http://courantblogs.com/uconn-men/talkin...ck-cronin/

I think the more interesting thing will be the officiating. We’re now part of the [Men’s Basketball Officiating Consortum] headed up by Curtis Shaw, where as John Cahill took over the [“new” ] Big East. So for the teams, Cincinnati, Louisville, South Florida, Connecticut, Rutgers, you wonder, ‘How are the games going to officiated?’ Within league play, there’s definitely a difference. That’s the unknown more so. You can scout your opponent, but what is unknown is going to be how some of the games are going to be called. I learned when I got into the Big East, I was building a program and. I learned real quick, it’s a blood bath. You better get tough enough before you even think of getting skilled enough. You better not get run over first, that’s the first step to victory. In this league, maybe it won’t be quite as crazy.”

How does the change in leagues affect recruiting?

“Today’s kid is so different,” Cronin said. “I don’t know how much they even know [about conference affiliation] or care. ESPN is the key . For us, we have 17 games on ESPN, that’s what kids care about, other than what’s going to affect them – their apartment, their dorm, your locker room, the gear. If a certain kid is hell bent on the ACC or the Big 10, you’re not going to get him anyway. . I tell everybody – Conference USA was good enough for a lot of guys like Kenyon Martin to be first pick in the draft, for Derek Rose to be MVP of the NBA, so don’t let other schools fool you, the most important thing is your relationship with your coaches at the end of the day. As long as were with ESPN, we have a great platform and our league’s going to flourish.”

(10-03-2013 07:23 PM)Tigers2B1 Wrote:  http://courantblogs.com/uconn-men/talkin...ck-cronin/

I think the more interesting thing will be the officiating. We’re now part of the [Men’s Basketball Officiating Consortum] headed up by Curtis Shaw, where as John Cahill took over the [“new” ] Big East. So for the teams, Cincinnati, Louisville, South Florida, Connecticut, Rutgers, you wonder, ‘How are the games going to officiated?’ Within league play, there’s definitely a difference. That’s the unknown more so. You can scout your opponent, but what is unknown is going to be how some of the games are going to be called. I learned when I got into the Big East, I was building a program and. I learned real quick, it’s a blood bath. You better get tough enough before you even think of getting skilled enough. You better not get run over first, that’s the first step to victory. In this league, maybe it won’t be quite as crazy.”

How does the change in leagues affect recruiting?

“Today’s kid is so different,” Cronin said. “I don’t know how much they even know [about conference affiliation] or care. ESPN is the key . For us, we have 17 games on ESPN, that’s what kids care about, other than what’s going to affect them – their apartment, their dorm, your locker room, the gear. If a certain kid is hell bent on the ACC or the Big 10, you’re not going to get him anyway. . I tell everybody – Conference USA was good enough for a lot of guys like Kenyon Martin to be first pick in the draft, for Derek Rose to be MVP of the NBA, so don’t let other schools fool you, the most important thing is your relationship with your coaches at the end of the day. As long as were with ESPN, we have a great platform and our league’s going to flourish.”

Well stated.

If you can play, the NBA will find you.

Quote:I think the more interesting thing will be the officiating. We’re now part of the [Men’s Basketball Officiating Consortum] headed up by Curtis Shaw, where as John Cahill took over the [“new” ] Big East. So for the teams, Cincinnati, Louisville, South Florida, Connecticut, Rutgers, you wonder, ‘How are the games going to officiated?’ Within league play, there’s definitely a difference. That’s the unknown more so. You can scout your opponent, but what is unknown is going to be how some of the games are going to be called. I learned when I got into the Big East, I was building a program and. I learned real quick, it’s a blood bath. You better get tough enough before you even think of getting skilled enough. You better not get run over first, that’s the first step to victory. In this league, maybe it won’t be quite as crazy.”

Probably the most important from Memphis' perspective - and in my opinion - is the change in officials. Of the teams at the top of the AAC, I'd think this news is best for the Tigers.

"Probably the most important from Memphis' perspective - and in my opinion - is the change in officials"

Everyone here should know the name Curtis Shaw.