Reputable Boneyard Posters: UConn To Big East For 2021...

[kayako]

Dana O’Neill sayings announcement this week.

I didn't really believe it since I've never heard of sportsdesk, but that sounds like a near confirmation. Just want to say.....

If we're going 11 teams, stay with 18 game schedule.

Unnecessary though to stay at 18... double round robin gets us to 20 easily.

From my perspective, Nova's better off with 2 extra ooc games flexibility than a true double round-robin. We already have B1G and Big 12 partnerships going forward.

[stever20]

wow really interesting. Sounds like it would be for the 2020-21 season.

I think it's pretty much a done deal- nothing would get put out this much without it being the case....

For Big East- a big win IMO. Get a team with which there can be a lot of great matchups. UConn/Nova, UConn/Georgetown, UConn/St John's, etc. sells. Will be really interesting to see if there is an early renegotiation from Fox to extend the TV deal. it's possible IMO- only 6 years left now, and only 5 when UConn would join.

For AAC- they lose a team that frankly has underperformed in the last several years. team is 55-53 in AAC play the last 6 years. 43-47 since the title year. While it will hurt a lot I think, I don't think it's fatal. Still have Memphis, Houston, Cincy, etc. The replacement for UConn would be really interesting.

[adoraz]

Wow.

[Fieldhouse Flyer]

The story is definitely picking up traction this morning ...

Reports: UConn Is Returning To The Big East Conference - Dan Lyons – The Spun - June 22, 2019 @ 10:49am

The huge news was initially reported by Boston-based website Digital Sports Desk. The Hartford Courant has confirmed it:

UConn is on the verge of joining the Big East for all sports that the conference sponsors, sources confirmed Saturday morning. Though the university is awaiting and fully expecting an official invitation from the Big East, an announcement of the Huskies’ move is forthcoming.

This move will return UConn to its storied basketball roots and trigger long-term security and better opportunity for its two programs in that sport. However, UConn must figure out what to do with its football program. Dropping the program is not being considered. It is highly unlikely that the American Athletic Conference would have interest in retaining UConn as a football-only member, though with scheduling done well in advance the Huskies are expected to play in the AAC for the upcoming season.

As of this morning, UConn is officially denying the report:

Mike Anthony
@ManthonyCourant
Statement from UConn: “It is our responsibility to always be mindful of what is in the best interest of our student athletes, our fans and our future. With that being said, we have been and remain proud members of the American Athletic Conference.”

Mike Anthony of the Courant says that dropping football is not an option.

It will be interesting to see how this all plays out in the near future. I would be quite surprised if there is any official announcement by either side before UConn gets their football situation resolved, and that may not be as easy as it sounds, but perhaps UConn will become an independent school for football.

[scoscox]

Bad for nova because you guys are squeezed by the big 5, but for the rest of us 20 games is more than fine

[Jet915]

O'Neil, McMurphy, Thamel now confirming....

[gtmoBlue]

Well, the increased privacy was good while it lasted. Welcome to the world of increased foia requests, intrusive media, and more requirements. C'mon Gonzaga/SLU.

[kayako]

Bad for nova because you guys are squeezed by the big 5, but for the rest of us 20 games is more than fine

Fair conference schedule aside, I've never been convinced that 20 > 18 for BE teams that really has no trouble scheduling H&Hs.

Where's Stever?

[kayako]

https://twitter.com/JonRothstein/status/1142455666398904321

Rothstein says 20 games round-robin. You guys have your wish.

I know a good portion of Nova fans disagree with me on this, but I hope the Big 5 commitment is reduced if this is true.

[DudeAnon]

Bad for nova because you guys are squeezed by the big 5, but for the rest of us 20 games is more than fine

Fair conference schedule aside, I've never been convinced that 20 > 18 for BE teams that really has no trouble scheduling H&Hs.

Where's Stever?

Agreed on this. If you are at the top of the conference then more conference games isnt all that.. I could see it asd an argument that it is better for the conference as a whole but i am not quite convinced.