(03-13-2018 08:42 PM)Fighting Muskie Wrote:  But who else is really out there to reload with besides Seattle?

GCU has the diploma mill reputation and vast resources, neither set well with small Catholics.

Cal Baptist is an unproven program with a much different theological background than most of the WCC.

Denver is intriguing as an option but I think they are comfortable where they are and like having their hockey rivals in Olympic sports.

Outside of that you're bringing in NMSU (football aspirations) or Utah Valley (former community college).

It's slim pickings once you get past Seattle; I don't think GCU ever enters the conversation, Cal Baptist has too many question marks, and a non-D1 like APU carries too much baggage. I think you're hoping to add Seattle and see if BYU misses its chance at a chair when the music stops a la UConn. If BYU leaves and you want to get to 10, it's Denver or bust, IMO, even though they are nonsectarian.

Who is on deck after that who fits the mold of the conference? If you're looking for a Catholic school to match the general profile of the league... gosh, you're probably going for somebody like Chaminade? They have zero interest in D1, but I can't think of any Catholic schools on the mainland who have much in the way of athletic tradition or ambition and aren't already in the WCC.

The WCC will be dealt a harsh blow by Gonzaga's departure, but it can endure and be competitive if BYU stays. If BYU (or worse but less likely, St. Mary's) leaves, they may just have to stand pat at 9 and deal with the scheduling headaches that come with it until the right fit presents itself - which could be a decade or longer.