There is not much room for the other sports with 16 already in. Unless we add another B-ball program like UMass to make 18 and get the Boston type market back somewhat. Then go to two nine team divisions or something. I would not count on a split unless the NCAA tourney basketball # of invites are not up to par. It looks like the NCAA is prepared to allow a new record number of Big East teams in by now allowing 2nd round games against conference foes. The Big East is very much in touch with change, i would not count mike out in being able to keep this Big East going for a long time!

USFBullSpit Wrote:Basketball gets the same treatment. There has been more talk over the past few weeks since our athletic department and the owners of the Times Fourm want some of our basketball games move there. But that is about the only coverage we have for basketball. Hopefully, we can get some of our BE games on local TV since we only play on ESPNU three times. Our local media treats us like a D-II program, but we will see how BE memership effects that.

I'll bet you start to see more media coverage of your hoops team very soon. You will see better teams come through town with the Big East and the media will follow. The Big East takes a back seat to nobody when it comes to hoops. This includes any ACC teams or Florida. You will see soon enough.

.I also agree, that S. Florida will have to get more BB coverage now in a power conference like the Big East, it will be harder to ignore them and I think it will come around.

Cincy has potential in football, being in a better conference now with teams like Pitt, WV and 'Cuse and you guys already have the name recognition from the basketball, I think if you had a season where you won 10 or more game you would get some better coverage and would probably pack the joint. Seems like in major cities like that fans hop on the band wagon when times are good. UTEP in 2003 averaged 20,000 a game and in 2004 averaged 41,000 last year. So there is potential to draw in casual fans in major cities. Maybe they aren't as loyal but they are there.

As far as ECU if a football offer was extended we would go and worry about the other sports another time IMO. You at least get your foot in the door. I personally think the A10 is as good a BB conference if not better than CUSA, if we could somehow land that. The Colonial again is the worst case scenario. We are a football school though so BCS is the most important.

I will say living in a BB hungry state like NC you are raised around BB. The people in the ACC don't like to admit it but they do fear the Big East in Hoops and have since the 80's. Taking ECU in BB while the 4 in- state schools would chuckle publicly that would be a front and would privately be very concern no doubt about that. That said we know football drives the bus in these conference shake ups and is where the money is at.

If ECU could get back to football they were playing in early 90's.....you would be a big welcome to Big East and could fuel the split of football schools and non football schools. I would ult. like to see a Big East Conf. that is all sports i.e....football schools now plus 1.

Overall, the 9th member of Big East should be ECU.....eastern, good football support.....good fit.

Also S. Florida fans are you guys forgeting the SunShine network. I recall watching a couple of USF games on the network with my Sports pack. Do they cover you pretty well, I would have thought so.