UConn's Big East Rival Will Be ............

[Zissou]

We’re fully aware and fully prepped for what we’re getting into. We played a MAJOR role in creating what we’re getting into. We don’t need a forewarning

Glad that you accept the meaning of coming home to the Big East, and you are not one of these AAC birthers who think the AAC is in fact the Big East.

 

[PChoops]

Most of this was ok until "could easily finish last." Nope got that one wrong.

Lol.....had to take a little shot

 

[TRest]

I've found the Nova grads I have met professionally to have a bit of BC smarminess to them, which helps fuel these things.

 

[Zissou]

Proximity, shared history, meaningful games - all play into a rivalry. CR has left many teams without fully developed rivals.

Looking a few years into the future, I'm guessing UConn's rivals should be:
1. Providence. Prov is a better program than you remember and the proximity will make them natural rivals.
2. Nova. Battling for Big East prominence. 2 Blue Blood programs in conference.
3. Cuse. The former top rival, but that fades a bit over time being OOC.
4. UMass. After the giggles, there should be an effort to develop this into a regional rivalry with annual football games and hoops.
5. BC. Same as UMass.
6. Cincy. Keep scheduling them in both sports and keep a rivalry
7. St Johns. SJ has been below its potential for too long. If they can compete near the top of the conference, the NYC/MSG makes for a natural conference rival.
8. SH. They would love to have more rivals, but they are not quite worthy.

Nova is also without a true natural rival. Here is Nova's list
1. Georgetown. Forever tied to 1985 and a long standing conference rival. They need to be better for this to stir more emotion.
2. UConn. Not today, but I am going to project forward the importance of UConn to the Big East and Hurley's track to build the program. Battling for Big East prominence. 2 Blue Blood programs in conference.
3. UNC! We are not probably near the top of their list, but we have built so much history with them. UNC-Nova games are special.
4. Kansas! sames.
5. Cuse. Nova-Cuse has great history. It never had the level of hatred as Cuse-GTown or Cuse-UConn, but still a good history. This will likely continue to fade.
6. St Johns. meh.
7. Temple. Our most competent Big 5 rival.
8. St Joes (PA). They hate us the most. Historical rivalry that has faded with their mediocrity.
9. The Hall. More of an annoyance than a rival.

As far as rivals between Blue Bloods, Nova-UConn is a natural in-conference. But OOC does UConn have any special Blue Blood rivalry that might compare to UNC-Nova?

Here is the Case for UNC-Nova:
- 2016. In the greatest NCAA Final of All-Time, Kris Jenkins hits "The Shot". Nova downs UNC 77-74.
- 2013. UNC knocks out Nova 71-78.
- 2009. UNC and Nova meet in the Detroit Final Four. UNC drops Nova 69-83 on the way to UNC's title.
- 2005. In a classic regional semi-final at The Dome, an injury reduced Nova squad moves to a 4 guard set and out plays UNC. The difference in the game is the notorius "phantom walk", gifting the Tarheels a 66-67 win. UNC continues on to a tarnished title.
- In 1996 Nova whips Carolina at the Spectrum, 76-56.
- In the 1995-96 Regular Season. Nova beats UNC twice, in the Maui Invitational and later in Philly.
- in 1994 and 1992 UNC takes regular season victories from Nova.
- 1991. UNC knocks out Nova 69-84. UNC advances to the Final Four.
- 1989. UNC defeats Nova in the regular season.
- 1985. As an 8 seed, Nova faced 2 seed UNC in the Regional Final. Just before the advent of the shot clock and the 3 point line, Coach Mass employs the Carolina 4 corners, feeding Dean Smith his own medicine in a 56-44 take down of the Tarheels. Nova moves on to the Final Four in Kentucky that features 3 Big East teams, and takes down Georgetown for the Championship.
- 1983. Regular Season. The Blizzard Game. Nova has trouble departing Philly in a blizzard. On UNC's home court, John Pinone's Nova takes down the Jordan's #1 ranked Tarheels 56-53. Coach Mass secures the win with the Carolina 4 corners.
- 1982. UNC takes down Nova 60-70 in the Regional Final, on its way to a Title over Georgetown.
- 1968, 1960, and 1955. UNC takes and early series lead with its first 3 victories over Nova.

