marty, that's all true, but I think it is easy to see the differences in perspective from UConn and Memphis. Memphis is in a much better league, which is a good league. For UConn, we lost a league that in recent years was not just good, but amazingly so, in an unprecedented way. It was number 1 with no other league even close. So yes, there is a clear drop off from that level of play, especially the lack of depth.

While we can expect Houston and Temple to be better, we lose Louiville, and I think Cinci is playing far above their historic level. They are often a top 40-50 team, rarely top 25, and very, very rarely top 10. There is no chance that this league approaches what the Big East was, but that doesn't mean it stinks. I hope UofMemphis and others can at least appreciate why we see it as a significant downgrade.

Marty, that's all true, but I think it is easy to see the differences in perspective from UConn and Memphis. Memphis is in a much better league, which is a good league. For UConn, we lost a league that in recent years was not just good, but amazingly so, in an unprecedented way. It was number 1 with no other league even close. So yes, there is a clear drop off from that level of play, especially the lack of depth.

While we can expect Houston and Temple to be better, we lose Louiville, and I think Cinci is playing far above their historic level. They are often a top 40-50 team, rarely top 25, and very, very rarely top 10. There is no chance that this league approaches what the Big East was, but that doesn't mean it stinks. I hope UofMemphis and others can at least appreciate why we see it as a significant downgrade.

Looks like a little education is in order. Cincy owns two national titles, 6 final fours (5 in a row). From 1992-2004 they won 10 conference titles and 8 conf tourney titles in 12 years
During that span finishing Top 10 six times and Top 25 every year. Spending 16 weeks at #1 from 1996-2000. They were national title favorites in 2000 until unanimous NPOY Kenyon Martin broke his leg in the conference tourney.
They're #12 all time at 385 weeks ranked in the AP Top 25 (3.5 full seasons more than UConn historically) and #7 all time at 45 weeks ranked #1.
Most Cincy fans feel they would have run through the Big East like Louisville did if not for Huggins getting fired, losing the #1 rated recruiting class of OJ Mayo and Bill Walker, and thus entering the BE with one scholarship player and a team of JUCOs, walk ons, and football players.
It's taken this long to get back from that, but here they are, dominating the same conference they dominated nearly 10 years ago. They won't be going anywhere...except maybe to the B12.

 

[Payday]

Actually this season has been a bit of a surprise for Cincy fans as it was next a season we expected to have the better team.

 

[Payday]

Lastly, we all know what UL did the last two seasons, but how many in here know that prior to leaving CUSA, Cincy, Louisville and Marquette each made the Final Four, as did Memphis after we all left. It was a great conference, and although no conference will ever be as great as the BE was, in hoops, Cincy fans know that if we stay here (with UConn, Memphis, SMU now, and Temple) it can be even better than it was.

 

[Payday]

Just can't help myself. There's got to be a few fans in here that remember only two teams beat #1 Duke in 1998-99? Cincinnati in the GAS and UConn in the Title game. Cincy lost to Temple in the 2nd round that year. doh!

 

[NickyNewark]

Just can't help myself. There's got to be a few fans in here that remember only two teams beat #1 Duke in 1998-99? Cincinnati in the GAS and UConn in the Title game. Cincy lost to Temple in the 2nd round that year. doh!

Great defending/reppin of you're school here and reminding some of us who are usually so self absorbed with our own interests we sometimes innocently underrate others unintentionally though meaning no disrespect. No school makes better coaching hire's on a steady basis esp in FB like UCinncy.

 

[kobe]

Actually this season has been a bit of a surprise for Cincy fans as it was next a season we expected to have the better team.

Umm...no??

We were supposed to be this good last year but Cashmere Wright got hurt and we found out that is really hard to score when you don't have a big man that is a threat (UConn is learning that this year)...

Next year will be a down year after losing Jackson, Kilpatrick and Rubles. I expect a team that will be competing for an NCAA bid, probably as a 7-10 seed- to on the bubble.

 

[kobe]

Looks like a little education is in order. Cincy owns two national titles, 6 final fours (5 in a row). From 1992-2004 they won 10 conference titles and 8 conf tourney titles in 12 years
During that span finishing Top 10 six times and Top 25 every year. Spending 16 weeks at #1 from 1996-2000. They were national title favorites in 2000 until unanimous NPOY Kenyon Martin broke his leg in the conference tourney.
They're #12 all time at 385 weeks ranked in the AP Top 25 (3.5 full seasons more than UConn historically) and #7 all time at 45 weeks ranked #1.
Most Cincy fans feel they would have run through the Big East like Louisville did if not for Huggins getting fired, losing the #1 rated recruiting class of OJ Mayo and Bill Walker, and thus entering the BE with one scholarship player and a team of JUCOs, walk ons, and football players.
It's taken this long to get back from that, but here they are, dominating the same conference they dominated nearly 10 years ago. They won't be going anywhere...except maybe to the B12.

