Blers42 wrote:This thread is a bit ridiculous. People are all talking about Porter potentially leaving, that’s the reality of being a successful coach. I have no idea why Loyola would lose their head coach then move to the A-10. Watson has ties to the A10 and he’s an advocate of it, but that’s about the only thing I’ve ever heard and it was a couple years ago. I’m focused on March madness right now, and I know Porter is focused on Oregon State. Once the tourney is over I hope he decides to stay at Loyola and I hope we stay in the valley. Why ruin something that’s working out great for all involved?
Well stated.
E-Villan wrote:VUGrad1314 wrote:Rambler63 wrote:Sorry, VU Grad, you posted while I was posting. I didn't mean it to look like I was calling you silly, I was referring to the question in the title of the topic.
Here's a post on the Loyola site that kind of sums up the feeling most Rambler fans have right now, and there's a lot of respect/gratitude for the MVC....
http://www.ramblermania.net/forum/viewt ... =30#p38826
I know. I was just expounding on your point about how bad Valpo has been since joining and the potential reasons and issues why. Thank you for posting that. Loyola has been a terrific member and we're glad they're here and hope they don't leave. But I totally get it if they do for the reasons I stated in one of my previous posts. I've long said that this could be logical given Loyola's success and the obvious institutional fit but the travel costs are definitely something that should be considered. I have to believe Loyola would be able to step up and pay them but I obviously don't know the financial realities of the institution. Flying to the East Coast for all sports several times a year is obviously significantly more expensive than remaining in a league where you can bus to most opponents. The step up in competition and prestige in men's basketball might be worth it though. I hope this is all speculation but as I said there are a lot of reasons to think there might be some real legs here.
I realize the Valpo fans are the newest in the league, but I just read a blog from another one (or maybe it's you) talking about the downward slide of the Valley, and fear that Loyola would be moving out as a result. Maybe I should remind you this is the second oldest conference in the country, and contrary to your opinion, has been one of the most stable through the last couple of decades. I am old enough to have seen every team in this conference go through both ups and downs.
I can't speak for Rambler fans, but I think Rambler63 is pretty much spot on. There just isn't this huge gap you seem to think there is to warrant a move from the MVC to the A-10. Plus, they currently have 14 teams. I can't imagine they are adding anyone else unless it is a replacement. Does going to the A-10 as a Chicago school make as much sense if SLU or Dayton is no longer around? No. Loyola doesn't need the so-called east coast exposure as others desire. They are currently the top program in a metro of 8 million people. They have a 100 year old nun who is a national household name. Sister Jean alone has given them more national publicity and exposure than playing a 100 regular-season games at LaSalle or Fordham could ever do. There are some solid programs at the top of the A-10, and there are some real dregs at the bottom. You fret that Valpo's facilities could run them away. They may be last in the MVC, but you would be about mid-pack in the A-10. What little bump you might get with your basketball program in the A-10 would be eaten up quickly with the non-revenue sports. There is no more prestige in sending the womens team to Davidson as there is sending them down to Peoria or Carbondale, and it is a hell of a lot more expensive.
Loyola has turned out to be a great addition for the Valley, and I think the Valley has been a great fit for them. They can continue to do big things as a member.
That's not my post and I've only skimmed parts of it. His central premise that the Valley is in a downward spiral is completely inaccurate and a view that I do not support or espouse. While I am a staunch expansion advocate it is with an eye toward making an already great league better. I know that the Valley is an old and tradition rich conference with remarkable stability. I just want to make sure that the at large bids are still possible on a regular basis and we are inoculated somewhat against other moves made by other conferences in pursuit of taking those away. The Valley has remained a strong league post-Wichita thanks in large part to Loyola but the year we finished 8th in the RPI and this year with multiple bids as well as UNI being close last year is not lost on me. That is not a league that is in trouble so his premise is off. However, I would love to see more Q1 and Q2 games for Valley teams whether that's through scheduling or adding other quality programs in a mutually beneficial partnership. You raise a lot of good points about potential pitfalls in the A10 move for Loyola that make a lot of sense I'm just saying that I can see both sides of a potential A10 move for Loyola even if they don't NEED to do it or the difference isn't THAT great (as evidenced by the fact that we were both two bid leagues this year and KenPom I think only favors the A10 by 3 points per 100 possessions which is a miniscule difference. The A10 does have several Q1 and Q2 opportunities though even if the bottom is worse than the bottom of the MVC. I hope they stay as well because it has been a mutually beneficial partnership but I would understand if they did take the opportunity if it is presented. I hope everyone comes back across the Valley and we have a year for the ages next year!
