(04-19-2017 01:39 PM)Gitanole Wrote:  

(04-18-2017 08:47 AM)The Cutter of Bish Wrote:  I think Johns Hopkins wants to be in the ACC more than the Big Ten. Maybe the five-year window was more for the ACC to reexamine its decision than for Hopkins to assess theirs.

I hope you're right. Hopkins is a natural addition for the ACC.

Lacrosse is a great sport for a conference network operating in the mid-Atlantic region. It's a fast-growing sport. Enthusiasts really tune in.

ACC gains DC/Maryland assets, the Blue Jays gain the great lacrosse rivals they want, academic cred goes all around. Sign 'em up.

I remember when Hopkins announced they were shopping for a conference, and the venom from ACC team fans bristling at the addition. Not just not needing JHU to be a good conference, or needing AQ, but some general resentment towards them. This from Syracuse, Virginia, and UNC fans. And if their fans weren't fond of the idea, then or now, does it extend toward the decision makers at these places?

All seems well now for the Big Ten: good representation in the tournament, Hopkins doing well, UMD's strong... it's a good time for them. But is Hopkins happy? They can't be too unhappy... wlax joined not long after. UMD was extremely vocal in getting Hopkins into the Big Ten discussion; rumored to be a bargaining chip when considering the move to the Big Ten. If the arrangement doesn't extend, I wonder if Maryland doesn't commandeer the subject again with another program in mind.

Were the relationship to end, who replaces them? Go west and make Air Force's life a little better? Try to pick off Denver?