TerrierNation

I think we'd be an option, but I have to say, I think the A10's best play is to stay put. Their league is already huge right now. They could do nothing or lure George Mason and attempt to bring Temple back. If the Big East only plucks 3 schools, they can simply invite Mason and leave it alone.

Not even sure BU would be interested in the A10 at this point. I know that sounds strange, but that's my sense.

mainejeff

The A-10 would be too unstable.

TerrierNation

Exactly. And actually I think other sports in the Patriot League are actually just as good or better than the A10 and that's important to BU.

If the A10 loses 5 teams, plus Temple (maybe they will try and stay), all bets are off. I think Fairfield is fairly desperate to get out of the MAAC. They would be an easy add along with a package deal of Drexel, Mason and Northeastern from CAA.

Aceinthehole

Th Big East split will almost certainly lead to some poaching of the A-10.

A-10 (current lineup for 2013-14)
1. Butler ---> rumored to join BE-7
2. Dayton ---> rumored to join BE-7
3. Duquesne
4. Fordham
5. George Washington
6. La Salle
7. Massachusetts ---> high potential to join a FBS football conference
8. Rhode Island
9. Richmond
10. Saint Joseph's
11. Saint Louis ---> rumored to join BE-7
12. St. Bonaventure
13. Virginia Commonwealth
14. Xavier ---> nearly certain will join BE-7

IMO the top potential replacements, if needed are likely:
- George Mason (CAA)
- Davidson (SoCon)
- Creighton (MVC)
- Cleveland State (Horizon)

TerrierNation

The big question is whether they go 10 or 12. If they go 10 and don't include St. Louis or Creighton, don't be shocked to see it go the other way: St. Louis bolts the A10 to join Creighton the MVC. If the BE goes to 12 then all bets are off.

mainejeff

The problem for the A-10 is look who might be left.............

Duquesne
Fordham
George Washington
LaSalle
UMass
URI
VCU/Richmond
St. Joes
St. Bonaventure

(I think that VCU or Richmond joins the BE7)

That conference becomes a hodge podge of divergent schools with varying agendas.......much like the CAA. LaSalle, St. Joes and St. Bonaventure look like MAAC programs. URI belongs in AE. UMass will be gone to an FBS conference is they keep football at that level. Fordham has CAA written all over it.

Aceinthehole

Agreed! The BE-7 has to make their move firts, then the A-10 will react.

BE-7 could add 3 or 5 and they will be A-10 teams and possibly Creighton (MVC). It will be interesting to see which way they go.

Also, the BE-7 probably wants to add 'Zaga and St. Mary's for SOS and TV $$$, but I think their geography makes it impossible move for either side.

mainejeff

I don't see the BE7 going to Omaha. Look for Richmond (still my darkhorse pick!) or VCU as the last pick if they go to 12.

Aceinthehole

MJ -

I agree, but as you point out, what conference right now makes sense for all its member? Outside of the Ivy, every conference has its warts or odd pieces.

Personally, I don't think VCU gets the BE call (because they are public), but yes, Richmond is a potential candidates as well.

TerrierNation

I thought that for awhile too, but Creighton's President is apparently on the board at Marquette. And Creighton is currently selling out an 18,000 seat arena for games against the MVC. They could really elevate. Should take them over Richmond and VCU in my opinion and just stick Xavier in the east.

Any of the three would be excellent though

mainejeff

Yeah......honestly, if they could.........they'd probably take all 3 in trade for DePaul, Seton Hall and Providence.

Rhett1

I think you're right. I think it fits with the way they are trying to sell the school now and the academic-types who are usually anti-sports (and all of our schools have them) seem pretty happy about the move. Even competitively, once you sheer the top few programs off of the A-10, the Patriot should be a better conference in several key sports (and already is in a few Olympic sports & lacrosse).

Of course, they should pay attention, because no one seems to see all of the twists and turns this ridiculous game of musical chairs is taking.

mainejeff

The latest is.......UConn and Cincinnati joining forces with the "best of the rest" including Memphis and Temple, and the best of the Mountain West to form a transcontinental conference that satisfies football needs and forms quite a collection of basketball powers:

http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-bas...nt-connecticut

UConn
Temple
Cincinnati
Memphis
Central Florida
South Florida
Boise State
New Mexico
UNLV
San Diego State

umainealum

I guess you have sort of built in travel partners...that's really about the only thing I can say. I really don't see what on earth the western schools rationale would be for this.

__________________
UMaine - the epitome of mediocrity

Proud supporter of an AMERICA EAST team that made a coaching change...

BUmbles

Not sure if anyone has posted this but the 7 catholic schools officially voted to exit the Big East yesterday.

http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebaske...-from-big-east