Moving from one cupcake to the next, I'm shocked the game against St. Thomas is actually on FS1. I'm surprised it's on TV at all. I just discovered via google that they are Division 1. I thought they were still Division 3
Soon to be in the big east
Quote from: MUEng92 on December 09, 2023, 10:26:44 PM
Moving from one cupcake to the next, I'm shocked the game against St. Thomas is actually on FS1. I'm surprised it's on TV at all. I just discovered via google that they are Division 1. I thought they were still Division 3
(https://media3.giphy.com/media/huh7lUqEG4irK/giphy.webp?cid=6c09b952tksudev6ngrbharkl7bae1x4kmu8owbqgwpgfdtw&ep=v1_internal_gif_by_id&rid=giphy.webp&ct=g)
If there was ever a game that screamed CBS Sports Network, this is it.
Quote from: MUEng92 on December 09, 2023, 10:26:44 PM
Moving from one cupcake to the next, I'm shocked the game against St. Thomas is actually on FS1. I'm surprised it's on TV at all. I just discovered via google that they are Division 1. I thought they were still Division 3
Best d1 school in Minnesota, buddy
The line for this game is about the same as ND
They're right about where Southern and Rider are on Kenpom.
Considering they were a D3 program just a few years ago, they have made some nice progress. They have plenty of resources as a school too. But the road in front of them is way harder than the one behind them.
The Tommy's have some money alums with some significant money and big dreams.
Quote from: TheTulsaWarrior on December 10, 2023, 09:34:13 AM
The Tommy's have some money alums with some significant money and big dreams.
So do a lot of schools.
Quote from: TheTulsaWarrior on December 10, 2023, 09:34:13 AM
The Tommy's have some money alums with some significant money and big dreams.
I am native to MN and still keep up on the MN sports scene. St Thomas and the local sports media EXPECT them to join the Big East, it's not a dream or longing aspiration, but a righteous expectation.
MU needs to go all Notre Dame on them and show them the ocean-sized chasm between them and the Big East.
Quote from: Badgerhater on December 10, 2023, 10:28:27 AM
I am native to MN and still keep up on the MN sports scene. St Thomas and the local sports media EXPECT them to join the Big East, it's not a dream or longing aspiration, but a righteous expectation.
MU needs to go all Notre Dame on them and show them the ocean-sized chasm between them and the Big East.
Good thing the Tommies aren't playing DePaul or Georgetown. After the win, they'd have thought they were already in the Big East.
Quote from: Badgerhater on December 10, 2023, 10:28:27 AM
I am native to MN and still keep up on the MN sports scene. St Thomas and the local sports media EXPECT them to join the Big East, it's not a dream or longing aspiration, but a righteous expectation.
MU needs to go all Notre Dame on them and show them the ocean-sized chasm between them and the Big East.
Out of curiosity what's the timeline in their view? Like do they expect it next expansion or do they think that they're one big hire away from building into Gonzaga and that they could turn that into a bid? (Reasonable)
Quote from: Galway Eagle on December 10, 2023, 11:09:47 AM
Out of curiosity what's the timeline in their view? Like do they expect it next expansion or do they think that they're one big hire away from building into Gonzaga and that they could turn that into a bid? (Reasonable)
Next expansion. And the Big East is going to beg them to join.
Quote from: Badgerhater on December 10, 2023, 11:15:30 AM
Next expansion. And the Big East is going to beg them to join.
Oh wow. I didn't think any fanbase was that insane.
Quote from: Galway Eagle on December 10, 2023, 11:19:38 AM
Oh wow. I didn't think any fanbase was that insane.
Dayton says hi
Quote from: Galway Eagle on December 10, 2023, 11:19:38 AM
Oh wow. I didn't think any fanbase was that insane.
Maybe not so much. They got kicked out of their D3 conference and petitioned the NCAA to get a waiver to immediately go to D1 rather than take
years to move through the ranks. The Summit League went to bat for them because they wanted the MSP market. They have about 6,000 and as noted a fair number of rich and influential alums. They have some impressive facilities and the reason they got kicked out of their conference was not just for dominating football, but dominating in general. They have held their own in the Summit and are playing a better D1 schedule than many, including our neighbor in Shorewood. Unlike Dayton, they are not near Xavier and have not made a bunch of enemies, and the MSP market might be a good thing. Perhaps a longshot, but not crazy. Curiously, they did not join the Summit in football which would have made sense since they already play all the Dakota schools. They play in the (I think) non-scholarship Pioneer League, so they could park their football team there and play everything else in the Big East.
Quote from: Goatherder on December 10, 2023, 11:32:41 AM
Maybe not so much. They got kicked out of their D3 conference and petitioned the NCAA to get a waiver to immediately go to D1 rather than take
years to move through the ranks. The Summit League went to bat for them because they wanted the MSP market. They have about 6,000 and as noted a fair number of rich and influential alums. They have some impressive facilities and the reason they got kicked out of their conference was not just for dominating football, but dominating in general. They have held their own in the Summit and are playing a better D1 schedule than many, including our neighbor in Shorewood. Unlike Dayton, they are not near Xavier and have not made a bunch of enemies, and the MSP market might be a good thing. Perhaps a longshot, but not crazy. Curiously, they did not join the Summit in football which would have made sense since they already play all the Dakota schools. They play in the (I think) non-scholarship Pioneer League, so they could park their football team there and play everything else in the Big East.
The Summit-league Dakota schools play in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. That league is the SEC of FCS.
As an aside, Villanova plays FCS and lost yesterday to #1 South Dakota State in the playoffs.
Quote from: Goatherder on December 10, 2023, 11:32:41 AM
Maybe not so much. They got kicked out of their D3 conference and petitioned the NCAA to get a waiver to immediately go to D1 rather than take
years to move through the ranks. The Summit League went to bat for them because they wanted the MSP market. They have about 6,000 and as noted a fair number of rich and influential alums. They have some impressive facilities and the reason they got kicked out of their conference was not just for dominating football, but dominating in general. They have held their own in the Summit and are playing a better D1 schedule than many, including our neighbor in Shorewood. Unlike Dayton, they are not near Xavier and have not made a bunch of enemies, and the MSP market might be a good thing. Perhaps a longshot, but not crazy. Curiously, they did not join the Summit in football which would have made sense since they already play all the Dakota schools. They play in the (I think) non-scholarship Pioneer League, so they could park their football team there and play everything else in the Big East.
It's not simply a long short, it is absolutely crazy to think that they would be on the radar for the BE during the next expansion or anytime in the next couple of decades.
They are in a one-bid league. They average 1,200 fans per game. They have won absolutely nothing.
What would possibly make them more attractive than A10 schools such Loyola, St. Louis or Dayton? All of whom would bend over backwards for a BE invite and don't seem to be close to an invite.
