UCONN Pre-Season Exhibitions: Why not play in-state schools?

[UCweCONN]

I'm wondering why since these games are meaningless and in most cases are major blowouts anyway, why doesn't UCONN play them against in-state DII and DIII schools like Southern CT, Eastern, Western, New Haven etc. (I'd especially like to see them play the state university system schools) on a rotating basis instead of the like of UMASS-Lowell, AIC (I am aware of the JC connection on this one)? The other state university schools all have respectable or successful programs for their levels of play.

Maybe play them in different locals around the state to give students and alumni of the other state schools and fans of UCONN around the state a chance to see their schools play? Also, it would probably save the university and the state in general money and generate more revenue.

 

[rw005]

I'm with you on this. It would be nice.

Still a little saddened that each year in the regular season, we don't play at least one in-state school (Quinny, Fairfield, Sacred Heart, Hartford, Yale, CCSU)

 

[NOTaDIME]

Couldn't this be discussed in the prior thread on the exhibition games?

 

[UCweCONN]

Are you referring to the thread asking why exhibitions exist? I suppose so, but I am not questioning the existence of exhibitions which I gathered was the point of that thread, although I didn't read it. I think the question of supporting basketball in the state warrants a separate thread. I'm hoping someone who is involved in those decisions sees the thread and gives it some consideration if it seems there is strong support for it. An optimistic idea, but worth a shot.

 

[NOTaDIME]

I like the idea and everything, but I just feel that anything discussing exhibition games would go in the main exhibition game thread. Really didnt mean to ruin your idea/thoughts just felt it should be in the other thread. After all, we were discussing opponents of exhibition games which would be a prime time to bring your idea up.

 

[mauconnfan]

AIC I am sure is for JC's alma mater to make some $$$$$$ as for UMass Lowell there may be a coaching connection also? That seems to be the pattern normally and in this case it is Souley.........

 

[Yonick]

Uconn did play Bridgeport a few years ago. I believe JC was helping them get their program restarted after a few down years.
Usually one looks for a team that can give them a bit of a run for their money. I'm not sure Southern, UNH, Bpt. can match up with UMass-Lowell or AIC, or not.