Archive for December 11th, 2012

ESPN Report: A-10 open to expansion

Tuesday, December 11, 2012 by:Kevin Duffy
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The seven Big East catholic schools are interested in leaving. The Atlantic 10 is interested in expanding.

So…?

According to ESPN’s Andy Katz, the A-10 has discussed the possibility of a 21-team league should the non-football Big East schools become “free agents.”

The A-10, which has already added Butler and Virginia Commonwealth, could take a major step in developing a high-profile basketball league if the 21-team super conference comes to fruition.

From Katz’s story:  The seven schools have a majority vote, with the three remaining FBS members being Connecticut, Cincinnati and South Florida. But the group of seven doesn’t have the two-thirds vote to dissolve the league. Temple athletic director Bill Bradshaw told the Philadelphia Inquirer that the Owls are a full voting member, even though they don’t join in all sports until July 1, 2013.

Industry sources say they couldn’t see how or why Temple would side with the seven Catholic schools to vote to dissolve the league.

The seven Big East Catholic schools would have a hard time leaving because they would have to forgo NCAA tournament assets. But the A-10 would welcome them with open arms and promise a more lucrative television deal. The A-10 signed a new rights deal with NBC, CBS and ESPN but hasn’t finished all of its rights fees, especially its digital platform.

If UConn can’t get into the ACC or B1G (aka the Big 10), can it follow these seven schools and make 22? Can the Huskies remain a “football-only” member of the Big East? Is it worth becoming a football independent?

These are no doubt difficult times in Storrs. UConn better hope the seven schools stay. If not, it better hope the A-1o has room for 22.

Recruiting roundup: UConn offers Amida Brimah, Kameron Rooks

Tuesday, December 11, 2012 by:Kevin Duffy
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After missing out on Noah Vonleh and Brandon Austin, UConn is stuck on two commitments — Kentan Facey and Terrence Samuel — for the class of 2013.

Fox Sports national recruiting analyst Evan Daniels said Facey “will give (UConn) some minutes right away.”

“From a rebounding, shot-blocking standpoint, he can help them,” Daniels said. “He’s a good athlete, he’s bouncy and I think he can find some minutes.”

The Huskies, who used to collect guys like Facey, could certainly benefit from adding another rebounder. In the past week, they’ve extended offers to 6-foot-11 center Amida Brimah (per Rivals.com) and 7-footer Kameron Rooks (per Scout.com).

It’s unlikely UConn has room for both (it already has a few project big men), but one might end up in Storrs next year. Brimah is listed at 6-foot-11, 205 pounds, similar to Phil Nolan and Facey. Rooks, the son of former NBA center Sean Rooks, is 270 pounds. Check out their videos below.

Report: Non-football schools meet with Aresco

Tuesday, December 11, 2012 by:Kevin Duffy
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The seven Big East catholic schools — all non-football members — met with league commissioner Mike Aresco Sunday to “express their concern with the direction of the conference,” according to a report confirmed by ESPN.com.

Warde Manuel and Susan Herbst (AP)

From the ESPN story:  Sources said the seven schools discussed a number of options but most importantly wanted to have “lots of dialogue to better understand the best course of action for the future.” Another source said no decision was made on what future action to take.

“It’s too early to say on that,” said a source.

At issue is whether the Big East basketball-only schools have the power to dissolve the league, and retain all the assets and brand name. A source with knowledge of the situation said that until July 1, the seven have the majority votes and the necessary three-fourths to have controlling power. There are only three remaining football members — Connecticut, Cincinnati and South Florida.

The takeaway: If the seven schools (Marquette, Georgetown, St. John’s, Seton Hall, Villanova, DePaul, Providence) do indeed defect from the conference, that’s reallllly bad news for UConn.

I’ve always said the Huskies men’s basketball program can survive in the Big East, but it’ll be extremely difficult to do so without those seven schools. That leaves UConn with a few options: Follow its rivals and join with Georgetown and Villanova, and then either join a separate league for football or go independent. Not ideal. The Huskies could just stick in the new Conference USA and hope to thrive there. Also not ideal.

In a perfect world, UConn would leave for a new league — either into the ACC or Big 10 — sometime soon. You better believe the administration is praying for option No. 3.

The ConnCast: Napier vs. Price, Kemba vs. Ben Gordon and more

Tuesday, December 11, 2012 by:Kevin Duffy
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Sparked by last week’s question regarding the professional careers of Shabazz Napier and A.J. Price, we examine similar scenarios in this week’s ConnCast.

The News-Times’ Chris Brodeur and I debate the following topics: Better pro career — Napier or Price? Hasheem Thabeet or Alex Oriakhi? Kemba Walker or Ben Gordon? Andre Drummond or Emeka Okafor?

We also discuss the worst free throw of all-time. As a miserable free throw shooter, I feel for the guy. Still can’t come up with a semi-reasonable explanation for that “shot,” though.

If you’re on the website, listen below. If you’re on a smartphone, you can access the ConnCast here.

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