(12-26-2019 07:39 PM)mustangxc Wrote: There is no need for a 12th member in basketball. We can do a 20 game conference schedule or continue to play the top teams against each other and the bottom against the bottom.
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I guess you're not a huge AAC basketball fan. If you were, you would probably realize that
basketball scheduling is not the issue.
The AAC needs to add a solid MBB and hopefully a decent WBB member to replace UConn, because
the loss of UConn BB hurts the conference in two high profile sports (men's & women's basketball).
In fact,
the AAC probably needs to replace UConn MBB/WBB as much as [b]or more than it needs to replace UConn FB[/b].
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All it takes is to consider two facts:
1) AAC FB attained near-parity with AAC & PAC FB this season in numerous metrics.
2) AAC MBB, in contrast, has gotten off to a slightly slower than expected start this season. Presently, AAC MBB is firmly ensconced in 7th place among the "Major 7" or "Power 7" MBB conferences. While the conference attained near-parity with the PAC and BE last season, OOC games have indicated that the conference is unlikely to demonstrate near-parity with any P5 conference this season.
In this context, as Shakespeare would put it:
"Exeunt (Exit) UConn."
Not only is the AAC a bit less competitive this BB season, to date, but when May rolls around, UConn BB will be gone. This matters a whole lot, because
UConn BB is considered upper-tier and national "brand" in most circles, despite their recent & temporary fall from grace.
This season, UConn MBB appears to be roughly on par with some of the middle to upper tier AAC teams (e.g., Temple, UCF, Cincy) and may be able to split its series with Houston, perhaps Memphis or Wichita State.
Will AAC MBB & WBB be diminished after the departure of UConn? Most definitely.
Will this have adverse short and longer-term effects? Certainly and the effects may begin to be felt as early as the Spring 2020 recruiting period, unless and until a suitable replacement can be found.
In fact, the stature of the conference, in basketball, may have already begun to diminish slightly, at least in the eyes of high school players and future recruits.
For that reason, it would not be a surprise if an effort is made to sign a replacement for UConn for the 2020-21 season. Indeed,
it would be disappointing if such an effort has not already been initiated at the talking stage.
Hopefully, Aresco's bluff and bravado won't turn out to be too cool for school, or as the Brits would say, "too cool by half." This would be the right time to turn on the charm. AAC Presidents, I hope you're listening...
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