UConn athletics long-term

[CL82]

 

[shizzle787]

I haven't posted on this topic in a while because it is so depressing to think about. The spring recruiting/transfer bloodbath in basketball pretty much confirms every fear for those that thought joining a southern mid-major conference was a terrible idea. We are 3 years removed from a national freaking championship and we whiffed on every ranked prospect we went after, despite having a bunch of playing time to offer. Our star from last year's class has a bum shoulder, and the next highest ranked recruit has already transferred, leaving us ONE Top 100 player from the LAST TWO YEARS that is healthy. Adams from the 2015 class gives us two in 3. Maybe Gilbert comes back 100% next year, but the fact that UConn has had three classes in a row like this hasn't happened since Perno. Adams is the only clear NBA prospect on the roster.

The basketball board is talking itself into an NCAA run in the hope that Larrier and Gilbert get healthy. The AAC is a 2-3 bid league next year. UConn has to win close to 30 games to get an at-large, which will be tough with a new front court. If Ollie does that, he deserves National Coach of the Year consideration. This conference is absolutely killing the basketball program, which was absolutely predictable 5 years ago when we went down this road. Ollie has his problems, but I am fairly confident that the next coach we get will be a big step down.

The Big East had 4 programs with Top 25 recruiting classes. There are dozens of posters on this board that have claimed at some point that the Big East and AAC were equivalent in hoops. That seems ridiculous now, doesn't it?

Everything I have said about football still stands, with the added benefit that the state finances are a train wreck making that money losing program more vulnerable. The conference hasn't helped the football program at all. All the problems of being one of 2 northeastern teams in a southern conference have only gotten worse over time. If a Florida kid can't or doesn't want to play SEC or ACC, he has to choose UConn over 11 AAC programs that are closer to him. We are getting what is left. I think we should focus our recruiting on the northeast and midwest. To be honest, I don't have any good suggestions left for football. We have made our bed.

UConn can not keep doing the same thing and hoping for a different result. It needs to find a way to better monetize the football program, either without the AAC or through a completely differently structured television contract where we keep our TV rights. The basketball program has to beg its way into the Big East, or I think we should join the A10. The door to the P5 is shut, forever. The absolutely best, fantasyland case is that the next round of realignment creates a stub Big 12 that is looking for new members, in SEVEN YEARS. I can't imagine we would be picked to join that given the condition of our athletic program, but we aren't doing ourselves any favors by staying in the AAC. The next best case is that streaming opens up more opportunities for schools to monetize their own broadcast rights, making independence a more viable option. Staying where we are is not a long-term solution in any scenario.

That's a downgrade. Don't ever suggest that again.

 

[nelsonmuntz]

That's a downgrade. Don't ever suggest that again.

Staying in the AAC is a downgrade, as I have been pointing out for years now. This decision destroyed the athletic program, yet some posters continue to defend it.

 

[shizzle787]

Staying in the AAC is a downgrade, as I have been pointing out for years now. This decision destroyed the athletic program, yet some posters continue to defend it.

No Spartacus. Unfortunately we have to wait out the next 7 or so years to see what happens, but I want BE/indy.

 

[uconnfan68]

If Football were such a costly burden there would be many schools across the country that would have dropped it by now. Can someone please compile a list of all of those schools that have dropped football.

I get it, basketball is down and people are looking for something to blame. Mick freaking Cronin's success in the AAC tells me the AAC is not our basketball problem, it might be something else... but I get it, lets drop football so we can finish near the bottom of the C7 league. We can be the new St John's, Hooray!

There will be many schools dumping football in the next decade. I see some optimistic posts here, and some pretty depressing ones. The one certainty is change is coming. My view says it won't be nice to us.

 

[billybud]

More have gone to FBS in the last eight years then have dropped down...

Appalachian State, Charlotte, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Massachusetts, Old Dominion, Texas State, Texas San Antonio, Western Kentucky

 

[auggie22]

I am not clear that college football is a viable sport long-term with the concussion issue. We should be hedging our bets on football in the AAC, not doubling down.