I am as big of a UC fan as you get be, but Cincinnati hasn't been better than a top 20-30 program in the last 2 decades. We've made ONE Final Four in the LAST 50 YEARS. Huggins had terrific success early in his career making the Final Four in 1992, Elite 8 in 1993 and Elite 8 again in 1996...after that he made ONE Sweet 16 (in 2001) in his last 9 years coaching. Cincinnati has made 27 NCAA tournament and only beaten ONE higher seed (in 2012 vs #3 Florida State). We were the original Gonzaga....

 

[MattMang23]

I am as big of a UC fan as you get be, but Cincinnati hasn't been better than a top 20-30 program in the last 2 decades. We've made ONE Final Four in the LAST 50 YEARS. Huggins had terrific success early in his career making the Final Four in 1992, Elite 8 in 1993 and Elite 8 again in 1996...after that he made ONE Sweet 16 (in 2001) in his last 9 years coaching. Cincinnati has made 27 NCAA tournament and only beaten ONE higher seed (in 2012 vs #3 Florida State). We were the original Gonzaga....

Thank you for bringing rational thinking to the discussion. Cincy is a good program- certainly one of the best in the AAC- but not better than top 20-30 in the past fifty some odd years. Props to your current team and program.

No shame in being top 30 for sure, but this other dude is a bit overeggerating your national prominence. Thanks for being level-headed.

 

[Payday]

I am as big of a UC fan as you get be, but Cincinnati hasn't been better than a top 20-30 program in the last 2 decades. We've made ONE Final Four in the LAST 50 YEARS. Huggins had terrific success early in his career making the Final Four in 1992, Elite 8 in 1993 and Elite 8 again in 1996...after that he made ONE Sweet 16 (in 2001) in his last 9 years coaching. Cincinnati has made 27 NCAA tournament and only beaten ONE higher seed (in 2012 vs #3 Florida State). We were the original Gonzaga....

As big as any?!? I'd suggest...no. Tourney results isn't the only measure of team success. For 92-2005. Cincy was rank un interrupted in the Final AP Poll. Here's there rankings #12, 7, 25, 23, 7, 10, 9, 11, 7, 25, 5, 23, 11, and 23. Their 3 best computer seasons they were ranked RPI/SOS. #1/5, #2/23, and #4/19. Out of CUSA! Cincy had 3 First Team AAs (Kenyon Martin, Danny Fortson, and Steve Logan). Nick van Exel was 2nd team. And it's pretty hard to beat a higher seed when you're a 1-3 seed yourself each year. And you don't even acknowledge the last lost decade due to Huggins firing. Your comments would be considered heresy on the Cincy board.

And Cincy = Gonzaga?!? Cincy's one of only three teams ( with Duke and UCLA) to make 5 straight Final Fours. TWICE going wire to wire in being ranked #1 every week for an entire season. They're considered one of the Top 10 hoops programs of all time! And the best college player EVER played at Cincinnati and has a NPOY trophy named after him. The Oscar Robertson Award.

On behalf of all Cincy fans I request that you refrain from making a fool of yourself on other programs forums. It's a slap at real Cincy fans everywhere.

 

[Payday]

Sorry UConn fans. I come here in peace and mean no disrespect. Simply have to address the Cincy posers in here..

 

[kobe]

As big as any?!? I'd suggest...no. Tourney results isn't the only measure of team success. For 92-2005. Cincy was rank un interrupted in the Final AP Poll. Here's there rankings #12, 7, 25, 23, 7, 10, 9, 11, 7, 25, 5, 23, 11, and 23. Their 3 best computer seasons they were ranked RPI/SOS. #1/5, #2/23, and #4/19. Out of CUSA! Cincy had 3 First Team AAs (Kenyon Martin, Danny Fortson, and Steve Logan). Nick van Exel was 2nd team. And it's pretty hard to beat a higher seed when you're a 1-3 seed yourself each year. And you don't even acknowledge the last lost decade due to Huggins firing. Your comments would be considered heresy on the Cincy board.