Quote from: Goatherder on December 10, 2023, 11:32:41 AM
Maybe not so much. They got kicked out of their D3 conference and petitioned the NCAA to get a waiver to immediately go to D1 rather than take
years to move through the ranks. The Summit League went to bat for them because they wanted the MSP market. They have about 6,000 and as noted a fair number of rich and influential alums. They have some impressive facilities and the reason they got kicked out of their conference was not just for dominating football, but dominating in general. They have held their own in the Summit and are playing a better D1 schedule than many, including our neighbor in Shorewood. Unlike Dayton, they are not near Xavier and have not made a bunch of enemies, and the MSP market might be a good thing. Perhaps a longshot, but not crazy. Curiously, they did not join the Summit in football which would have made sense since they already play all the Dakota schools. They play in the (I think) non-scholarship Pioneer League, so they could park their football team there and play everything else in the Big East.
Using the logic that any college that happens to be in a major city will deliver the mass numbers in that market... then let's add Detroit Mercy, Duquesne, Regis and Loyola Marymount too. 🕺
Imagine all the tv sets we could get with significant markets like Detroit, Pittsburgh, Denver and LA all added to the conference. 🕺🙄
The bottom line is if St. Thomas ever gets a whif of serious consideration to the Big East it just means our worst nightmares have developed and the Big East has imploded. Under this scenario football has formed their own tournament and/or all the NE Big East Schools have been absorbed into the ACC or Big 12 and Marquette has been left behind. Only then there is a merger between the Atlantic 10 and remaining Big East teams and crappy no name programs like St. Thomas are also considered. 🤷♂️
This would be the MCC all over again and the death of Marquette basketball as we know it.
Quote from: MUEng92 on December 09, 2023, 10:26:44 PM
Moving from one cupcake to the next, I'm shocked the game against St. Thomas is actually on FS1. I'm surprised it's on TV at all. I just discovered via google that they are Division 1. I thought they were still Division 3
There are only a handful of games scheduled throughout the NCAA on this date. Therefore, it is the only game that FS1 could have scheduled on this night.
Quote from: duanewade on December 10, 2023, 12:02:57 PM
Using the logic that any college that happens to be in a major city will deliver the mass numbers in that market... then let's add Detroit Mercy, Duquesne, Regis and Loyola Marymount too. 🕺
Imagine all the tv sets we could get with significant markets like Detroit, Pittsburgh, Denver and LA all added to the conference. 🕺🙄
The bottom line is if St. Thomas ever gets a whif of serious consideration to the Big East it just means our worst nightmares have developed and the Big East has imploded. Under this scenario football has formed their own tournament and/or all the NE Big East Schools have been absorbed into the ACC or Big 12 and Marquette has been left behind. Only then there is a merger between the Atlantic 10 and remaining Big East teams and crappy no name programs like St. Thomas are also considered. 🤷♂️
This would be the MCC all over again and the death of Marquette basketball as we know it.
'
Or they could have a Gonzaga like ascendance. But I doubt that's happening.
I decided to take a look at the Tommies website and found the following factual but completely misleading delusion:
"[Coach] Tauer's winning percentage of .740 ranks 13th among active head coaches across all of NCAA with at least 10 years of experience. The only head coaches at their current NCAA DI programs for at least 10 seasons with a higher winning percentage than Tauer are John Calipari (Kentucky), Mark Few (Gonzaga), and Bill Self (Kansas)."
Keep investing in the program, hire the right coach, and keep some of the local talent in town. Mix in some good NIL mula.
Not saying it will happen, but that path is not out of reach.
MU playing in MSP once a year would be a very good thing for them...on a lot of levels.
The path is not out of reach. But it is a LONG hike.
Quote from: The Sultan of Semantics on December 10, 2023, 11:59:50 AM
They are in a one-bid league. They average 1,200 fans per game. They have won absolutely nothing.
So more than DePaul and Georgetown combined atm?
Good for St. Thomas. Just because you set big goals doesn't mean you'll reach them, but good for them
They're building a new baby arena for bball & hockey. Still tiny. They will be MM forever, but will be solid there
Quote from: TSmith34, Inc. on December 10, 2023, 11:21:22 AM
Dayton says hi
At least dayton has a legit history, not great compared to most Big East teams but still decent and large facilities with a large fan base and history with half the big east schools. They have an angle to sell themselves. St Thomas just has a media market. Their program in D3 was good by all means but hardly a D3 blue blood, if they came in with like 6 championships in the last decade I could see this mentality of "we know how to win and deserve a place with the big boys".
A Gonzaga esque ascendency is their only route. It worked for butler from 07-13 they went from barely relevant to invited to the A10 then Big East.
Quote from: real chili 83 on December 10, 2023, 12:24:38 PM
Keep investing in the program, hire the right coach, and keep some of the local talent in town. Mix in some good NIL mula.
Not saying it will happen, but that path is not out of reach.
MU playing in MSP once a year would be a very good thing for them...on a lot of levels.
the Badgers have a fence around MSP
Quote from: Viper on December 10, 2023, 02:41:46 PM
the Badgers have a fence around MSP
That is because the Gophers suck. MU has also done okay in MN.
Quote from: Galway Eagle on December 10, 2023, 12:47:11 PM
At least dayton has a legit history, not great compared to most Big East teams but still decent and large facilities with a large fan base and history with half the big east schools. They have an angle to sell themselves. St Thomas just has a media market. Their program in D3 was good by all means but hardly a D3 blue blood, if they came in with like 6 championships in the last decade I could see this mentality of "we know how to win and deserve a place with the big boys".
A Gonzaga esque ascendency is their only route. It worked for butler from 07-13 they went from barely relevant to invited to the A10 then Big East.
Oh, I agree, it was more a reach back to Flyer18 or whatever that guy's name was that waxed on and on about how Marquette would be begging to join the A10.
I'm happy to admit the Tommies (with the Zags) as long it keeps Dayton & SLU from getting any where near our conference.
ABD.
Quote from: The Lens on December 10, 2023, 05:00:01 PM
I'm happy to admit the Tommies (with the Zags) as long it keeps Dayton & SLU from getting any where near our conference.
ABD.
Amen, brother.
Weird that I am an Alum of both schools (undergrad Marquette).
There is a relatively large and moneyed alumni base at St. Thomas. It is a very good school with excellent facilities and probably a nicer campus than Marquette.
That being said, it is a small school in a market dominated by the University of Minnesota. When I moved to St. Paul, people said, " I go to the "U"," or "I went to the "U"."
I would naively ask, "which "U"?" This seemed to offend people.
The University of Minnesota is the be all, and end all, of higher education in Minnesota.
Yes, on paper, the Twin Cities sounds like a nice market for the Big East, but no one cares about anything other than the University of Minnesota. Honestly, in Minneapolis and St. Paul, and the out state areas, pro sports probably come in second to the "U."
As much as I feel bad for my school, it will always be a distant, barely visible second place.
The Big East can do better when the ACC implodes.
They could replace the Blue Demons
Quote from: warriorfred on December 10, 2023, 06:36:51 PM
It is a very good school with excellent facilities and probably a nicer campus than Marquette.
