First, you have one huge assumption: UConn will be on the outside looking in when conference realignment is over (it's not close to being over).
Assuming that is true we then find UConn in the following position: Kevin Ollie is the coach or they look elsewhere.
Let's assume they look elsewhere: then UConn likely ends up like Temple/Memphis/etc. as a stepping stool for coaches like Sean Miller and others. It could end up in the position where they keep failing at finding a good coach and end up like UMass, but I find that unlikely based on fan support and facilities.
Now if they do go with Ollie, you end up with 3 situations:
- Ollie is a super star
- Ollie is decent
- Ollie mediocre or sucks
In the third case, UConn ends up a stepping stool as previously noted.
In the second case, UConn ends up like Gonzaga or UNLV.
In the first case, you have a few more options:
- Ollie truly loyal to the program
- Ollie uses UConn to move to a major conference
- Ollie leaves for the NBA
In the second and third case, UConn again becomes a stepping stone.
In the first case, UConn will be fine and compete for recruits and championships regardless.
I am assuming the basketball facilities are built and UConn doesn't become an independent or drop basketball.
I guess you could say I have rose colored glasses on in stating I see UConn worse case scenario as UNLV/current SDSU/Butler and best case what it was under Calhoun.
The new facilities will be huge to the basketball program and a coach on a longer than 7 month contract will also help recruiting. Throw in no longer being limited to 10 scholarships and being NCAAT eligible and I still see this year as being a blip.
Do I need to repeat how PC has landed 3 All-American type guards in the past two years? Or how Georgetown is still recruiting top recruits? Or how UNLV picked up a few top guys this past year? UConn has never been UK, UCLA, Duke when it comes to recruiting, but the future really lies with Ollie and his success.