danefan

Either someone can't read or someone can't write. (Not you....the CAA....or maybe me)

That by-law is very clear to me that the date the withdrawing team becomes ineligible is "determined by the remaining members".

Are they saying they didn't intend it that way?

oldvmter

i believe the ae simply does not want an outgoing member representing them in ncaa tournament competition as a lame duck member. that would seem possible in women's hoops now, but probably not likely in men's hoops.

TerrierNation

Agree. If the AE thinks they are going to play hardball, I'm guessing BU could work something out with the PL to enter immediately if they pay a larger buy in fee, which would be fine with me. That and refuse to pay a buy out fee and force the AE to court. (even if BU loses its fine...makes the league look vindictive for banning student athletes from participating and takes time and energy on their part). And it would affect scheduling for many sports for the AE and possibly even automatic bids if BU isn't allowed to compete. What's probably more likely is the UVM reporter or AD were talking out of their ass and things are being negotiated presently.

TerrierNation

Also, how would a school like Quinnipiac feel about that kind of policy if they are considering joining the AE? Immediately banning all team sports from competing...ridiculous and spiteful.

TerrierNation

I kind of think SBU, BU and UVM are all pretty strong contenders for the autobid in men's basketball. I wouldn't describe it as not likely.

indianhoop

There's no "official PL hoops" board but in many ways the HC board acts as one:

http://s2.excoboard.com/Crossports

danefan

It's not banning anyone from competing. You just can't win the conference championship. theoretically you'll still be eligible for an at-large in all team sports.

bosiydid

I completely disagree...spiteful? You have both feet out the door and hardly represent the AE moving forward thus should be immediately barred from any AE auto bids. What would look completely ridiculous is you wining an autobid and a few weeks later high-tailing it out of the AE. It's not spiteful, you've moved on and so have we as a conference. Honestly, I'd waive any exit fees and just have you leave now...you've been a great constituent of the AE and we wish you nothing but the best but I don't get this holding patter for a year...just go! BU is wealthy, certainly you can pay the exit fee...no?

If I were BU I'd do a VCU and just GTFO! Who benefits from you hanging on another year?

__________________

VT Cats Fan

Doesn't it give the AE time to find s suitable replacement?

bosiydid

We'll just deal with 8 teams this year unless SBU also bolts...then it becomes a problem...BU is up first so let them go...

__________________

Urban Barrister

If the Commissioner wasn't already laying the groundwork to invite Quinnipiac, CCSU and/or Bryan, then she doesn't deserve to be in the position - and our conference truly is screwed.

bosiydid

Couldn't agree more...if she is just now starting to line up replacements we are screwed.

__________________

lsbal84

The only thing that would have made me feel like the AE was being proactive in this process was if they made an announcement 15 minutes after BU made their leaving announcement, that we have a new team joining. Other than that.....for me..... it just feels like the past. I know it takes time but the AE must have known that this was in the works, and whatever our counter move will be, should have been in place.

By no stretch of foresight on the AE's part did we luck out with the Suny schools. That was pure reaction and luck......imho.

Loved having BU in the conference. Will miss them and wish them luck. Really hoping Stonybrook does not follow the same path. They have a tremendous chance to do big things here.

bosiydid

I'd like to get to a place as a conference where not every single conference is a step up from the AE. The only way to do that is if we ALL grow together as a unit and push each other to greater heights. I'd love SBU to stay here with us and build this thing up...BU for a decade has been looking to get out...fine GTFO.

__________________

TheVelezes

As a follower of Boston U. since the days of the ECAC-North Atlantic, the idea that BU has finally made the move is slowly sinking in.

I really wanted the move, I just don't know if joining the Patriot League adds anything new to what they already had.

See, it's not like Texas A&M leaving the Big 12 to join the SEC. For the Aggies, that's a clear upgrade: they finally escape from the shadow of the University of Texas-Austin, join a better football conference (and here it's all about football), and get to keep the best Texas-based talent from leaving the state.

NU Hoop Fan, enlighten me! What BU gains as a program joining the Patriot League? Start fighting with Holy Cross for the same recruits?

I dunno.