(06-08-2014 11:10 PM)AntiG Wrote: (06-07-2014 02:06 PM)Kittonhead Wrote: -UMass has 13 alumni in the NFL, only 2 less than East Carolina. This is why I would not rule out UMASS FB ONLY to the AAC if UConn finds a spot somewhere else.
I would probably rule that out anyway, UMass would likely be more than happy to move their basketball to the AAC if they were invited because unlike the MAC, the conference is pretty loaded with quality basketball schools regardless of UConn's status, and will likely continue to be a high-tournament bid conference. Playing the likes of Memphis, Temple, Cincinnati, as well as having plenty of recruiting out of NC, FL, LA and TX create plenty of attractiveness for a basketball program.
I'm not so sure about that...
1) AAC schools do not want UMass olympic sports.
2) Basketball credits are likely to be a push in the AAC vs. A10.
3) The AAC deal is all for football but the A10 deal (400k per school) is all for basketball.
4) The longevity of any AAC post UConn is in question.
5) Travel costs for UMass olympic sports zoom for UMass.
Financially, FB only for UMASS is the way to go while keeping other sports in the A10. They get the benefits then of both A10 revenue and the AAC football deal.
I know its counter intuitive to the idea that UMass basketball is its strength and if they are going anywhere its going to be all sports to get their basketball into the fold. I just totally disagree that UMass olympic sports are desirable to the AAC post UConn. The ability to handle a football only situation is a big plus for UMass.
If the western AAC schools bolt and it becomes an Eastern Seaboard conference with ODU and Charlotte joining then maybe UMass would be more interested from the olympic side. Bring over a few other A10 schools in basketball to the AAC. I suppose its totally possible.