In UNC's long storied history, Villanova is their most frequent tournament foe. UNC beat Nova on it's way to Titles in 1982, 2005, and 2009. Nova downed UNC in its title runs in 1985 and 2016.

I think UConn's best case for an OOC Blue Blood rivalry would be Duke. Do Huskies feel it?
- 2004 UConn beats Duke in the Final Four. UConn wins the Title over Georgia Tech.
- 1999 UConn wins the Title over 1 seed Duke, for UConn's first title.
- 1991 Duke downs UConn in the Sweet 16. Duke wins its first title.
- 1990 Duke takes UConn in an Elite Eight overtime, 78-79, denying UConn a Final Four.
- 1964 Duke crushes UConn in the Elite Eight, 54-101.

Duke and UConn are both classic "new money" blue bloods, with their first titles in the 1990s and their excellence each tied to one legendary program coach. 5 titles for Duke and 4 titles for UConn.

Am I missing any regular season Duke-UConn drama? Does this history mean anything extra when UConn plays Duke?

 

[FriarJ]

I've found the Nova grads I have met professionally to have a bit of BC smarminess to them, which helps fuel these things.

A bit?

 

[87Xfer]

I expect nice success too. We wanted UConn back. We are glad to have you back.

Just don't schedule Holy Cross. The L would be bad for all of our SOS.

Ouch. Gotta admit, nicely done.

 

[87Xfer]

As far as rivals between Blue Bloods, Nova-UConn is a natural in-conference. But OOC does UConn have any special Blue Blood rivalry that might compare to UNC-Nova?

Here is the Case for UNC-Nova:
- 2016. In the greatest NCAA Final of All-Time, Kris Jenkins hits "The Shot". Nova downs UNC 77-74.
- 2013. UNC knocks out Nova 71-78.
- 2009. UNC and Nova meet in the Detroit Final Four. UNC drops Nova 69-83 on the way to UNC's title.
- 2005. In a classic regional semi-final at The Dome, an injury reduced Nova squad moves to a 4 guard set and out plays UNC. The difference in the game is the notorius "phantom walk", gifting the Tarheels a 66-67 win. UNC continues on to a tarnished title.
- In 1996 Nova whips Carolina at the Spectrum, 76-56.
- In the 1995-96 Regular Season. Nova beats UNC twice, in the Maui Invitational and later in Philly.
- in 1994 and 1992 UNC takes regular season victories from Nova.
- 1991. UNC knocks out Nova 69-84. UNC advances to the Final Four.
- 1989. UNC defeats Nova in the regular season.
- 1985. As an 8 seed, Nova faced 2 seed UNC in the Regional Final. Just before the advent of the shot clock and the 3 point line, Coach Mass employs the Carolina 4 corners, feeding Dean Smith his own medicine in a 56-44 take down of the Tarheels. Nova moves on to the Final Four in Kentucky that features 3 Big East teams, an takes down Georgetown for the Championship.
- 1983. Regular Season. The Blizzard Game. Nova has trouble departing Philly in a blizzard. On UNC's home court, John Pinone's Nova takes down the Jordan's #1 ranked Tarheels 56-53. Coach Mass secures the win with the Carolina 4 corners.
- 1982. UNC takes down Nova 60-70 in the Regional Final, on its way to a Title over Georgetown.
- 1968, 1960, and 1955. UNC takes and early series lead with its first 3 victories over Nova.

In UNC's long storied history, Villanova is their most frequent tournament foe. UNC beat Nova on it's way to Titles in 1982, 2005, and 2009. Nova downed UNC in its title runs in 1985 and 2016.