Lol. No
My dad called me today to warn me about St. Thomas. He watched them beat WMU In Kzoo and was impressed with their speed and efficiency. I told him thanks.
College Basketball needs strong mid major teams. That is part of the charm of The Big Dance. So I believe it is fantastic that the Tommie Alumni base is solidly behind their D1 efforts.
It will take the Tommies many years to move up to the upper ranks in The Summit League. If they are eventually able to do that consisttntly , then record an upset or two in The Post season, they may be able to move up to The Missouri Valley.
Quote from: Jay Bee on December 10, 2023, 07:03:10 PM
Lol. No
The buildings at St. Thomas actually match and present a coherent campus. Lalumiere Hall, by itself, disqualifies Marquette from having a "pretty campus."
They did beat Chicago State tonight so they are a functional basketball team.
Looking at their schedule, with progress they could probably land in the Horizon League....but the Summit League equals easier travel to most of those schools.
Agree 100 percent that The U is the be all end all for non-hockey college sports in MN.
Quote from: Badgerhater on December 10, 2023, 07:23:31 PM
They did beat Chicago State tonight so they are a functional basketball team.
Looking at their schedule, with progress they could probably land in the Horizon League....but the Summit League equals easier travel to most of those schools.
Agree 100 percent that The U is the be all end all for non-hockey college sports in MN.
My guess is they'd target the Missouri Valley next. Not sure the Horizon is much of a step up these days.
Quote from: warriorfred on December 10, 2023, 07:20:23 PM
The buildings at St. Thomas actually match and present a coherent campus. Lalumiere Hall, by itself, disqualifies Marquette from having a "pretty campus."
Every campus needs an ugly Brutalist-style relic to remind college leadership to never make that mistake again.
Quote from: The Sultan of Semantics on December 10, 2023, 07:25:43 PM
My guess is they'd target the Missouri Valley next. Not sure the Horizon is much of a step up these days.
The Dakota schools will jump to the MVC when they get the chance.
Quote from: Badgerhater on December 10, 2023, 07:25:57 PM
Every campus needs an ugly Brutalist-style relic to remind college leadership to never make that mistake again.
Amen.
DePaul will win the Big East season championship before St Thomas is added to the Big East.
Quote from: PointWarrior on December 10, 2023, 07:33:37 PM
DePaul will win the Big East season championship before St Thomas is added to the Big East.
I cannot disagree with the wisdom contained herein.
DePaul has 66 Big East wins in 18 seasons.
Shaka has 28 Big East wins in 2 seasons.
Quote from: TallTitan34 on December 10, 2023, 07:59:30 PM
DePaul has 66 Big East wins in 18 seasons.
Shaka has 28 Big East wins in 2 seasons.
That is a crazy stat.
Quote from: TallTitan34 on December 10, 2023, 07:59:30 PM
DePaul has 66 Big East wins in 18 seasons.
Shaka has 28 Big East wins in 2 seasons.
Sleeping giant
Quote from: panda on December 10, 2023, 09:07:26 PM
Sleeping giant
I think people have just been spelling "gnat" incorrectly all along.
OK, have a Tommie for a brother.
The assumption that St. Thomas could never be a serious Division 1 competitor lacks any sense of perspective. I'm amazed at folks from Marquette, of all places, suggesting the Tommies have no chance.
Reality 1: St. Thomas is not far off the same size as Gonzaga, Marquette, Villanova, Georgetown etc. In 1978, if someone said Georgetown would win the national championship just a few years later, you'd have been laughed out of college basketball.
Reality 2: This is not CFP football. A good head coach, two or three three-stars and you've got the making of an NCAA tournament team, especially if you coach up the rest of your team. Peoples Exhibit I -- The Badgers! I hate those rodents but the team lacks burger boys and it's talent is slightly better than average. Yet, Greg Gard gets the most of them.
Reality 3: While the "U" is the media king of the Twin Cities, why is that? Possibly because no other school has been "as good" as the "U". I'll bet if the Tommies hired their version of Shaka, won consistently and beat the likes of Villanova or UConn, they'd pack their arena and the community would rally around them! They'd find a way to be on FoxSports12 or something.
We are a school whose basketball team was headed for the mud we now think St. Thomas was in as recently as, I don't know, five years ago! The difference is they're growing and we were badly regressing. We were able to bring Coach Shaka in and, guess what ... we're back!
Maybe they'll find their version of Coach Shaka and... look out!
Quote from: dgies9156 on December 11, 2023, 08:53:43 AM
We are a school whose basketball team was headed for the mud we now think St. Thomas was in as recently as, I don't know, five years ago! The difference is they're growing and we were badly regressing. We were able to bring Coach Shaka in and, guess what ... we're back!
This is a ridiculous take. Marquette regressed under Wojo for sure. But even then, Marquette was light years ahead of St. Thomas.
Yes it is certainly possible for St. Thomas to grow into something. But to do that, they will have to not only find their Shaka but hold onto him. Like the Zags have been able to do with Mark Few.
Not to mention they would need to win consistently, draw more than 1,200 a game, and work their way up.
So sure its POSSIBLE. It is just highly, highly unlikely. I mean schools that have been around a lot longer and have been way more successful haven't been able to do it. What is so special about St. Thomas?
Quote from: dgies9156 on December 11, 2023, 08:53:43 AM
OK, have a Tommie for a brother.
The assumption that St. Thomas could never be a serious Division 1 competitor lacks any sense of perspective. I'm amazed at folks from Marquette, of all places, suggesting the Tommies have no chance.
Reality 1: St. Thomas is not far off the same size as Gonzaga, Marquette, Villanova, Georgetown etc. In 1978, if someone said Georgetown would win the national championship just a few years later, you'd have been laughed out of college basketball.
Reality 2: This is not CFP football. A good head coach, two or three three-stars and you've got the making of an NCAA tournament team, especially if you coach up the rest of your team. Peoples Exhibit I -- The Badgers! I hate those rodents but the team lacks burger boys and it's talent is slightly better than average. Yet, Greg Gard gets the most of them.
Reality 3: While the "U" is the media king of the Twin Cities, why is that? Possibly because no other school has been "as good" as the "U". I'll bet if the Tommies hired their version of Shaka, won consistently and beat the likes of Villanova or UConn, they'd pack their arena and the community would rally around them! They'd find a way to be on FoxSports12 or something.
We are a school whose basketball team was headed for the mud we now think St. Thomas was in as recently as, I don't know, five years ago! The difference is they're growing and we were badly regressing. We were able to bring Coach Shaka in and, guess what ... we're back!
Maybe they'll find their version of Coach Shaka and... look out!
LOL wtf
Quote from: dgies9156 on December 11, 2023, 08:53:43 AM
OK, have a Tommie for a brother.
The assumption that St. Thomas could never be a serious Division 1 competitor lacks any sense of perspective. I'm amazed at folks from Marquette, of all places, suggesting the Tommies have no chance.
