If you thought the nation-wide conference realignment saga was over, you were sorely mistaken.
On Monday, we learned of Florida State’s intentions to “see what the Big 12 might have to offer,” a potential move that could directly impact UConn.
Warde Manuel (AP)
With Florida State possibly leaving, the ACC could have an opening. UConn doesn’t bring the football prowess, but it would further strengthen a premier basketball league that is already set to add Pittsburgh and Syracuse in 2013. It’s also possible that the ACC adds three schools, which would bring its enrollment to 16 and make it the new “super conference” in both major sports.
A UConn official said Tuesday that “right now, it’s all speculation, but the University continues to monitor the landscape of everything.”
In an interview with Hearst Connecticut Media Group last month, UConn athletic director Warde Manuel said he was “comfortable” with UConn remaining in the Big East. At that time, Big East commissioner John Marinatto hadn’t stepped down, so the league wasn’t facing the same adversity that exists today.
“(The Big East) is what I know,” Manuel said. “I might have a different perspective if I had stepped in here at a different time. I’m comfortable and I think John (Marinatto) is working hard to make sure the league not only stays together, but becomes stronger in the face of some transition. Whoever is in the league, we’ll compete against. Whoever is in the league, they’re going to try to beat us and we’re going to try to beat them.”