I think UConn's best case for an OOC Blue Blood rivalry would be Duke. Do Huskies feel it?
- 2004 UConn beats Duke in the Final Four. UConn wins the Title over Georgia Tech.
- 1999 UConn wins the Title over 1 seed Duke, for UConn's first title.
- 1991 Duke downs UConn in the Sweet 16. Duke wins its first title.
- 1990 Duke takes UConn in an Elite Eight overtime, 78-79, denying UConn a Final Four.
- 1964 Duke crushes UConn in the Elite Eight, 54-101.

Duke and UConn are both classic "new money" blue bloods, with their first titles in the 1990s and their excellence each tied to one legendary program coach. 5 titles for Duke and 4 titles for UConn.

Am I missing any regular season Duke-UConn drama? Does this history mean anything extra when UConn plays Duke?

I agree that UConn's OOC would be Duke. But I have 3 friends that are Duke alums and I get the overall impression that their fanbase still thinks our program is beneath them. And rivalries have to be bi-lateral. Don't shoot the messenger...

 

[superjohn]

As far as rivals between Blue Bloods, Nova-UConn is a natural in-conference. But OOC does UConn have any special Blue Blood rivalry that might compare to UNC-Nova?

Here is the Case for UNC-Nova:
- 2016. In the greatest NCAA Final of All-Time, Kris Jenkins hits "The Shot". Nova downs UNC 77-74.
- 2013. UNC knocks out Nova 71-78.
- 2009. UNC and Nova meet in the Detroit Final Four. UNC drops Nova 69-83 on the way to UNC's title.
- 2005. In a classic regional semi-final at The Dome, an injury reduced Nova squad moves to a 4 guard set and out plays UNC. The difference in the game is the notorius "phantom walk", gifting the Tarheels a 66-67 win. UNC continues on to a tarnished title.
- In 1996 Nova whips Carolina at the Spectrum, 76-56.
- In the 1995-96 Regular Season. Nova beats UNC twice, in the Maui Invitational and later in Philly.
- in 1994 and 1992 UNC takes regular season victories from Nova.
- 1991. UNC knocks out Nova 69-84. UNC advances to the Final Four.
- 1989. UNC defeats Nova in the regular season.
- 1985. As an 8 seed, Nova faced 2 seed UNC in the Regional Final. Just before the advent of the shot clock and the 3 point line, Coach Mass employs the Carolina 4 corners, feeding Dean Smith his own medicine in a 56-44 take down of the Tarheels. Nova moves on to the Final Four in Kentucky that features 3 Big East teams, an takes down Georgetown for the Championship.
- 1983. Regular Season. The Blizzard Game. Nova has trouble departing Philly in a blizzard. On UNC's home court, John Pinone's Nova takes down the Jordan's #1 ranked Tarheels 56-53. Coach Mass secures the win with the Carolina 4 corners.
- 1982. UNC takes down Nova 60-70 in the Regional Final, on its way to a Title over Georgetown.
- 1968, 1960, and 1955. UNC takes and early series lead with its first 3 victories over Nova.

In UNC's long storied history, Villanova is their most frequent tournament foe. UNC beat Nova on it's way to Titles in 1982, 2005, and 2009. Nova downed UNC in its title runs in 1985 and 2016.

I think UConn's best case for an OOC Blue Blood rivalry would be Duke. Do Huskies feel it?
- 2004 UConn beats Duke in the Final Four. UConn wins the Title over Georgia Tech.
- 1999 UConn wins the Title over 1 seed Duke, for UConn's first title.
- 1991 Duke downs UConn in the Sweet 16. Duke wins its first title.
- 1990 Duke takes UConn in an Elite Eight overtime, 78-79, denying UConn a Final Four.
- 1964 Duke crushes UConn in the Elite Eight, 54-101.

Duke and UConn are both classic "new money" blue bloods, with their first titles in the 1990s and their excellence each tied to one legendary program coach. 5 titles for Duke and 4 titles for UConn.