Reality 1: St. Thomas is not far off the same size as Gonzaga, Marquette, Villanova, Georgetown etc. In 1978, if someone said Georgetown would win the national championship just a few years later, you'd have been laughed out of college basketball.
Reality 2: This is not CFP football. A good head coach, two or three three-stars and you've got the making of an NCAA tournament team, especially if you coach up the rest of your team. Peoples Exhibit I -- The Badgers! I hate those rodents but the team lacks burger boys and it's talent is slightly better than average. Yet, Greg Gard gets the most of them.
Reality 3: While the "U" is the media king of the Twin Cities, why is that? Possibly because no other school has been "as good" as the "U". I'll bet if the Tommies hired their version of Shaka, won consistently and beat the likes of Villanova or UConn, they'd pack their arena and the community would rally around them! They'd find a way to be on FoxSports12 or something.
We are a school whose basketball team was headed for the mud we now think St. Thomas was in as recently as, I don't know, five years ago! The difference is they're growing and we were badly regressing. We were able to bring Coach Shaka in and, guess what ... we're back!
Maybe they'll find their version of Coach Shaka and... look out!
Trap game then
Quote from: dgies9156 on December 11, 2023, 08:53:43 AM
OK, have a Tommie for a brother.
The assumption that St. Thomas could never be a serious Division 1 competitor lacks any sense of perspective. I'm amazed at folks from Marquette, of all places, suggesting the Tommies have no chance.
Reality 1: St. Thomas is not far off the same size as Gonzaga, Marquette, Villanova, Georgetown etc. In 1978, if someone said Georgetown would win the national championship just a few years later, you'd have been laughed out of college basketball.
Reality 2: This is not CFP football. A good head coach, two or three three-stars and you've got the making of an NCAA tournament team, especially if you coach up the rest of your team. Peoples Exhibit I -- The Badgers! I hate those rodents but the team lacks burger boys and it's talent is slightly better than average. Yet, Greg Gard gets the most of them.
Reality 3: While the "U" is the media king of the Twin Cities, why is that? Possibly because no other school has been "as good" as the "U". I'll bet if the Tommies hired their version of Shaka, won consistently and beat the likes of Villanova or UConn, they'd pack their arena and the community would rally around them! They'd find a way to be on FoxSports12 or something.
We are a school whose basketball team was headed for the mud we now think St. Thomas was in as recently as, I don't know, five years ago! The difference is they're growing and we were badly regressing. We were able to bring Coach Shaka in and, guess what ... we're back!
Maybe they'll find their version of Coach Shaka and... look out!
Regarding Georgetown in 1978 they made the NIT semi finals and finished the year ranked 20. Yeah people probably would laugh at you for saying they'd win a championship but right now people would laugh if you said St Thomas could even get ranked number 20 let alone advance in the tournament.
Quote from: dgies9156 on December 11, 2023, 08:53:43 AM
OK, have a Tommie for a brother.
The assumption that St. Thomas could never be a serious Division 1 competitor lacks any sense of perspective. I'm amazed at folks from Marquette, of all places, suggesting the Tommies have no chance.
Reality 1: St. Thomas is not far off the same size as Gonzaga, Marquette, Villanova, Georgetown etc. In 1978, if someone said Georgetown would win the national championship just a few years later, you'd have been laughed out of college basketball.
Reality 2: This is not CFP football. A good head coach, two or three three-stars and you've got the making of an NCAA tournament team, especially if you coach up the rest of your team. Peoples Exhibit I -- The Badgers! I hate those rodents but the team lacks burger boys and it's talent is slightly better than average. Yet, Greg Gard gets the most of them.
Reality 3: While the "U" is the media king of the Twin Cities, why is that? Possibly because no other school has been "as good" as the "U". I'll bet if the Tommies hired their version of Shaka, won consistently and beat the likes of Villanova or UConn, they'd pack their arena and the community would rally around them! They'd find a way to be on FoxSports12 or something.
We are a school whose basketball team was headed for the mud we now think St. Thomas was in as recently as, I don't know, five years ago! The difference is they're growing and we were badly regressing. We were able to bring Coach Shaka in and, guess what ... we're back!
Maybe they'll find their version of Coach Shaka and... look out!
As a Tommie (and Warrior), I wish St. Thomas well. I would be thrilled if they were in the Big East and regularly packing the Xcel Energy Center. But is it possible?
Absent divine intervention, NO.
Why stop at the Big East? Tommies to the Big 148!
I respect their aspirations. Having people who care enough to see the program reach new heights (however unrealistic they may be) is a huge first step.
Like others, I have a hard time seeing St. Thomas jump into Big East territory anytime soon. I think a much more realistic goal is the MVC.
That being said, there is a chance for the Tommies to gain some momentum. Interest level in Gopher hoops has to be at or near an all-time low. There is a lot of talent that has left the Twin Cities in the last few years ... can Tauer convince some of it to come back home through a transfer?
The portal, of course, is a double-edge sword. It's going to be more difficult for emerging mid-majors like St. Thomas to build their program if they have to worry about kids jumping every year.
My sister was a four year XC runner for St. Thomas (when they were D3). I joked to her recently that now she can say she ran at a D1 school!
I think what the Tommys have managed to do is pretty remarkable, and good for them. But they are about 5 steps away from even being in consideration for a Big East bid, and each of those steps is probably a 5-7 year journey, at best. It would look something like this:
1. String together 5 or 6 really good seasons in the Summit League, including multiple conference championships and NCAA bids.
2. Get invited to the Missouri Valley Conference, then repeat Step 1.
3. Get invited to the Atlantic 10 conference, then repeat Step 1.
4. Make a couple of deep NCAA tourney runs.
5. Get lucky and hope the Big East wants to expand and hasn't already invited better programs by that point.
Again, you're probably talking 15 years at the soonest, and hope a lot of things go right for your program along the way.
Crown their a$$!
Quote from: The Sultan of Semantics on December 10, 2023, 12:26:54 PM
The path is not out of reach. But it is a LONG hike.
Best way i can think to put it. And honestly there are other schools out there with shorter hikes. And i don't think it's any shorter of a hike then schools likes Denver or Boston U.
The stars would really have to align for the Tommies to have any shot
Gang:
I never said they'd be there anytime soon. I don't buy it either but it's possible.
Stranger things have happened.
UW-Milwaukee wins a national title before St Thomas is admitted to the Big East. Stranger things have happened.
Quote from: dgies9156 on December 11, 2023, 10:56:11 AM
Gang:
I never said they'd be there anytime soon. I don't buy it either but it's possible.
Stranger things have happened.
Belmont moved up from NAIA they're in a large media market and have a basketball focus.
Despite a ton a of success they're not even remotely on the big east radar. I think that's a good team for st Thomas to compare themselves to.