And Cincy = Gonzaga?!? Cincy's one of only three teams ( with Duke and UCLA) to make 5 straight Final Fours. TWICE going wire to wire in being ranked #1 every week for an entire season. They're considered one of the Top 10 hoops programs of all time! And the best college player EVER played at Cincinnati and has a NPOY trophy named after him. The Oscar Robertson Award.

On behalf of all Cincy fans I request that you refrain from making a fool of yourself on other programs forums. It's a slap at real Cincy fans everywhere.

Learn to read. I said top 20-30 program the last two decades. I wasn't alive to watch them make 5 Final Fours, I was barely alive to see them make one. The Gonzaga comparison is apt, they've dominated their conference for more than a decade, yet have had little tournament success. The NCAA tournament is the most important part of college basketball, I can live with the occasional upset, but Huggy was gone in round 2 practically every year after 1996.

Please don't lecture me about how to behave on a message board or what happened in the 1960's. PS I don't care what UC fans think of me, message board UC fans are probably the most pathetic bunch....

 

[NickyNewark]

Sorry UConn fans. I come here in peace and mean no disrespect. Simply have to address the Cincy posers in here..

Hey fella I like you're pride in team and why would a fan of Cinncy downplay ANY accomplishment of "his/her team"? As long as what you're posting are facts good for you. If you're a fan your a fan meaning fanatical? So what if the Big O played in the 60s? It don't count? The fact that you've held your tongue until now only opening your mouth to enlighten the uninformed of what many of us here weren't aware of concerning you're rooting interests speaks well of you payday. Don't worry about what others say or is beyond you're control and as you sound very considerate to me, keep posting pal.

 

[UofMemphis]

Houston beats Memphis...solid conference.

 

[kobe]

Houston beats Memphis...solid conference.

Not really, Memphis is much closer to the bubble then the media is willing to admit. Just one true "good" win @Louisville and now they have a bad loss. If I am a Tiger fan I am rooting very hard for Oklahoma State and Gonzaga not to fall off (11 and 10 seed projected currently)...

 

[Payday]

Hey fella I like you're pride in team and why would a fan of Cinncy downplay ANY accomplishment of "his/her team"? As long as what you're posting are facts good for you. If you're a fan your a fan meaning fanatical? So what if the Big O played in the 60s? It don't count? The fact that you've held your tongue until now only opening your mouth to enlighten the uninformed of what many of us here weren't aware of concerning you're rooting interests speaks well of you payday. Don't worry about what others say or is beyond you're control and as you sound very considerate to me, keep posting pal.

Thanks Nicky! Much appreciated. Pretty amazing any fan will downplay the accomplishments of any team he claims to root for. We don't need him. Everything I provided is fact though. I actually am old enough to have watch Oscar. In the NBA at least

Awesome player. They didn't keep track of triple doubles In his era, but he averaged a triple double his first 5 years in the NBA.

Consider McDermott is reaching that rarefied air of 3000 points. An amazing accomplishment by a great player. But consider he's passing Oscar to do so. Oscar scored 2985 points in college. He did it In only 3 seasons (as frosh couldn't play) and without a 3 point line or shot clock. But since Kobe didn't see it, it doesn't matter.

 

[Payday]

Regarding this conference. With 12 teams, I suspect it will be aligned as CUSA was. At least I hope so. Back in the day it was aligned with 2 divisions (American and National). Each division team played each other twice and the other div teams once. Cincy was paired with UL, Marquette, DePaul (who was decent then) , St. Louis, and Charlotte in the American. Except for Memphis, all the best teams were in Cincy's division. That's why Cincy had such high RPIs. They played the toughest conference teams twice each season. Great for the RPI!

I could see them doing that again with Cincy, UConn, Temple, and maybe Memphis in the same division playing home and home. Would be great for the conference and the best teams in it.

Keep the faith UConn fans.

 

[UConnfan8]

PS I don't care what UC fans think of me, message board UC fans are probably the most pathetic bunch....

Must be. All I see around the BY nowadays are Bearcats fans..

 

[Payday]

It's not all you see. But UConn is a great program that Cincy fans have to root for to stay strong. And I expect they will stay strong. It will never be the Big East, but it can be a great conference. As a Cincy fan, I can accept trading UL for UConn as a conference foe. Two programs with a great pedigree. But I thought CUSA was a great hoops conference. Lots of great teams that made the Final Four. Just couldn't bring home the banner.

We thought we had ours in 2000 until KMart went down.