Half of the current Big East members (Marquette, DePaul, Creighton, Xavier and Butler) were all playing in a mid major conference within the last 10 years. When you regularly have national powerhouses leave the conference being replaced by schools from mid majors it's not unfathomable for some to consider the Big East as a mid major.
I think they're wrong in the assumption but time will tell.
The Big East is not remotely close to being a mid major. Every school is very desirable from an academic standpoint and the basketball history and tradition of all schools are well developed. It is not part of the Power 5 because of football. Yet all our schools are competing and winning on top recruits.
When we play schools like Arizona State. Tennessee or Georgia Tech, go look at their local media, they consider playing us a very important game.
Over time I believe people will come to value our double round format and the rivalries it is already creating. The name recognition of opposing teams and coaches builds over time as well which only adds fuel to the fire. I am delighted we are in the Big East.
