(03-06-2013 10:37 PM)NJRedMan Wrote: Too bad we're looking for something more long term than "the next few years".
I hear this sentiment every time VCU is brought up. It appears people think they will be worse long-term than other options, but I have seen nothing that says that. In fact, VCU has had more consistent success than several other candidates even if you ignore their Final Four run.
Ignoring VCU's Final Four, they have 10 appearances and 5 wins since 1980. Here is what everyone else has done in that time:
Dayton: 7 appearances, 4 wins
Saint Louis: 5 appearances, 2 wins
Creighton: 11 appearances, 4 wins
Richmond: 9 appearances, 7 wins
Wichita State: 6 appearances, 5 wins *homer inclusion
Get the picture? They aren't a random spark like George Mason. They have a good young coach, but he isn't the only reason they've had success. They've gone to the NCAA tournament with 5 different coaches under that time period, with 3 different coaches getting wins.
If you are going by consistent success, than VCU is going to be your best bet outside of Xavier, Butler, and Gonzaga.