It's not completely crazy. I live in St. Paul, very nearly went to St. Thomas, and my wife teaches as an adjunct there. UST would only slightly expand the BE footprint (5ish hrs from Omaha and Milwaukee) but add another large market of viewers without splitting an existing BE fan base. The school's urban campus, student body size, endowment level and Catholic affiliation all align with the Big East's current membership. Sure, they don't draw a ton of fans now but if you put their games at the Target Center or Xcel and bring in Marquette, UConn, Villanova, etc. that will change quickly. They are also already comparable if not better than some BE programs in other sports. Hire a well respected coach, get their donors excited, and land a couple of high profile local recruits and they could be middle of the conference within 5 years. Locally, this has been a well known aspiration of UST for years: https://shamasportsheadliners.com/tommies-hoops-future-looks-bright/.
Quote from: frozena pizza on December 11, 2023, 11:51:18 AM
It's not completely crazy. I live in St. Paul, very nearly went to St. Thomas, and my wife teaches as an adjunct there. UST would only slightly expand the BE footprint (5ish hrs from Omaha and Milwaukee) but add another large market of viewers without splitting an existing BE fan base. The school's urban campus, student body size, endowment level and Catholic affiliation all align with the Big East's current membership. Sure, they don't draw a ton of fans now but if you put their games at the Target Center or Xcel and bring in Marquette, UConn, Villanova, etc. that will change quickly. They are also already comparable if not better than some BE programs in other sports. Hire a well respected coach, get their donors excited, and land a couple of high profile local recruits and they could be middle of the conference within 5 years. Locally, this has been a well known aspiration of UST for years: https://shamasportsheadliners.com/tommies-hoops-future-looks-bright/.
But, is there a Tommy Scoop?
Lot of energy spent the last few years on worrying about St. Thomas and the Big East. Think Marquette fans are as terrified of them as they are of UWM
Quote from: warriorfred on December 10, 2023, 07:20:23 PM
The buildings at St. Thomas actually match and present a coherent campus. Lalumiere Hall, by itself, disqualifies Marquette from having a "pretty campus."
One of the worst takes I've seen on scoop, in a sea of horrendous takes
All those dismissing the Tommies ... that's bulletin board material!
I can just hear it now ...
"We didn't really think we had a chance, but coach read us what everyone was saying on Scoop, and we knew we had to prove them wrong!"
Quote from: dgies9156 on December 11, 2023, 10:56:11 AM
Gang:
I never said they'd be there anytime soon. I don't buy it either but it's possible.
Stranger things have happened.
So why the long post calling out MU fans for being too full of themselves if all you were doing was agreeing with all those entitled fans thinking they're too good for St. Thomas?
It's possible, but it's extremely unlikely and/or a very long way out.
I'd say Gonzaga and even Duke in the Big East is far more likely. And I don't think those happen either.
Quote from: frozena pizza on December 11, 2023, 11:51:18 AM
It's not completely crazy. I live in St. Paul, very nearly went to St. Thomas, and my wife teaches as an adjunct there. UST would only slightly expand the BE footprint (5ish hrs from Omaha and Milwaukee) but add another large market of viewers without splitting an existing BE fan base. The school's urban campus, student body size, endowment level and Catholic affiliation all align with the Big East's current membership. Sure, they don't draw a ton of fans now but if you put their games at the Target Center or Xcel and bring in Marquette, UConn, Villanova, etc. that will change quickly. They are also already comparable if not better than some BE programs in other sports. Hire a well respected coach, get their donors excited, and land a couple of high profile local recruits and they could be middle of the conference within 5 years. Locally, this has been a well known aspiration of UST for years: https://shamasportsheadliners.com/tommies-hoops-future-looks-bright/.
You might be right, but why does bringing in Marquette, UCONN, Nova, etc. in a bigger arena guarantee great attendance? The University of Minnesota brought in Mizzou when they were 2-0 and there was an announced attendance of 7,975 in their 14,625 capacity arena. Last year they had an announced attendance of 9,251 when number 3 Purdue played there.
Sure, it would be better than the 1,200 they get at home games now. But if you're playing at the Target or Xcel Center, is it much better to have 6,000 in the 17,000 seat arenas?
Heard on the grapevine that the Big East will be reaching out to Augsburg or Macalester to tap that Twin Cities market.
Quote from: wadesworld on December 11, 2023, 01:38:37 PM
You might be right, but why does bringing in Marquette, UCONN, Nova, etc. in a bigger arena guarantee great attendance? The University of Minnesota brought in Mizzou when they were 2-0 and there was an announced attendance of 7,975 in their 14,625 capacity arena. Last year they had an announced attendance of 9,251 when number 3 Purdue played there.
Sure, it would be better than the 1,200 they get at home games now. But if you're playing at the Target or Xcel Center, is it much better to have 6,000 in the 17,000 seat arenas?
Who knows, but I could see them playing some games in the smaller arena on campus and other games in a pro arena. As for the Gophers, when you're coming off a 2-17 season and the NBA team in your town has the league's best record you're not going to sell out a mid-November game. At least with UST there would be some novelty initially.
The only way the Big East takes St. Thomas is if it can relegate DePaul to the Summit League.
Does anyone really believe any of the BE NE schools care an ounce about a nobody team and program because it's in MSP? Yes Marquette gets a lot of Minnesota students so there is some affinity for that area with some posters here... but that's where it ends. Further how does propping up St. Nobody and watering down the BEast help Marquette. Do we want the next Dawson Garcia type prospect in the area to eliminate us completely because he can play at home instead of Marquette if he wants to play in the BEast?
Quote from: duanewade on December 11, 2023, 02:21:39 PM
Does anyone really believe any of the BE NE schools care an ounce about a nobody team and program because it's in MSP? Yes Marquette gets a lot of Minnesota students so there is some affinity for that area with some posters here... but that's where it ends. Further how does propping up St. Nobody and watering down the BEast help Marquette. Do we want the next Dawson Garcia type prospect in the area to eliminate us completely because he can play at home instead of Marquette if he wants to play in the BEast?
I agree with the first half but also by logic Stevie should've eliminated us because he could've played at Nova, Tyler could've played at PC, etc sometimes kids want to get away from home
There's no way in its present form that the BE takes St. Thomas. It's absolutely absurd to even consider this. Every program in the BE has been to multiple Elite 8s and all but two have been to at least one Final Four.
It was a perfect fit of programs with rich basketball traditions.
Quote from: Galway Eagle on December 11, 2023, 02:28:53 PM
I agree with the first half but also by logic Stevie should've eliminated us because he could've played at Nova, Tyler could've played at PC, etc sometimes kids want to get away from home
Bit different scenarios there
Especially since Nova and PC didnt want Stevie and TK
Well, until it was too late in PC case...
Quote from: PGsHeroes32 on December 11, 2023, 02:39:03 PM
Bit different scenarios there
Especially since Nova and BC didnt want Stevie and TK
Well, until it was too late in PC case...
