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There are differences, sure, but also commonality and a shared history. We could emphasize either.
We could also make the case that UConn is more like UMass than the institutions you listed. Both New England Flagships trying to remake an identity. Unlike Penn State and Michigan State, not AAU. No long history of big time athletic success, although UConn is new money in basketball under 1 iconic coach and looking to rebuild.
Butler and Northwestern both started with religious affiliations. Maybe the Big 10 will take Nova as another private, less than 10,000 undergrad school. They can solidify the Philadelphia market. lol, I know I'm sounding like a UConn dreamer. Our place is in the Big East, sharing a home with the Sixers, competing in Madison Square Garden in March, and contending for championships. It's not P5 money, but it's a nice home with continuing Big East tradition.
Uh, yes, UConn is more similar to UMass than the new Big East and Villanova. That said, UConn does have a few more NCAA titles in men's and women's basketball than our neighbors to the north along with titles in Men's Soccer, Women's Field Hockey, etc. along with lager facilities, especially in football. UMass could take home the Frozen For (hockey) title this year, though.
As for going to the B1G, Villanova, while a good school, it has no chance. It's not AAU either, is not a major research University, which Northwestern clearly is, does not play D-1A football and also has to deal with Penn St already being in the B1G. Did I also mention that Northwestern's endowment is north of $11 Billion. Both Pitt and Temple have a greater chance of getting into the B1G that Villanova.