(05-22-2022 04:09 AM)TroyTBoy Wrote: ...why not maximize CUSA's conference strength by luring good basketball programs - who recognize CUSA offers a strong basketball home - while targeting FB-onlys, who can manage CUSA geography with only 1 sport.
I hate hybrid conferences for the many of the same reasons others have expressed.
That said, I don't absolutely hate your proposed conference. Do I think it would happen? No. Do I think it's a "good idea"? Heck no. But if a hybrid HAD to happen, we could certainly do a lot worse.
Regardless, "jumping the SBC" shouldn't really be our goal as a conference. Strengthening CUSA should be the primary driver behind any moves we make (or don't make).
I agree with others that CUSA is in a good place right now. Not perfect, not incredible, but good. A lot's riding on our ability to keep the current 9 members intact, and (of course) a smooth and successful transition to FBS for SHSU and JSU.
Whether or not we "jump the SBC", if we're successful on both of the above counts, in 3-5 years, people will stop looking at CUSA like it's on its death bed. And even if the coming media deal is less than ideal, the conference will be able to command more the next go round.
Expansion of any kind, whether all-sports or some form of hybrid, should only involve schools with a proven commitment to winning and improving. Any FCS additions -- even MoSt and the Dakotas -- will come at the cost of perceived "prestige" for 2-3 years, just as JSU and SHSU are costing the conference right now. But if we continue to make the right moves at the right time, these hits will be speed bumps, not brick walls.
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Could CUSA Revisit the Hybrid Model (and jump the Sunbelt...)?