Ok Sean Jones. X offered
Quote from: frozena pizza on December 11, 2023, 11:51:18 AM
It's not completely crazy. I live in St. Paul, very nearly went to St. Thomas, and my wife teaches as an adjunct there. UST would only slightly expand the BE footprint (5ish hrs from Omaha and Milwaukee) but add another large market of viewers without splitting an existing BE fan base. The school's urban campus, student body size, endowment level and Catholic affiliation all align with the Big East's current membership. Sure, they don't draw a ton of fans now but if you put their games at the Target Center or Xcel and bring in Marquette, UConn, Villanova, etc. that will change quickly. They are also already comparable if not better than some BE programs in other sports. Hire a well respected coach, get their donors excited, and land a couple of high profile local recruits and they could be middle of the conference within 5 years. Locally, this has been a well known aspiration of UST for years: https://shamasportsheadliners.com/tommies-hoops-future-looks-bright/.
That's ridiculous. Would you think they could do the same with Boston University and the Boston Garden?
Quote from: duanewade on December 11, 2023, 02:21:39 PM
Does anyone really believe any of the BE NE schools care an ounce about a nobody team and program because it's in MSP? Yes Marquette gets a lot of Minnesota students so there is some affinity for that area with some posters here... but that's where it ends. Further how does propping up St. Nobody and watering down the BEast help Marquette. Do we want the next Dawson Garcia type prospect in the area to eliminate us completely because he can play at home instead of Marquette if he wants to play in the BEast?
Yet here is Scoop....
Quote from: MU82 on December 11, 2023, 02:10:33 PM
The only way the Big East takes St. Thomas is if it can relegate DePaul to the Summit League.
Nah.
A lousy DePaul is still a better asset to the BE than St. Thomas.
This whole idea is insane. Maybe in 20 years the Tommies could begin a 20 year process to get into the BE. That's a 'Big Maybe'. So if you are in a big market and have rich alumni your can just write a ticket to the big time of college hoops? And this has happen exactly how many times? How is the uber rich (guessing 100x richer than STU) Rice University in the 4th largest market doing with their dreams of going big time?
Look, there is more than 3 or 4 boxes to check to get into the BE. One you can't really buy and that is sustained support. I know a Gonzaga guy who is afraid that when Few leaves they will become just a decent basketball team again and Gonzaga will attract very good coaches. STU will have to prove they are a local and national draw even when they are not good. That takes time.
Quote from: frozena pizza on December 11, 2023, 01:59:27 PM
At least with UST there would be some novelty initially.
That statement is pretty much the definition of why this should never happen. Novelty is great for UST while it lasts. What is the benefit to the Big East? To undermine what it has established since the reformation?
If the Big East lets St Thomas in, then they have to let Dayton in. Just say no...
Quote from: PointWarrior on December 11, 2023, 08:59:47 PM
If the Big East lets St Thomas in, then they have to let Dayton in. Just say no...
And / or St. Louis
Just for a reality check for the Tommies....here is a list of schools I think the Big East would take before them, just off the top of my head. I'm sure there are many, many more
Gonzaga
St. Marys
LaSalle
St. Bonaventure
Dayton
SLU
Loyola Chicago
St. Josephs
UMass
Richmond
VCU
Quote from: Coleman on December 12, 2023, 09:31:24 AM
Just for a reality check for the Tommies....here is a list of schools I think the Big East would take before them, just off the top of my head. I'm sure there are many, many more
Gonzaga
St. Marys
LaSalle
St. Bonaventure
Dayton
SLU
Loyola Chicago
St. Josephs
UMass
Richmond
VCU
Playing devil's advocate, I think ...
Loyola, St. Joe's and LaSalle don't make the cut, because DePaul and Nova wouldn't want to elevate crosstown competition. Could Xavier similarly seek to block Dayton?
I suspect Richmond might want to follow James Madison and Delaware into FBS, which means Sun Belt or C-USA.
Being public schools might be a stumbling block for UMass and VCU (UConn was an exception, given their history in the Big East and strength of the program).
St. Bonaventure doesn't really fit the bill as an urban campus.
I would have once said travel considerations would make St. Mary's and Gonzaga prohibitive, but given what we've seen elsewhere, I'm not sure that matters anymore. So, they're definitely in way ahead of St. Thomas. I'd suggest the San Francisco Dons and Seattle University may be as well, to create travel partners.
I'd say, given the chatter about BB only schools in P4 conferences, MU is way, way closer to getting in the Big10 than UST joining the Big East.
I'm sure there is a definitive answer to this but I've always wondered why Notre Dame didn't LEAP at the chance to park their basketball team in a basketball-centric league and maintain their (ridiculous) football independence. Was it simply because the new BE was perceived as far inferior to the new super ACC at the time of the split? I wonder how they view that now and whether or not there is a path to ND rejoining the BE. They'd be a lot of people's #1 choice in an expansion
Quote from: Carl on December 12, 2023, 12:02:36 PM
I'm sure there is a definitive answer to this but I've always wondered why Notre Dame didn't LEAP at the chance to park their basketball team in a basketball-centric league and maintain their (ridiculous) football independence. Was it simply because the new BE was perceived as far inferior to the new super ACC at the time of the split? I wonder how they view that now and whether or not there is a path to ND rejoining the BE. They'd be a lot of people's #1 choice in an expansion
Was it simply because the new BE was perceived as far inferior to the new super ACC at the time of the split? - I believe this was inferred by ND at the time.
And they needed a schedule agreement for FB to cover half their games and didn't want to play the remaining Big East FB teams for that half.
Quote from: Carl on December 12, 2023, 12:02:36 PM
I'm sure there is a definitive answer to this but I've always wondered why Notre Dame didn't LEAP at the chance to park their basketball team in a basketball-centric league and maintain their (ridiculous) football independence. Was it simply because the new BE was perceived as far inferior to the new super ACC at the time of the split? I wonder how they view that now and whether or not there is a path to ND rejoining the BE. They'd be a lot of people's #1 choice in an expansion
My gut tells me bold above is the answer but maybe the $ was better in the ACC with the quasi-member FB schedule. I think ND officially stated a home for Olympic sports was a deciding factor.
I have little love for ND, but the 'ridiculous' football independence has work pretty well so far. Way better than fully joining the sinking ACC.
Quote from: MU Fan in Connecticut on December 12, 2023, 12:09:39 PM
Was it simply because the new BE was perceived as far inferior to the new super ACC at the time of the split? - I believe this was inferred by ND at the time.
And they needed a schedule agreement for FB to cover half their games and didn't want to play the remaining Big East FB teams for that half.
The ACC was seen as superior not just in basketball, but in all of the non-football sports.
I retain the belief that the ACC implodes in a few years, and there is a possibility for traditional Big East teams to return. So I am not super-excited to add other teams at this time.
Quote from: MU Fan in Connecticut on December 12, 2023, 12:09:39 PM
Was it simply because the new BE was perceived as far inferior to the new super ACC at the time of the split? - I believe this was inferred by ND at the time.
