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Message: [QUOTE="packwrap, post: 5218724, member: 13341"] Geno trys to schedule the toughest possible OOC exactly because he knows that is needed to offset the old aac/current big east league weakness. He also believes in playing 'anybody anywhere' and understands the value of big games in growing the sport. The schedule is normally a mix of: 1 - NE regional schools: your BU, FDU, HC above. 2 - Homecoming games for his players. 3 - Top teams for SOS: NC, Miss, ND, USC, Iowa St, Oregon St, Tenn, Louisville, SC That's 9 Power 4 teams plus Creighton to simulate a strong league schedule. 4 - plus Big East. 2025 ended up being an odd year however, where Iowa St, Oregon St, Louisville and even Ole Miss got off to terrible starts. Iowa St pre season #9 went 1-8 against good teams:eek:, OSU lost whole team via transfer with collapse of PAC12:mad:, Louisville got off to a poor start. These anomalies weakened the UConn SOS this year vs the plan. Amazingly, all 9 opponents plus Creighton eventually did improve over the course of the season, and all will make the tournament. ( This improvement in SOS over the year, plus strong MOV on average keep UConn at #1 in NET.) Still the schedule will not be as competitive as a top P4 school that has both tough league and a strong OOC schedule. (Ex: SC, TX, ND) If UConn, however, manages 0-2 losses, we are a #1 seed, 3-4 losses a #2, 5+ a #3 etc. If we end up as forecast at #2 seed, that's about right, and we can win the ncaa tourney from there.:D With the move next year to 20 Big East games, we may indeed need to be even more selective with the OOC schedule. [/QUOTE]

Verification: First name of men's bb coach