The unofficial online home for fans of the Old Dominion University Monarchs. Part of Collegiate Sports Nation (CSN).

(05-19-2022 07:43 AM)Stat Geek Wrote:  

(05-18-2022 11:38 PM)Cyniclone Wrote:  I don’t know what any of this is about but if ODU is no longer playing two of its top historic rivals then that is a jarring sign of not only noncommittment to the program but almost an intentional dialing back of it, and for what it’s worth (very little in practical terms) I’m out.

We cant force them to play us.

We shouldn't have to.

(05-19-2022 06:21 AM)ODUBB35 Wrote:  

(05-18-2022 11:38 PM)Cyniclone Wrote:  I don’t know what any of this is about but if ODU is no longer playing two of its top historic rivals then that is a jarring sign of not only noncommittment to the program but almost an intentional dialing back of it, and for what it’s worth (very little in practical terms) I’m out.

That's what I fear. Last year's schedule sucked even with the A10 teams (and we still lost). Take those games away and there is very little reason to attend games. I have no desire to drive 3 hours each way to watch us play Longwood or UMES.

Im not sure how much more we can expect from a schedule.

We had the neutral games that we cant control (this years tourney could be better)

Wesleyan
JMU
Manhattan
Longwood
ECU
George Mason
W&M
VCU
Richmond
Charleston

Ok, so maybe Wesleyan and Manhattan can be taken out and try to get someone better but its going to be very difficult to get too much tougher of a schedule and still try to play some teams in the State/Region.

(05-19-2022 07:16 AM)ODUBB35 Wrote:  

(05-19-2022 06:27 AM)ODUDrunkard13 Wrote:  

(05-18-2022 11:38 PM)Cyniclone Wrote:  I don’t know what any of this is about but if ODU is no longer playing two of its top historic rivals then that is a jarring sign of not only noncommittment to the program but almost an intentional dialing back of it, and for what it’s worth (very little in practical terms) I’m out.

So you're assuming this was ODUs choice? Interesting.

That's even worse. It means that VCU, UR, and GMU no longer consider us to be a viable opponent. (and they are right).

I can't think of anything that speaks volumes to the current state of the program more than that.. if one isn't already in the "JJ must go" camp, that fact alone should put them tdive.

Edit: As much as I don't want another Fire JJ thread, this scenario would have to be the final straw. Being relegated to low major status with our history, budget and facilities?

This is not about that. Why is the first option always to blame ODU?

(05-19-2022 07:46 AM)Stat Geek Wrote:  

(05-19-2022 06:21 AM)ODUBB35 Wrote:  

(05-18-2022 11:38 PM)Cyniclone Wrote:  I don’t know what any of this is about but if ODU is no longer playing two of its top historic rivals then that is a jarring sign of not only noncommittment to the program but almost an intentional dialing back of it, and for what it’s worth (very little in practical terms) I’m out.

That's what I fear. Last year's schedule sucked even with the A10 teams (and we still lost). Take those games away and there is very little reason to attend games. I have no desire to drive 3 hours each way to watch us play Longwood or UMES.

Im not sure how much more we can expect from a schedule.

We had the neutral games that we cant control (this years tourney could be better)

Wesleyan
JMU
Manhattan
Longwood
ECU
George Mason
W&M
VCU
Richmond
Charleston

Ok, so maybe Wesleyan and Manhattan can be taken out and try to get someone better but its going to be very difficult to get too much tougher of a schedule and still try to play some teams in the State/Region.

I expect alot more. I expect some P5s, even if they are on the road. And I'm not interested in excuses about how difficult it is. Other CUSA teams did it.

I expect a schedule that at least gives us a shot at an at-large provided that we take care of business.

In short, last year's schedule sucked, even with the A10 teams. Take those away and...

(Of course, any schedule is tough when you are #201, but that a different, albeit related, issue).

(05-19-2022 07:16 AM)ODUBB35 Wrote:  

(05-19-2022 06:27 AM)ODUDrunkard13 Wrote:  

(05-18-2022 11:38 PM)Cyniclone Wrote:  I don’t know what any of this is about but if ODU is no longer playing two of its top historic rivals then that is a jarring sign of not only noncommittment to the program but almost an intentional dialing back of it, and for what it’s worth (very little in practical terms) I’m out.

So you're assuming this was ODUs choice? Interesting.

That's even worse. It means that VCU, UR, and GMU no longer consider us to be a viable opponent. (and they are right).

I can't think of anything that speaks volumes to the current state of the program more than that.. if one isn't already in the "JJ must go" camp, that fact alone should put them tdive.

Edit: As much as I don't want another Fire JJ thread, this scenario would have to be the final straw. Being relegated to low major status with our history, budget and facilities?

I don’t like it, but the only one that upsets me is VCU because I hate them the most. I mean a lot. Our history does not entitle us to any status or label. We have to keep earning it. I think a change would be beneficial but I just want coaches and players who will win against the best schedule they can put together.

