Quote:We need a few more football schools to excel in basketball.

I think that's the other way around.

The Big East has countless teams that are incredible basketball programs. You don't win back-to-back titles as a conference if you are not one of, if not the best. The football is what needs more depth.

I think his concern is that when we split, at least one more of the football schools (WVU, RU, or USF) will need to elevate their bb so that the new league has at least 7 good basketball programs they can rely on year-in, year-out. WVU should be fine as long as Beilein remains committed.

Personally, I think when the split occurs, we should do everything possible to establish a league that demands members be good in at least two of the three sports - football, men's bb, women's bb. (I'd have added baseball to the list, but that is unrealistic for a basically northeastern league.)

When we lost BC, we had a school that was solid, if not great, in all three. USF needs to step it up in two of the three in a hurry.

Cheers,
Neil

-- As for the UL- WVU game tonight....I hope the Cardinal players were watching espn all day yesterday....it seems the media in general and ESPN in particular only see West Virginia as a speedbump on the road to Pitino's final four milestone....on Vital's preview of the game he talked about all of the great players Louisville has and when he came to WVU he said they were well coached and started talking about Jerry West....well...I guess I shouldn't be complaining too much...we have been on TV non stop for the last 2 and a half weeks and the guys on college hoops tonight can finally pronouce our coaches name correctly

Quote:When we lost BC, we had a school that was solid, if not great, in all three. USF needs to step it up in two of the three in a hurry.

-- I think USF will be fine in a few yrs in football...but they face a daunting task when it comes to hoops....I guess its a similar situation as to when VT basketball came into the league...but I think the late 90s Hokie bball program was a couple steps ahead of where the Bulls are now


Jackson

Best of luck to both teams. You both deserve it as you've worked for it and NOT been handed overrated publicity etc. like .... (I won't name names).

In a nailbiter, I say UL 79, WVU 76. A lot of heart on that Mountaineers team.