Am I missing any regular season Duke-UConn drama? Does this history mean anything extra when UConn plays Duke?

2016 the greatest NCAA final ever. Are you 8 years old?

With your Duke and UConn are both classic new money blue blood comment, please tell me you don't think Nova is a classic old money blue blood.

 

[Zissou]

I agree that UConn's OOC would be Duke. But I have 3 friends that are Duke alums and I get the overall impression that their fanbase still thinks our program is beneath them. And rivalries have to be bi-lateral. Don't shoot the messenger...

I'd say UConn - Duke is more evenly matched than Sox-Yanks, and the Sox consider themselves rivals.

 

[Zissou]

With your Duke and UConn are both classic new money blue blood comment, please tell me you don't think Nova is a classic old money blue blood.

Nova is in between.
- Top 10 in NCAA tournament victories.
- NCAA Appearance in every decade (One of 2 programs, Nova and Ohio State)
- Final Fours in 1939, 1971, 1985, 2009, 2016, and 2018

Nova is also a modern era Blue Blood. It wouldn't be a classic old money Blue Blood, but it is more of a historical contender with modern era titles.

 

[nadav]

I wonder if an actual blue blood would have won more than 1 BET between 1982 and 2014?! Or if an actual blue blood would have had Steve Lappas running the show for a decade, accumulating A grand total of 1 NCAA win? Hmmm

 

[Zissou]

Here are your modern era Blue Bloods

 

[Zissou]

I wonder if an actual blue blood... would have had Steve Lappas running the show for a decade, accumulating A grand total of 1 NCAA win? Hmmm

Lap was a low point and he under performed in post season with a couple of 3 seeds and a 4 seed. 1 NCAA win, however, is FAKE NEWS.

 

[nadav]

Lap was a low point and he under performed in post season with a couple of 3 seeds and a 4 seed. 1 NCAA win, however, is FAKE NEWS.

Am I mistaken? Did he have 2? Point is you don’t get to call yourself a blue blood. You are or you aren’t.

 

[Zissou]

you don’t get to call yourself a blue blood. You are or you aren’t.

Well, the sports press recognizes Nova as a Blue Blood. In San Antonio all of the talk was of 3 Blue Bloods plus Loyola. We won that one, so I'd think we wouldn't lose that status with another title.

 

[the Q]

As far as rivals between Blue Bloods, Nova-UConn is a natural in-conference. But OOC does UConn have any special Blue Blood rivalry that might compare to UNC-Nova?

Here is the Case for UNC-Nova:
- 2016. In the greatest NCAA Final of All-Time, Kris Jenkins hits "The Shot". Nova downs UNC 77-74.
- 2013. UNC knocks out Nova 71-78.
- 2009. UNC and Nova meet in the Detroit Final Four. UNC drops Nova 69-83 on the way to UNC's title.
- 2005. In a classic regional semi-final at The Dome, an injury reduced Nova squad moves to a 4 guard set and out plays UNC. The difference in the game is the notorius "phantom walk", gifting the Tarheels a 66-67 win. UNC continues on to a tarnished title.
- In 1996 Nova whips Carolina at the Spectrum, 76-56.
- In the 1995-96 Regular Season. Nova beats UNC twice, in the Maui Invitational and later in Philly.
- in 1994 and 1992 UNC takes regular season victories from Nova.
- 1991. UNC knocks out Nova 69-84. UNC advances to the Final Four.
- 1989. UNC defeats Nova in the regular season.
- 1985. As an 8 seed, Nova faced 2 seed UNC in the Regional Final. Just before the advent of the shot clock and the 3 point line, Coach Mass employs the Carolina 4 corners, feeding Dean Smith his own medicine in a 56-44 take down of the Tarheels. Nova moves on to the Final Four in Kentucky that features 3 Big East teams, an takes down Georgetown for the Championship.
- 1983. Regular Season. The Blizzard Game. Nova has trouble departing Philly in a blizzard. On UNC's home court, John Pinone's Nova takes down the Jordan's #1 ranked Tarheels 56-53. Coach Mass secures the win with the Carolina 4 corners.
- 1982. UNC takes down Nova 60-70 in the Regional Final, on its way to a Title over Georgetown.
- 1968, 1960, and 1955. UNC takes and early series lead with its first 3 victories over Nova.