(05-19-2022 07:47 AM)Stat Geek Wrote:  

(05-19-2022 07:16 AM)ODUBB35 Wrote:  

(05-19-2022 06:27 AM)ODUDrunkard13 Wrote:  

(05-18-2022 11:38 PM)Cyniclone Wrote:  I don’t know what any of this is about but if ODU is no longer playing two of its top historic rivals then that is a jarring sign of not only noncommittment to the program but almost an intentional dialing back of it, and for what it’s worth (very little in practical terms) I’m out.

So you're assuming this was ODUs choice? Interesting.

That's even worse. It means that VCU, UR, and GMU no longer consider us to be a viable opponent. (and they are right).

I can't think of anything that speaks volumes to the current state of the program more than that.. if one isn't already in the "JJ must go" camp, that fact alone should put them tdive.

Edit: As much as I don't want another Fire JJ thread, this scenario would have to be the final straw. Being relegated to low major status with our history, budget and facilities?

This is not about that. Why is the first option always to blame ODU?

ODU is to blame on either scenario. We have the status thar we've earned. Unfortunately, it takes more then one bad season for this to happen.

So you believe that VCU is not playing us because they don't think we are good enough? Is that your assumption?

(05-19-2022 08:26 AM)Stat Geek Wrote:  So you believe that VCU is not playing us because they don't think we are good enough? Is that your assumption?

IF this is true, that would be my guess. It would be a horrible thing after playing every year for so long and having a real historic rivalry. One so strong that it actually has corporate sponsors and t-shirts etc just for this one game. But yes, if true, I would guess VCU no longer wants to play us because we are a drag on their RPI due to Jeff Jones tanking our program. Their fans have been saying as much for several seasons. I mean, can you imagine UNC not scheduling Duke? Even if UNC went to the Big 10? I know the Rams look at us like a MEAC team these days (NSU is arguably better right now), but theres something to be said for history and tradition. There are two main measures of success for ODU basketball in my mind. 1. Go to the NCAA (or at least NIT) and 2. Beat VCU. Cant beat em if you dont play em. And if we choose to run away from them, thats just as bad as them thinking we arent worth their time.

What other reasons would there be to get rid of the biggest game on your schedule? A near guaranteed sell out if both teams are good? Even a big payday game against a P5 would mean switching dates or getting rid of a different program.

Well, you would be wrong.

(05-19-2022 08:58 AM)Stat Geek Wrote:  Well, you would be wrong.

I hope you're right. Any idea if/when the general public will find out if this historic rivalry is in fact coming to an end, and if so why?

Im not in the know on it and was told by someone else. I don't know if the reasons will be made public and I knew it would be a hot topic on here.

Once the OOC schedule is finalized, it might be more clear on the reason(s).

Return of the Commonwealth Classic?

That'll work.

(05-19-2022 09:01 AM)monarx Wrote:  

(05-19-2022 08:58 AM)Stat Geek Wrote:  Well, you would be wrong.

I hope you're right. Any idea if/when the general public will find out if this historic rivalry is in fact coming to an end, and if so why?

I would imagine there will be no public announcement other than the annual release of the season schedule. Once that releases, and then seeing who's on it or not will be the only explanation the general public will receive.

(05-19-2022 09:50 AM)ODUBB35 Wrote:  Return of the Commonwealth Classic?

That'll work.

There isn't a neutral site outside of Norfolk and maybe Roanoke that could host that after the coliseum was condemned in Richmond. File this under not likely.

I mentioned this a few posts earlier but a few years ago, ODU realigned its OOC schedule to ensure than one of VCU and Richmond would come to Norfolk every season, and they would go to Richmond every season (before both games would either be home or away in the same season). The understanding was that it was a sign of a long term commitment to play two of their three biggest rivals for the foreseeable future. If that has changed, I don’t see how that’s not a terrible sign for ODU, regardless of who initiated it. Either they think they’re too good for ODU, or ODU thinks they’re not good enough for them. Maybe there’s a reasonable explanation that doesn’t augur poorly for Monarchs basketball but unless they’re pushing back one or both series to accommodate a big time opponent, well, to quote Lars Ulrich: All that I see, absolute horror.

(05-19-2022 12:23 PM)Cyniclone Wrote:  I mentioned this a few posts earlier but a few years ago, ODU realigned its OOC schedule to ensure than one of VCU and Richmond would come to Norfolk every season, and they would go to Richmond every season (before both games would either be home or away in the same season). The understanding was that it was a sign of a long term commitment to play two of their three biggest rivals for the foreseeable future. If that has changed, I don’t see how that’s not a terrible sign for ODU, regardless of who initiated it. Either they think they’re too good for ODU, or ODU thinks they’re not good enough for them. Maybe there’s a reasonable explanation that doesn’t augur poorly for Monarchs basketball but unless they’re pushing back one or both series to accommodate a big time opponent, well, to quote Lars Ulrich: All that I see, absolute horror.

