Big East Officials to discuss expansion in May

[source?]

Creighton athletic director Bruce Rasmussen, known to Wichita State from the Bluejays' days in the Missouri Valley Conference, said he's pushing for Big East expansion from 10 to 12 teams and that WSU and Gonzaga would be good fits.

Rasmussen was careful to say that his opinion in these matters might not carry much weight, but that the Big East presidents and athletic directors have agreed to discuss the possibility of expansion at the conference's annual meetings in May.

"As a part of the strategic planning exercise the Big East Conference is currently undertaking, the topic of expansion is an agenda item," Rasmussen said in a text message. "While I do not sense a great appetite currently by Big East presidents for expansion, I personally would be an advocate for adding Gonzaga and Wichita State."

http://www.kansas.com/sports/college/wichita-state/article68305147.html

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

Please no, my stance remains the same. Unless UCONN drops football, the big east should stay at 10.

[source?]

Sounds like it's really just the Creighton guy pushing for it. Don't know how much traction it has with the rest of the conference.

[Groin_pull]

Jeez, the Big East just can't leave a good thing alone. These rumors pop up on a fairly regular basis. Where there's smoke.....

Don't get it. There's only a couple of clear slam dunks (Notre Dame, UConn if they dropped football). Gonzaga is intriguing, but not realistic. Too far away. WSU???? Huh?

[Marcus92]

Nothing wrong with discussing it. It's better for the schools to talk things through, weigh the options/pros/cons, reach consensus and have a clear plan (one way or the other) rather than be uninformed or unprepared.

[GGGG]

They should always have it as a point of discussion. Doesn't mean they should or would do it.

[bilsu]

Sounds like it's really just the Creighton guy pushing for it. Don't know how much traction it has with the rest of the conference.

They agreed to talk about expansion. Creighton guy is pushing for those two schools. Who knows what the other 9 member think. first they have to agree to expand then they can argue over who. I think, if you go with Gonzaga than you need another western school.

[bilsu]

Jeez, the Big East just can't leave a good thing alone. These rumors pop up on a fairly regular basis. Where there's smoke.....

Don't get it. There's only a couple of clear slam dunks (Notre Dame, UConn if they dropped football). Gonzaga is intriguing, but not realistic. Too far away. WSU???? Huh?

I think the Big East tournament would be better with 12 teams. Adding Gonzaga and Wichita St would raise the conference profile. All you are giving up is the round robin.

[source?]

I think the Big East tournament would be better with 12 teams. Adding Gonzaga and Wichita St would raise the conference profile. All you are giving up is the round robin.

Personal opinion but I think VCU gives you more than Wichita. Similar recent success, better facilities, bigger school (31,000 vs 14,500), better academics, bigger endowment, shorter distance to MSG, basically better in every way.

[Groin_pull]

I think the Big East tournament would be better with 12 teams. Adding Gonzaga and Wichita St would raise the conference profile. All you are giving up is the round robin.

Well, Gonzaga is going to need a Western partner. That gets you to 13. But then you need to have an even number of teams. So now you have to find one that gets you to 14.

Again, I like Gonzaga, but just not very realistic. Are they hoops only? Can't imagine our Olympic sports teams trucking out to Spokane and vice versa. Personally, WSU doesn't nothing for me. A mediocre school parked in the middle of dust bowl Kansas. Dayton? Saint Louis? No and no.

I like the current arrangement. Like-minded schools in, or close to, urban centers.

Add more schools like those mentioned above and you're getting dangerously close to C-USA 2.0

[Marcus92]

The Big East doesn't have to add teams to remain one of the top 5 basketball conferences. Even bringing in two quality programs wouldn't necessarily be an improvement in terms of the on-court product.

From the perspective of Creighton's AD, you can see where it makes sense. They're the westernmost school in the conference and could benefit from potential new rivalries. But the right fit isn't just about public vs. private; it's also about focus on basketball. With Wichita State's president recently posting photos of a WSU football helmet and band uniform, I'd say their focus on basketball is seriously in question.

First and foremost, would expansion benefit the Big East financially? That's the real issue. The deal with Fox is a good one and the primary revenue generator for the conference. Expansion would have to add to the bottom line for both Fox and the current members. I don't know enough to say whether or not that's a realistic prospect.

[4everwarriors]

Maybe da dude mean Washington State University, hey?

[Litehouse]

This Creighton guy talks a lot.

[GGGG]

Not happening.

https://twitter.com/tsnmike/status/713512995134025729

[Dawson Rental]

Personal opinion but I think VCU gives you more than Wichita. Similar recent success, better facilities, bigger school (31,000 vs 14,500), better academics, bigger endowment, shorter distance to MSG, basically better in every way.

Wichita State is backed by the Koch brothers, a big advantage over VCU, assuming that they pony up for top facilities and such.

[naginiF]

Wichita State is backed by the Koch brothers, a big advantage over VCU, assuming that they pony up for top facilities and such.

They still have to answer the media market question.  If KC, OK City, and Tulsa (a stretch) markets weren't already 100% focused on other basketball programs they may have a shot.   Great coverage and performance for 2-3 games a year isn't going to cut it.

**note:  from a strict basketball program perspective I love what they've been able to build and sustain in Wichita and I hope they continue.

[brewcity77]

Reading the article, it just seems like wishful thinking on the part of Creighton to get more western teams. Doubt this has any traction.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Not going to happen, nor should it. 

[GooooMarquette]

Not going to happen, nor should it.

Agree.

[jsglow]

Not going to happen, nor should it.

My guess would be a 9-1 vote against.  And then a reminder note to Creighton that they can be sent back to the MVC in th blink of an Ignatius eye.

[ChicosBailBonds]

My guess would be a 9-1 vote against.  And then a reminder note to Creighton that they can be sent back to the MVC in th blink of an Ignatius eye.

well done and agree.

The absurdity of Wichita State makes it a double agree.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Would take vcu over Wichita every day of the week and five times on Sunday.

That being said, BEast doesn't need to expand for another five or six years. Lot can change between now and then

[ChicosBailBonds]

Guys, Fox has no desire to do this...none.  I know what the contract says, but when this contract is over there could be a rude awakening....I don't want to add dead weight when that contract comes up.  Quantity isn't quality necessarily.  Yes, broadcasters are looking for inventory, but they also need ratings.

[chapman]

Even if the others entertained the idea (quite unlikely), Creighton would be about last in line to get to select the new members.

[MUFlutieEffect]

Reading the article, it just seems like wishful thinking on the part of Creighton to get more western teams. Doubt this has any traction.

He should be happy Creighton is in the Big East in the first place.  Or, more notably, thank Doug McD.  When you're the last guy invited to dinner, you shouldn't be trying to call the shots...