If we learn in a few months that Aaron Hernandez had CTE, I think that qualifies as the beginning of the end of Football driving the bus.

 

[nelsonmuntz]

If we learn in a few months that Aaron Hernandez had CTE, I think that qualifies as the beginning of the end of Football driving the bus.

The beginning happened long ago, we just don't know what the end will look like. I know families with 4th generation football players that are pulling their sons out of the sport. The tipping point has been reached at the youth level. The impact on the college and professional level is uncertain, but their will be an impact.

 

[billybud]

Yeah...and maybe we won't be seeing hockey either...since the number of concussions per 100,000 in boys sports, hockey is #2 right behind football.

Where do you draw the line?

The below numbers indicate the amount of sports concussions taking place per 100,000 athletic exposures. An athletic exposure is defined as one athlete participating in one organized high school athletic practice or competition, regardless of the amount of time played.

• Football: 64 -76.8
• Boys' ice hockey: 54
• Boys' lacrosse: 40 - 46.

 

[auggie22]

Yeah...and maybe we won't be seeing hockey either...since the number of concussions per 100,000 in boys sports, hockey is #2 right behind football.

Where do you draw the line?

The below numbers indicate the amount of sports concussions taking place per 100,000 athletic exposures. An athletic exposure is defined as one athlete participating in one organized high school athletic practice or competition, regardless of the amount of time played.

• Football: 64 -76.8
• Boys' ice hockey: 54
• Boys' lacrosse: 40 - 46.

The problem with CTE is not concussions, it is subconcussive trauma. That is why football stands above all others as a lightening rod.

The presence of CTE was found in 90 out of 94 donated brains (former NFL athletes) according to the BU CTE research project. This is not some loose connection.

As for where to draw the line - I suppose that is up to each individual and / or their family. And that is most definitely a problem for football.

 

[pepband99]

I haven't posted on this topic in a while because it is so depressing to think about.

It sure is - in that case, why don't you stop?

 

[Rufus]

And for even more additions, Coastal Carolina moved up starting this fall. They will play in the Sun Belt. Also, UAB reinstated its program and is back in CUSA. 2017 will see a net addition of two schools to the FBS.

In 2018, Idaho is moving down while Liberty will move up, so there will be no net change in teams next year.

More have gone to FBS in the last eight years then have dropped down...

Appalachian State, Charlotte, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Massachusetts, Old Dominion, Texas State, Texas San Antonio, Western Kentucky

 

[CTMike]

Staying in the AAC is a downgrade, as I have been pointing out for years now. This decision destroyed the athletic program, yet some posters continue to defend it.

Are you really pretending that the AAC was an active choice and that if only UConn had the sense to listen to you we wouldn't be in this mess?

 

[Adios]

All members of the AAC have the same goal, to get out of the AAC. UConn bball whiffed last season and whatever recruiting because Ollie messed up badly. Hiring Chillous means this is Ollie's last shot.

The NFL will have most likely have a team in London by 2022. Tottenham is building a stadium that is 100% gridiron football friendly. All that has to happen is the Jags pack their bags and move after the stadium is complete. (And switch spots with the Dolphins in the AFC East.) Average English NFL fan is around 26 years old while the average fan in the US is 45.

 

[Stinger92860]

If we learn in a few months that Aaron Hernandez had CTE, I think that qualifies as the beginning of the end of Football driving the bus.

I believe it will have a bigger impact on the NFL, where more money is in play. The schools, with some exceptions, UConn hopefully being one of those schools, don't give a Spartacus about these kids. They will continue to recruit and churn through players who want to play for the benefits. If anyone really thinks it's about the kids look at Ville or UNC. Now, if the NCAA gets hit with lawsuits things can change quickly.

 

[shizzle787]

My opinion on this is simple. The Big 12 more likely than not will lose some of its more important members in 2025. My guess is that at least Texas, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State will be gone. That will leave anywhere from 3-6 spots available. I believe we will get one of those spots. However, in the mean time, we could get lucky (unlikely) and the Big Ten or ACC could pick us up. If the Big 12 does indeed stay together and it looks like we are shut out of the P5/4 forever, then I would say NBE/indy.

