ETSU is hosting their conference tournament, about to play an in-state rival for the right to go to the NCAAs, and guess what . . .

It's not the same.

I was listening to the morning sports talk shows today. A host said "ETSU is the sort of school that is only going to go to the NCAAs if they win their conference tournament."

As it stands now, yes. But is it because of the school, or the conference?

It's unquestionably the conference. ESPN Radio is discussing the possibility of at large bids for teams in the Southern and even the BIG SOUTH conferences.

Now, it's still a longshot. But eventually its going to happen and despite the loss of ETSU, the Southern remains as strong, if not stronger, than before.

Two bids won't happen in the A-Sun. Ever.

Here's the facts. The A-Sun was 2-5 against the So Con- and the wins were both by one point against less-than-conference-championship-caliber competition.

Also ran So Con teams are bragging on wins against Virginia and Vandy this year.

The regular season A-Sun champ lost to Vandy by 40. The biggest out-of-conference wins for A-Sun teams came against Rice and Fordham.

The worst team in the So Con went to the A-Sun and immediately posted a 15-13 record and then won the conference title the next year.

C of C, the top team in the A-Sun went to the So Con in 1999, and while keeping their level of play high, only have made the NCAAs once.

Maybe ETSU beats Belmont and maybe they don't.

But if they do, it will be the easiest route to the NCAAs the Bucs have ever taken.

PittsburghBucs Wrote:Two bids won't happen in the A-Sun. Ever.

It has happened, back in 1994. It might happen for the SoCon one day though. Never say never. All The A-Sun, or the SoCon needs is a "Winthrop" to lose in the conference tourney. Davidson might have been an at-large if they lost, right?

I'll be pulling for you guys in the NIT, and Belmont in the NCAA's. Hope you guys make some noise. Also, hope Mercer and the rest of the conference do better next year!

I'm aware of that. I'm also aware the A-Sun was called the Trans-Atlantic Conference or something like that.

But to compare the A-Sun then and now is ridiculous. Most of the teams are gone.

College of Charleston saw the light and the improvement and went to the So Con.

Tell you what- you list the teams in the conference in 1994, and then list the teams now, and I think your arguement will be proven to be about as relevant as a Sun Belt fan bragging on his conference's triumphs from the eighties.

I'm not sure of the full list. You have a point that you can't brag on old members, I'll give you that. But the coin has two sides... take away C of C's history in the A-Sun, and well, they don't have anything to brag on. They didn't exactly upgrade THEIR program by leaving, however, they are surrounded by better talent today because of the move.

That's not even REMOTELY close to true- and it's damned SACRILIGE on an ETSU board!

Let us NOT forget where Alan LeForce started and won consistently in NAIA basketball long before anyone had heard of John Kresse!

Let us NOT forget a C of C team that won the NAIA National Title Championship in 1983, knocking off the Chaminade Silver Swords- who had beaten No. 1 ranked Virginia that season- in the Final Four.

Let us NOT forget the national ranking and No. 8 seed in the NCAAs C of C had in its first year in the So Con!

Let us NOT forget C of C has been a consistent winner in the So Con, been to the NIT since then, and the snagging of Bobby Cremins also speaks highly of their program.

The fact C of C has challenges for the NCAA in the So Con, whereas they went there with regularity in the A-Sun in just a few short years after becoming Division I, is all you need to know about the respective strengths of the two conferences.

Wow, I didn't know they went to the NCAA's their first year in the SoCon (and in style). What they did prior to D1 though, I don't really care about (I'm too young to even know about it as well).

So I apologize for jumping the gun on their bragging rights. You know I could still argue that one year was the coat tails of their A-Sun, or TAAC roots... but I won't! LOL

I've never thought they were a bad program either, I don't want you to think that's what I'm saying. They're incredible overall. So I apologize, they did make some heavy noise the 1 year in the socon... and almost snuck in this year if u wanna be fair.

You don't have to apologize.

Look, here's my take on the A-Sun. It's a nice league for Florida baseball schools and programs just starting out in Division I.

That doesn't apply to ETSU.

It's a HORRIBLE league for ETSU!

The thing that bothers me is the people who are responsible for ETSU dropping down to this level are not being held accountable.

Instead, they are given free reign.

My take on the league is similar. It's a great league for ALL baseball. Mercer & Kennesaw are representing Georgia exceptionally well. Lipscomb is having an outstanding year. Belmont & ETSU are having great years as well.

This is not the league to make noise in basketball.. (but what league is below the Top 10-12 leagues or so). I would be overjoyed if Mercer can get back to the NCAA's, and be happy to be there. In baseball, I hope we can get there and win games. That's the difference.

You're right, if ETSU wants to be a real mid major contender in basketball, and not just a participant -- this isn't the league, and realistically won't ever be. If you guys end up staying though, we might be able to build something, who knows? But if good basketball schools keep leaving, then no chance.

Hope you enjoy the baseball season, we need another 2 bid or more year for the A SUN.