(08-03-2018 04:04 AM)templefootballfan Wrote: ORU has shot at MVC
I think that's unlikely, as they're now a geographic outlier. I think UMKC would be a far better choice.
The other problem with ORU is that while the private vs public thing in the MVC is a real thing, I don't think the privates really want ORU with them.
Here's the teams that I think would be better fits for the MVC than ORU, even before you get into the culture issue
UMKC
Nebraska - Omaha
Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Detroit Mercy
IUPUI
All would go to the Valley if asked. All are in better markets and are better located. And UMKC would solve Missouri State's travel partner problem just as easily as ORU. And I'm just curious, does Missouri State even WANT Oral Roberts in the conference? They do play each other.
BTW, ORU has a tiny endowment, a small enrollment, hasn't won a NIT or NCAA basketball game since 1975, hasn't been to the NCAAs in 10 years.
ORU is basically wholly controlled by one benefactor, Mart Green, who at one time (perhaps still today) controls all of the Board Seats at ORU. And they've had some pretty spectacular scandals too.
And just so we're clear...ORU basketball has sucked recently.
Here's ORU's recent resume vs D1.
2017-18 8-20 plus a loss to a Division II team with 2 wins coming vs 20 loss teams....wins vs winning record teams 1
2016-17 6-22 with 0 wins coming vs 20 loss teams...wins vs winning record teams 3
2015-16 12-17 with 0 wins coming vs 20 loss teams...wins vs winning record teams 5
2014-15 17-15 with 5 wins coming vs 20 loss teams....wins vs winning record teams 3
2013-14 15-16 with 7 wins coming vs 20 loss teams...wins vs winning record teams 3
2012-13 18-15 with 9 wins coming vs 20 loss teams...wins vs winning record teams 4
They did have a good year in 2011-12, losing in the first round of the NIT.
And when you get into the actual wins in that group, you'll find that ORU was snacking on the absolute dregs of D1.
Total D1 wins 76. Wins vs 20 loss teams (mainly 20 loss teams from the worst conferences too) 23. Wins against teams finishing with a D1 winning record....19. Roughly 3 wins per year over teams with winning records.
Basically, ORU has Tulsa's and Missouri State's number, and that's about it.
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On just about every single last metric, ORU matches up poorly with its potential competitors.
Basically they're broke, they're private, they're small, they're controversial, they're dependent upon 1 or perhaps 2 single individuals for financing, they're outside the current footprint, they'll never carry their market, and they suck in basketball. Not a good resume for ORU right now.