The reason could have nothing to do with this post.

(05-19-2022 12:34 PM)Stat Geek Wrote:  

(05-19-2022 12:23 PM)Cyniclone Wrote:  I mentioned this a few posts earlier but a few years ago, ODU realigned its OOC schedule to ensure than one of VCU and Richmond would come to Norfolk every season, and they would go to Richmond every season (before both games would either be home or away in the same season). The understanding was that it was a sign of a long term commitment to play two of their three biggest rivals for the foreseeable future. If that has changed, I don’t see how that’s not a terrible sign for ODU, regardless of who initiated it. Either they think they’re too good for ODU, or ODU thinks they’re not good enough for them. Maybe there’s a reasonable explanation that doesn’t augur poorly for Monarchs basketball but unless they’re pushing back one or both series to accommodate a big time opponent, well, to quote Lars Ulrich: All that I see, absolute horror.

The reason could have nothing to do with this post.

OK. What are some reasonable explanations? Here’s what I’m coming up with off the top of my butt:
* VCU/UR no longer want to play ODU
* ODU no longer wants to play VCU/UR
* Some sort of neutral site event where ODU plays one or both
* Brief suspension of the series to clear the way for an attractive opponent
* Sun Belt and/or A10 going to a 20-game schedule and OOC games have to be shed
* Major repairs forcing someone to play on the road or in a small gym for an extended period
* VCU/UR/Dayton/Saint Louis joining the Sun Belt
* College basketball ceases to exist
* Monkeypox kills us all
One of those, more than one, or off the board?

(05-19-2022 12:47 PM)Cyniclone Wrote:  

(05-19-2022 12:34 PM)Stat Geek Wrote:  

(05-19-2022 12:23 PM)Cyniclone Wrote:  I mentioned this a few posts earlier but a few years ago, ODU realigned its OOC schedule to ensure than one of VCU and Richmond would come to Norfolk every season, and they would go to Richmond every season (before both games would either be home or away in the same season). The understanding was that it was a sign of a long term commitment to play two of their three biggest rivals for the foreseeable future. If that has changed, I don’t see how that’s not a terrible sign for ODU, regardless of who initiated it. Either they think they’re too good for ODU, or ODU thinks they’re not good enough for them. Maybe there’s a reasonable explanation that doesn’t augur poorly for Monarchs basketball but unless they’re pushing back one or both series to accommodate a big time opponent, well, to quote Lars Ulrich: All that I see, absolute horror.

The reason could have nothing to do with this post.

OK. What are some reasonable explanations? Here’s what I’m coming up with off the top of my butt:
* VCU/UR no longer want to play ODU
* ODU no longer wants to play VCU/UR
* Some sort of neutral site event where ODU plays one or both
* Brief suspension of the series to clear the way for an attractive opponent
* Sun Belt and/or A10 going to a 20-game schedule and OOC games have to be shed
* Major repairs forcing someone to play on the road or in a small gym for an extended period
* VCU/UR/Dayton/Saint Louis joining the Sun Belt
* College basketball ceases to exist
* Monkeypox kills us all
One of those, more than one, or off the board?

- ODU asked for invite to A10 when CUSA was collapsing, A10 was willing and then ODU spurned them when SunBelt worked out (pure unadulterated speculation which if it had any truth would drive me crazy since I'd love to see us playing A10 basketball).

(05-19-2022 12:47 PM)Cyniclone Wrote:  

(05-19-2022 12:34 PM)Stat Geek Wrote:  

(05-19-2022 12:23 PM)Cyniclone Wrote:  I mentioned this a few posts earlier but a few years ago, ODU realigned its OOC schedule to ensure than one of VCU and Richmond would come to Norfolk every season, and they would go to Richmond every season (before both games would either be home or away in the same season). The understanding was that it was a sign of a long term commitment to play two of their three biggest rivals for the foreseeable future. If that has changed, I don’t see how that’s not a terrible sign for ODU, regardless of who initiated it. Either they think they’re too good for ODU, or ODU thinks they’re not good enough for them. Maybe there’s a reasonable explanation that doesn’t augur poorly for Monarchs basketball but unless they’re pushing back one or both series to accommodate a big time opponent, well, to quote Lars Ulrich: All that I see, absolute horror.

The reason could have nothing to do with this post.

OK. What are some reasonable explanations? Here’s what I’m coming up with off the top of my butt:
* VCU/UR no longer want to play ODU
* ODU no longer wants to play VCU/UR
* Some sort of neutral site event where ODU plays one or both
* Brief suspension of the series to clear the way for an attractive opponent
* Sun Belt and/or A10 going to a 20-game schedule and OOC games have to be shed
* Major repairs forcing someone to play on the road or in a small gym for an extended period
* VCU/UR/Dayton/Saint Louis joining the Sun Belt
* College basketball ceases to exist
* Monkeypox kills us all
One of those, more than one, or off the board?

All those options and you still missed it. Shame.

"shooters shoot"