And they needed a schedule agreement for FB to cover half their games and didn't want to play the remaining Big East FB teams for that half.
As I recall it was really just timing. The TV deal that included TCU fell apart over the summer of 2011, Pitt & Syracuse announced they were leaving in late 2011, followed by West Virginia. TCU flipped their commitment and joined the Big 12. In response, the league went crazy, inviting Memphis, Temple, UCF, Boise, San Diego State, basically anyone with a pulse.
Commissioner John Marinatto was forced out in spring and it was clear the league was in turmoil. Right after, Louisville said they were leaving. In September, Notre Dame came to their agreement with the ACC. The remaining schools tried to keep it together, but Rutgers went to the B10, Louisville made it official, and finally in December the C7 had enough and split.
I've heard that had the C7 left sooner, Notre Dame might have went with them and stayed independent in football. But the ship was sinking and they took the first lifeboat, not realizing another would be available.
Quote from: Jay Bee on December 09, 2023, 11:16:22 PM
Best d1 school in Minnesota, buddy
... and they have beaten Marquette 3 times already!
Quote from: brewcity77 on December 12, 2023, 01:12:48 PM
As I recall it was really just timing. The TV deal that included TCU fell apart over the summer of 2011, Pitt & Syracuse announced they were leaving in late 2011, followed by West Virginia. TCU flipped their commitment and joined the Big 12. In response, the league went crazy, inviting Memphis, Temple, UCF, Boise, San Diego State, basically anyone with a pulse.
Commissioner John Marinatto was forced out in spring and it was clear the league was in turmoil. Right after, Louisville said they were leaving. In September, Notre Dame came to their agreement with the ACC. The remaining schools tried to keep it together, but Rutgers went to the B10, Louisville made it official, and finally in December the C7 had enough and split.
I've heard that had the C7 left sooner, Notre Dame might have went with them and stayed independent in football. But the ship was sinking and they took the first lifeboat, not realizing another would be available.
Good summary. It was a scarry time especially when Dayton and the A10 rejected all our applications for admittance. ;D
Quote from: brewcity77 on December 12, 2023, 01:12:48 PM
As I recall it was really just timing. The TV deal that included TCU fell apart over the summer of 2011, Pitt & Syracuse announced they were leaving in late 2011, followed by West Virginia. TCU flipped their commitment and joined the Big 12. In response, the league went crazy, inviting Memphis, Temple, UCF, Boise, San Diego State, basically anyone with a pulse.
Commissioner John Marinatto was forced out in spring and it was clear the league was in turmoil. Right after, Louisville said they were leaving. In September, Notre Dame came to their agreement with the ACC. The remaining schools tried to keep it together, but Rutgers went to the B10, Louisville made it official, and finally in December the C7 had enough and split.
I've heard that had the C7 left sooner, Notre Dame might have went with them and stayed independent in football. But the ship was sinking and they took the first lifeboat, not realizing another would be available.
Good timeline, this is the answer.
Notre Dame made their decision to leave an imploding Big East before the C7 intervened. The decision made a lot of sense for them at the time. Might the current Big East have been a better fit for them? Arguably. But that had not even been established yet. You can't fault Notre Dame for jumping to the first semi-stable power conference that would allow them to keep football independent.
It seems like forever ago but I believe the first domino to fall was Nebraska to the Big10. There was a lot of blustering and talk of movement within the Big12, with Missouri publicly announcing it wanted to join the Big10 if I recall correctly, but then Nebraska actually left and Pandora's box was opened
Quote from: Carl on December 12, 2023, 02:31:07 PM
It seems like forever ago but I believe the first domino to fall was Nebraska to the Big10. There was a lot of blustering and talk of movement within the Big12, with Missouri publicly announcing it wanted to join the Big10 if I recall correctly, but then Nebraska actually left and Pandora's box was opened
Conference instability really dates back to the early 1990s with Penn State joining the Big Ten, FSU joining the ACC, South Carolina and Arkansas joining the SEC, and the Big 8 merging with four SWC schools to form the Big 12.
Quote from: The Sultan of Semantics on December 12, 2023, 02:38:12 PM
Conference instability really dates back to the early 1990s with Penn State joining the Big Ten, FSU joining the ACC, South Carolina and Arkansas joining the SEC, and the Big 8 merging with four SWC schools to form the Big 12.
Am I wrong but wasn't Penn State turned down by the Big East?
Quote from: WhiteTrash on December 12, 2023, 03:38:54 PM
Am I wrong but wasn't Penn State turned down by the Big East?
You are correct: https://onwardstate.com/2017/01/11/penn-states-greatest-gift-getting-rejected-by-the-big-east/
I blame University of Chicago leaving the Big10 for all of this. ;D
Quote from: MUbiz on December 12, 2023, 03:55:26 PM
You are correct: https://onwardstate.com/2017/01/11/penn-states-greatest-gift-getting-rejected-by-the-big-east/
(https://images.phillypublishing.com/onwardstate/uploads/2018/02/Steve-Connelly_avatar_1518118283.jpg)
Do the Tommies have something that passes as a basketball message board?? I can't seem to find anything. If these guys envision going big time, their fans need a place to go in order to rip and malign their opponents.
Quote from: Dickthedribbler on December 12, 2023, 09:22:53 PM
Do the Tommies have something that passes as a basketball message board?? I can't seem to find anything. If these guys envision going big time, their fans need a place to go in order to rip and malign their opponents.
And each other.
Especially each other.
and monitor their campus safety....
Quote from: MU82 on December 12, 2023, 09:45:36 PM
And each other.
Especially each other.
ST Thomas = Bradley
How?
The media market in MSP for Buckets is not as big as you'd think. Most would rather watch an IHL replay from 1999 than basketball. Never say never, but Harvard will admit polar bears (white ones) before St. Thomas joins the Big East.
St. Thomas looks like a good warm up before the BEAST conference schedule begins.
Give the MU bench more minutes.
This is all backwards. Clearly the superior Athletics and Marketing departments at St Thomas have already made inroads to the MKE market by agreeing to play Marquette for a fee.
Quote from: MUFC9295 on December 13, 2023, 04:20:19 PM
This is all backwards. Clearly the superior Athletics and Marketing departments at St Thomas have already made inroads to the MKE market by agreeing to play Marquette for a fee.
How much do visiting teams get for a buy game?
Quote from: Daniel on December 13, 2023, 08:41:22 PM
How much do visiting teams get for a buy game?
From what I have seen reported, a P6 team will pay anywhere from 75k-125k for a buy game.
Here is some numbers:
https://twitter.com/GoodmanHoops/status/1592349573665943552?t=aPCqcxbjRbLHAAkiWsnljQ&s=19
This is from 2014 but still around that 75-125k per game mark:
https://twitter.com/GoodmanHoops/status/544928865425293313?t=Jwb1aKG3EyfdG7n3r6HWRw&s=19
St. Thomas beat Chicago State 66-50. There are no gimmies. Attack. Focus. Dominate. And from the opening tip.