In UNC's long storied history, Villanova is their most frequent tournament foe. UNC beat Nova on it's way to Titles in 1982, 2005, and 2009. Nova downed UNC in its title runs in 1985 and 2016.

I think UConn's best case for an OOC Blue Blood rivalry would be Duke. Do Huskies feel it?
- 2004 UConn beats Duke in the Final Four. UConn wins the Title over Georgia Tech.
- 1999 UConn wins the Title over 1 seed Duke, for UConn's first title.
- 1991 Duke downs UConn in the Sweet 16. Duke wins its first title.
- 1990 Duke takes UConn in an Elite Eight overtime, 78-79, denying UConn a Final Four.
- 1964 Duke crushes UConn in the Elite Eight, 54-101.

Duke and UConn are both classic "new money" blue bloods, with their first titles in the 1990s and their excellence each tied to one legendary program coach. 5 titles for Duke and 4 titles for UConn.

Am I missing any regular season Duke-UConn drama? Does this history mean anything extra when UConn plays Duke?

ignoring everything else...That call on Allan ray laughable. And they only called it after the ball went in...

still, nova had the inbound stolen and the dude dropped it oob.

 

[nadav]

Well, the sports press recognizes Nova as a Blue Blood. In San Antonio all of the talk was of 3 Blue Bloods plus Loyola. We won that one, so I'd think we wouldn't lose that status with another title.

I missed ‘all of the talk’ then. If you think Nova is considered to be on the same level (right or wrong) as Kentucky, UNC, Kansas and Duke, then I really don’t know what to say.

 

[Zissou]

I missed ‘all of the talk’ then. If you think Nova is considered to be on the same level (right or wrong) as Kentucky, UNC, Kansas and Duke, then I really don’t know what to say.

You can google ESPN, CBS Sports, Forbes, AP, USA Today, and find Nova listed as a Blue Blood. I didn't wake up this morning with an epiphany.

I can understand you not keeping up with current events over the last 5 years, but Nova has added to it's legacy

Of course it's not an official title, so there is always debate.

imho, Carolina, Duke, and UConn are the leaders of the modern era. Titles matter.

Next tier is Kentucky, Louisville and Nova. For all of the top recruits UK gets, Calipari only has the 2012 title.

Part of the discussion has to include recent accomplishments. What have you done for me lately? Indiana, Kansas, and UCLA? Certainly they are historic Blue Bloods, but they don't have enough recent success to be considered top tier. Opinion.

 

[Deepster]

Before you get like that your boys really need to gain some muscle. It's going to be more like a punch to the chops than an ankle bite from inferior players. All of these schools have high end division one players that many of the programs couldn't get when you were dominating. That alone will be the biggest difference your fans will see when the games begin.

Egads. When will you people stop thinking you're any good?

 

[FriarJ]

Egads. When will you people stop thinking you're any good?

Probably when you realize you haven’t been for years.

 

[FriarJ]

Re-emphasizing this sentence. That alone makes me omit that ankle-biter program as our rival.

Sharp teeth though, this was the year before we beat you at home in your NC year and Calhouns rant. 2003 UConn senior night at Gampel.

 

[the Q]

Sharp teeth though, this was the year before we beat you at home in your NC year and Calhouns rant. 2003 UConn senior night at Gampel.

providence has always played us tough and had some really good players that I loathe their miserable existence (such as Williams, Murdock, Dunn, Simpkins and croshere).

they’ve had some really good players like Gomes and shamgod who made them more than relevant.

but it’s not enough to talk smack now, despite UConn being down.