 

[Zissou]

If the Big 12 does indeed stay together and it looks like we are shut out of the P5/4 forever, then I would say NBE/indy.

UConn is both feet in FBS at this point.

If / until a P5 opportunity arises, what is the better "forever" position and what is the better "interim" position for UConn? I think the answer to both is Big East for all sports but FB, with FB remaining in the American, or going indy if the American deal can't be negotiated.

Being in a Top 3 hoops conference with regional foes and a NYC base is a better environment for both UConn basketball programs. The footprint is much more reasonable for non-rev sports.

If the FB-only American can be negotiated, UConn has the best of both worlds. As a fall-back, indy football won't really hurt it's chances at future P5 consideration. As in the past, the bigger picture of the university's position will be critical and more important than specific short-term performance in football.

 

[Zissou]

All of your suggestions are bad. Bye Felicia.

So is your current position in the no-revenue American, Michelle.

 

[CTMike]

So you are going to visit another schools board... point out obvious things about their current conference situation... throw out awful "solutions" out of the goodness of your heart... feign surprise when we don't just go along with your brilliant "just play Nova and Delaware" plan... and call posters girl names for good measure?

Do you add this little value in all areas of your life?

 

[Zissou]

So you are going to visit another schools board... point out obvious things about their current conference situation... throw out awful "solutions" out of the goodness of your heart... feign surprise when we don't just go along with your brilliant "just play Nova and Delaware" plan... and call posters girl names for good measure?

Do you add this little value in all areas of your life?

I thought this was a "Conference Realignment Board" where conference realignment ideas were discussed. Your snarky response adds more value? Sorry to hurt your feelings, snowflake.

I meant to call you Felicia. Sorry for the typo.

 

[Zissou]

Moving beyond name calling, nelsonmuntz notes the real monetary concern of funding FBS from a stretched state budget with below market revenue from the American.

Nelson, I think, suggests moving away from FBS. imho, UConn has too much already invested in FBS to give up now. Good money after bad? Maybe, but most of the investment is already made, so to sustain FBS is a measured risk.

The American being low revenue is an anchor. UConn could more than double its TV revenue by going Big East, and then worry about incremental revenue with its football program. If they get zero for football as an indy, they would still be ahead with the Big East contract. I think UConn gets more than zero. I think there is a good chance that they negotiate a stay in the American for football. As a FALL BACK position in the American discussion, an indy Alliance is plausible. Again, the indy risk is mitigated by the Big East contract already delivering more revenue than the AAC contract.

 

[uconnell]

Moving beyond name calling, nelsonmuntz notes the real monetary concern of funding FBS from a stretched state budget with below market revenue from the American.

Nelson, I think, suggests moving away from FBS. imho, UConn has too much already invested in FBS to give up now. Good money after bad? Maybe, but most of the investment is already made, so to sustain FBS is a measured risk.

The American being low revenue is an anchor. UConn could more than double its TV revenue by going Big East, and then worry about incremental revenue with its football program. If they get zero for football as an indy, they would still be ahead with the Big East contract. I think UConn gets more than zero. I think there is a good chance that they negotiate a stay in the American for football. As a FALL BACK position in the American discussion, an indy Alliance is plausible. Again, the indy risk is mitigated by the Big East contract already delivering more revenue than the AAC contract.

I see the Mothership didn't find you.

 

[Zissou]

I see the Mothership didn't find you.

I am not affiliated with ESPN.

 

[nelsonmuntz]

My opinion on this is simple. The Big 12 more likely than not will lose some of its more important members in 2025. My guess is that at least Texas, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State will be gone. That will leave anywhere from 3-6 spots available. I believe we will get one of those spots. However, in the mean time, we could get lucky (unlikely) and the Big Ten or ACC could pick us up. If the Big 12 does indeed stay together and it looks like we are shut out of the P5/4 forever, then I would say NBE/indy.

If Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas left the Big 12, that league would not be any better than the MWC or AAC from a competitiveness or television standpoint. We saw what the networks do to a vulnerable conference when it loses a bag of Spartacus like Rutgers. Imagine what the networks will do to the Big 12 when it loses Texas.

If any league wanted to pick us up, they would have picked us up. Short of UConn becoming a football powerhouse again or somehow returning to our basketball glory, I don't see any reason for another league to add us in our current format. UConn needs to protect that hoops program immediately, because 2-3 more years of this and there will be nothing to protect. We also need to make more money ASAP.

NBE for hoops and non-revenue sports, and indy for football is the only path I see to solve both these problems. UConn would get a huge recruiting bump from being in the NBE, and the football program is in such bad shape structurally that independence may be a needed fresh start.

 

[nelsonmuntz]

So you are going to visit another schools board... point out obvious things about their current conference situation... throw out awful "solutions" out of the goodness of your heart... feign surprise when we don't just go along with your brilliant "just play Nova and Delaware" plan... and call posters girl names for good measure?

Do you add this little value in all areas of your life?

The awful solutions are coming from the UConn fans, not the Villanova fan. I am going to say "I told you so" to you over and over until you, pepband, and the rest of the AAC lovers realize that this conference is catastrophic for UConn athletics.

 

[MASSconn]

Nelson - you have a lot of valid points. There should be panic, and I'm sure there is an an executive level within the school.

We'll never find out what they're thinking, but its clear the best solution is winning NOW in football. Nothing else really matters unfortunately. Our current financial situation is not feasible long term, so it's wait and see.

I do agree though that we should have stayed in the Big East for basketball.

 

[CTMike]

The awful solutions are coming from the UConn fans, not the Villanova fan. I am going to say "I told you so" to you over and over until you, pepband, and the rest of the AAC lovers realize that this conference is catastrophic for UConn athletics.

If there's one thing I've been consistent on, it's hatred for the AAC. Try again. Sorry, you don't get a pat on the back for saying the AAC is bad for UConn, as if no one else realizes that. What you haven't provided is viable solutions - you've just merely shouted "fire!"

Now, the situation we find ourselves in isn't the same day by day. It was marginally better two years ago than today. The "solutions" you propose didn't make sense at that particular point in time. But I certainly acknowledge that the threshold is changing the longer we are in this hell hole... eventually, your proposal may be the best possible option. But you just want that "I told you so" moment so you can pretend you are the smartest person in the room.

 

[nelsonmuntz]

If there's one thing I've been consistent on, it's hatred for the AAC. Try again. Sorry, you don't get a pat on the back for saying the AAC is bad for UConn, as if no one else realizes that. What you haven't provided is viable solutions - you've just merely shouted "fire!"

Now, the situation we find ourselves in isn't the same day by day. It was marginally better two years ago than today. The "solutions" you propose didn't make sense at that particular point in time. But I certainly acknowledge that the threshold is changing the longer we are in this hell hole... eventually, your proposal may be the best possible option. But you just want that "I told you so" moment so you can pretend you are the smartest person in the room.

This is the first time in almost 30 years I have not read every story I could find on UConn basketball recruiting. This is the second year where I am not even paying attention to UConn football over the summer, even though opening kickoff is just over two months away. I have had season tickets since the Rent opened, and still pay for them despite only going to half the games now. I remember the first game like it was yesterday, with the Indiana defenders bouncing off Terry Caulley like he was in a video game, and I couldn't find my car because I walked down the wrong runway.

I am not happy at all about where UConn athletics is, and the lack of vision and overall gutlessness of the athletic department is frustrating. We are dying on our knees, instead of fighting for survival. The outcome may be the same, but at least we should at least put up a fight.

p.s. I know I am the smartest person in the room, I don't need this to prove it.

 

[CTMike]

p.s. I know I am the smartest person in the room, I don't need this to prove it.

LOL

 

[UConnDan97]

All of your suggestions are bad. Bye Felicia.

I love how he keeps pumping the JMU-Delaware savior theory because he happens to have a map drawn with dots on it...