Quote from: MuggsyB on December 13, 2023, 11:39:18 PM
St. Thomas beat Chicago State 66-50. There are no gimmies. Attack. Focus. Dominate. And from the opening tip.
Why are you referencing them beating Chicago State lol. Not our fault NU laid an egg.
Chicago State is brutal. Tommies beating them by 16 is normal.
Quote from: PGsHeroes32 on December 13, 2023, 11:42:01 PM
Why are you referencing them beating Chicago State lol. Not our fault NU laid an egg.
Chicago State is brutal. Tommies beating them by 16 is normal.
It's just a reminder that eggs can happen. I fully expect we will take care or business.
Quote from: MUbiz on December 13, 2023, 11:33:06 PM
Here is some numbers:
https://twitter.com/GoodmanHoops/status/1592349573665943552?t=aPCqcxbjRbLHAAkiWsnljQ&s=19
This is from 2014 but still around that 75-125k per game mark:
https://twitter.com/GoodmanHoops/status/544928865425293313?t=Jwb1aKG3EyfdG7n3r6HWRw&s=19
Ty MUBIZ - that's a nice chunk of change for a small school to get even after travel expenses etc. Ty
Quote from: MuggsyB on December 13, 2023, 11:39:18 PM
St. Thomas beat Chicago State 66-50. There are no gimmies. Attack. Focus. Dominate. And from the opening tip.
Chicago St beat Northwestern.
Northwestern beat Purdue.
Purdue beat MU.
Transitive law means St. Thomas by 20.
Quote from: MuggsyB on December 13, 2023, 11:52:04 PM
It's just a reminder that eggs can happen. I fully expect we will take care or business.
MU laid a Badger egg
Quote from: Badgerhater on December 10, 2023, 07:25:57 PM
Every campus needs an ugly Brutalist-style relic to remind college leadership to never make that mistake again.
It isn't Brutalist. It's hideous, but it's not Brutalist.
Quote from: dgies9156 on December 11, 2023, 08:53:43 AM
OK, have a Tommie for a brother.
The assumption that St. Thomas could never be a serious Division 1 competitor lacks any sense of perspective. I'm amazed at folks from Marquette, of all places, suggesting the Tommies have no chance.
Reality 1: St. Thomas is not far off the same size as Gonzaga, Marquette, Villanova, Georgetown etc. In 1978, if someone said Georgetown would win the national championship just a few years later, you'd have been laughed out of college basketball.
Reality 2: This is not CFP football. A good head coach, two or three three-stars and you've got the making of an NCAA tournament team, especially if you coach up the rest of your team. Peoples Exhibit I -- The Badgers! I hate those rodents but the team lacks burger boys and it's talent is slightly better than average. Yet, Greg Gard gets the most of them.
Reality 3: While the "U" is the media king of the Twin Cities, why is that? Possibly because no other school has been "as good" as the "U". I'll bet if the Tommies hired their version of Shaka, won consistently and beat the likes of Villanova or UConn, they'd pack their arena and the community would rally around them! They'd find a way to be on FoxSports12 or something.
We are a school whose basketball team was headed for the mud we now think St. Thomas was in as recently as, I don't know, five years ago! The difference is they're growing and we were badly regressing. We were able to bring Coach Shaka in and, guess what ... we're back!
Maybe they'll find their version of Coach Shaka and... look out!
Yo, put down the drugs, man.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on December 14, 2023, 06:50:40 AM
It isn't Brutalist. It's hideous, but it's not Brutalist.
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/3b/9c/a5/3b9ca55535fe7e1a316af64c47b21fcf.jpg)
Quote from: DefinitelyNotPorterMoser on December 11, 2023, 09:47:28 AM
Like others, I have a hard time seeing St. Thomas jump into Big East territory anytime soon. I think a much more realistic goal is the MVC.
That being said, there is a chance for the Tommies to gain some momentum. Interest level in Gopher hoops has to be at or near an all-time low. There is a lot of talent that has left the Twin Cities in the last few years ... can Tauer convince some of it to come back home through a transfer?
The portal, of course, is a double-edge sword. It's going to be more difficult for emerging mid-majors like St. Thomas to build their program if they have to worry about kids jumping every year.
Right, but the thing is Minnesota is one good hire away from being interesting. A lot more has to go right for the Tommies.
Quote from: lawdog77 on December 14, 2023, 06:55:29 AM
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/3b/9c/a5/3b9ca55535fe7e1a316af64c47b21fcf.jpg)
I'd have gone with Keno or a Bingo card, but very well done.
5 pages of crapping on the Tommie's Big East aspirations, is that all the vibe killing hubris we got this game?
Step it up - last chance for conference play?
Quote from: Hards Alumni on December 14, 2023, 06:56:06 AM
Right, but the thing is Minnesota is one good hire away from being interesting. A lot more has to go right for the Tommies.
AD and administration issues as well. It's bad
Personally, I hope they're successful in getting their program to the caliber of a Big East program. NCAABB could use more programs like the ones you find in the BE, it would make the entire sport better if that happened. And more than that, if they're successful in getting to that point, I'd gladly take any school that gets there.
The trick is actually getting to that point, but let those schools who have that aspiration figure that part out.
Quote from: lawdog77 on December 14, 2023, 06:55:29 AM
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/3b/9c/a5/3b9ca55535fe7e1a316af64c47b21fcf.jpg)
Gang, it was cutting edge artistic design when it was planned in the 1960s.
The moral of the story is to think beyond contemporary design. The language center was so hot it was featured on the cover of the catalog of classes given me in 1974. I get it, today's it's ugly as sin.
But it can't be torn down! It's where I met Ms. Dgies while we both were at MU!!!!!
Quote from: dgies9156 on December 14, 2023, 10:24:06 AM
Gang, it was cutting edge artistic design when it was planned in the 1960s.
The moral of the story is to think beyond contemporary design. The language center was so hot it was featured on the cover of the catalog of classes given me in 1974. I get it, today's it's ugly as sin.
But it can't be torn down! It's where I met Ms. Dgies while we both were at MU!!!!!
I thought I heard her say burn that sucker down.
I like that we have Lalumiere. I wouldn't want the entire campus to look like it but it brings some character not offered by a bunch of plainish brick and glass buildings.
Quote from: dgies9156 on December 14, 2023, 10:24:06 AM
Gang, it was cutting edge artistic design when it was planned in the 1960s.
The moral of the story is to think beyond contemporary design. The language center was so hot it was featured on the cover of the catalog of classes given me in 1974. I get it, today's it's ugly as sin.
But it can't be torn down! It's where I met Ms. Dgies while we both were at MU!!!!!
I thought it was ugly when it was built ('70 alumnus,) but I get it. For you, it's a shrine.
I hear St. Thomas has another game on FS1 tonight?
Quote from: MuggsyB on December 13, 2023, 11:52:04 PM
It's just a reminder that eggs can happen. I fully expect we will take care or business.
Dgies hates eggs