I don’t think UConn wins the conference yesr, but with the right transfer(s) they can certainly be 3rd. In fact if they got nolley and Bruner that’s where I’d slot them in.

but without those 2, they could easily finish like 7th with a lot of close games. This conference is pretty freaking deep.

3 years from now though I do expect them to be up where Creighton and Nova are right now. I believe in Hurley and the brand that much. But it’s not going to be an easy path either. But it starts with doing the job next year. Next year is huge as the building block for that.

 

[FriarJ]

providence has always played us tough and had some really good players that I loathe their miserable existence (such as Simpkins and croshere).

they’ve had some really good players like Gomes and shamgod who made them more than relevant.

but it’s not enough to talk smack now, despite UConn being down.

I don’t think UConn wins the conference yesr, but with the right transfer(s) they can certainly be 3rd. In fact if they got nolley and Bruner that’s where I’d slot them in.

but without those 2, they could easily finish like 7th with a lot of close games. This conference is pretty freaking deep.

3 years from now though I do expect them to be up where Creighton and Nova are right now. I believe in Hurley and the brand that much. But it’s not going to be an easy path either. But it starts with doing the job next year. Next year is huge as the building block for that.

I have no doubt about that. But also under Cooley PC will not be sinking back to the bottom of the league like many expect here.

Why do you loathe Croshere? Do you know his story?

 

[superjohn]

Sharp teeth though, this was the year before we beat you at home in your NC year and Calhouns rant. 2003 UConn senior night at Gampel.

That's the point, it will always be your superbowl and for UConn it's just another game. Many years later the biggest claim to fame for PC is that they once beat the national champions in a regular season game.

 

[the Q]

I have no doubt about that. But also under Cooley PC will not be sinking back to the bottom of the league like many expect here.

Why do you loathe Croshere? Do you know his story?

incant argue Cooley has brought PC back to relevancy. And stealing Dunn out of UConn’s back yard was huge for that.

As I said, simple geography and OBE history means this is a rivalry. And y’all have given UConn fits, the all time record shows that.

I still think nova has to be #1 though, at least based on the present situation. Because nova has the same history from obe and is the goal program for UConn right now.

 

[Deepster]

Probably when you realize you haven’t been for years.

Do we have to be? You still are and always will be looking way, way up at UConn. Even with the downturn over the last 4-5 years. You don't get to shoot your mouth off.

 

[FriarJ]

That's the point, it will always be your superbowl and for UConn it's just another game. Many years later the biggest claim to fame for PC is that they once beat the national champions in a regular season game.

We beat Nova both years they won the NC’s and took them to overtime in the BET championship game when they went onto beat everyone in the NCAA by 20. The Providence you seem to think still exists was over right after the latest split. 1 game behind Xavier for the 2nd best overall BE record since the inception. There was a time when beating you guys was what you describe. That time is history as is your past.

 

[Deepster]

Sharp teeth though, this was the year before we beat you at home in your NC year and Calhouns rant. 2003 UConn senior night at Gampel.

LMAO. The fact that you even remember this game makes my point.

 

[FriarJ]

incant argue Cooley has brought PC back to relevancy. And stealing Dunn out of UConn’s back yard was huge for that.

As I said, simple geography and OBE history means this is a rivalry. And y’all have given UConn fits, the all time record shows that.

I still think nova has to be #1 though, at least based on the present situation. Because nova has the same history from obe and is the goal program for UConn right now.

Seriously I’m curious about Croshere. Do you know he committed to UConn and when he was scheduled to fly out to Storrs for a visit Calhoun pulled his ship to give it to Kirkland King? Calhoun told him to call Rick Barnes and go there which is what he did.

 

[FriarJ]

LMAO. The fact that you even remember this game makes my point.

I don’t recall it at all but somebody does and just posted this on YouTube. The amazing thing is when we were ankle biters to be ignored you were a regular poster on the PC board. How soon we forget...