Three Years Later

[billyjack]

We're getting off topic talking hypotheticals.

Think of the roadblocks/ hurdles/ landmines we faced in Dec 2012 thru March 2012. The 10 of us had a great design and decision making.

"Luck is the residue of design."
"Luck is where preparation meets opportunity."

[billyjack]

I'm sorry - why are we playing these "if" games again? What's the point? Seems like you could go on and on for ever, with any team, with any conference.

I agree with the original poster. Three years in, the Big East is a fantastic league. To me, with its emphasis on basketball, its northeast geography, its institutional alignment, its true round robin schedule, and it's rock solid financials, the Big East is a model for the college basketball world. I'm ecstatic my team's a part of it.

Great post.

[GoldenWarrior11]

Another huge decision that paid off was the choice as Val as league commissioner. I think she has done an amazing job branding and marketing the conference, and really emphasizing the New York/MSG location in media opportunities. Her (and the Presidents/FOX) decision to start the league with 10-members, and not be in a rush to add (and possibly dilute) the brand with expansion additions, was as big an impact as the C7's decision to break away from the football schools and re-start the Big East.

[xusandy]

I continue to believe that NOT having football will ultimately prove to be a huge recruiting advantage for the BEAST. I think lots of young bball studs would rather play for a team that's in a "power" conference where bball is king over playing for a team that's in a power conference where bball is secondary to football. It's a kid ego thing if nothing else -- all about being the campus superstar. All that's needed for this advantage to start yielding big results is for kids to truly believe that the BEAST really is a power conference, with just as impressive and exciting a competitive profile as whatever other program or conference they might be considering. And of course, if we aren't quite universally recognized as a "power conference" in bball yet, we're getting very, very close to that -- even in the eyes of the rabidly partisan fan base of the Big 10 or SEC.

[stever20]

I continue to believe that NOT having football will ultimately prove to be a huge recruiting advantage for the BEAST. I think lots of young bball studs would rather play for a team that's in a "power" conference where bball is king over playing for a team that's in a power conference where bball is secondary to football. It's a kid ego thing if nothing else -- all about being the campus superstar. All that's needed for this advantage to start yielding big results is for kids to truly believe that the BEAST really is a power conference, with just as impressive and exciting a competitive profile as whatever other program or conference they might be considering. And of course, if we aren't quite universally recognized as a "power conference" in bball yet, we're getting very, very close to that -- even in the eyes of the rabidly partisan fan base of the Big 10 or SEC.

Folks say that over and over, but it's not been the case in the NBA draft one and done era. Those bball studs want to go where they can get to the NBA.

I mean right now, in ESPN's current top 40 freshmen classes for this season, only 5 don't play FBS football. In the Rivals Composite rankings, same thing. It would take a complete attitude change by the HS players, and I don't think that's all too realistic....

[stever20]

The one thing I think has happened is the perceived big 2 conferences haven't dominated on the floor as much as folks thought. I mean, look at the ACC. 3 years and 6(with a real generous last team in with NC State), 6, and 6 or maybe 7 this year(with another generous bid for Syracuse).... Big Ten with 6,7,6 bids. Neither one coming remotely close to what the Old Big East had. I think especially the ACC is surprised by that quite frankly(and that's before billyjacks thing that is right that all the old geezers will start retiring and then what?).

[thebigeXpress]

Before it was announced the C7 was looking to invite Butler, Creighton and Xavier to be part of the Big East it was leaked out and most of my fellow Musketeers were ecstatic to say the least. Personally, I feel the animosity festered with the team up north of I-75 made it unhealthy to share anything with them. I like all 10 teams in this conference and I root for all of them. We just need for SJU and DePaul to pick it up and I feel they will. So this is to a great partnership. And one more thing; the next flyer fan who makes fun of Val Ackerman and says she looks like Iggy Pop will get a five finger sandwich.

[scoscox]

Dayton also just hadn't been very good for a long time. Under Archie they've gotten a lot better, but they were mired in mediocrity for awhile before that.

[FenwayFriar]

Agree with all posts. Couldn't be happier after three years. Each and every team has a chance to make the tournament each and every year, which is not something you could reasonably say in the OBE. With that said, and I say this with all due respect, I'm excited for the honey moon phase to be over and have some great rivalries start. A little more hate (in a good way) in the league! While I'll still root for all of the other 9 teams during non-conference and NCAA Tourney, rivalries are what truly solidified the OBE and we'll need that eventually in the NBE as well. Which rivalries do people think will be the fiercest... let's say by the end of our original FOX contract?

[Masterofreality]

We're getting off topic talking hypotheticals.

Think of the roadblocks/ hurdles/ landmines we faced in Dec 2012 thru March 2012. The 10 of us had a great design and decision making.

"Luck is the residue of design."
"Luck is where preparation meets opportunity."

One adjustment to the above:

"Luck is the residue of design...PLUS DESIRE!

Unless you want it, the design is irrelevant.