For as much as everyone looks down on Dayton as a duplication of markets I find it to be a potential strength. You have two nearby Catholic schools with solid programs and who put butts in seats. Proximity breeds rivalries and while they may never be as big as UNC-Duke with the proper grooming Dayton-Xavier could take on greater interest for fans. A conference is the sum of its parts and if your conference has good brands and good rivalries people watch and networks write bigger checks.

St Louis is a project that I think the Big East should take it on. The offer shouldn't be without its strings. Their needs to be a clear plan in place for how the Bilikens are going to use Big East revenue to build up their brand and program and become the main basketball attraction in their market.