uniguy wrote:Still think going to 11 for the time being would be the best move. Wait for a 12th team to emerge either by something falling into our laps via circumstance or by a program currently on the list improving and becoming an easy add.
By going to 11 we become stronger as a league with Murray, and are easily able to react when circumstances allow us to make another add without committing to an unknown. I am thinking of a situation like when UAB dropped football and was looking for a home for its other programs (before bringing football back). Or if another conference shift leaves a program like St. Louis looking for a new home or something.
Or you could have a program like Wright State or NKU emerge as a top mid-major program by making a couple tourney runs and we could swoop in and nab them at that time. What if a Horizon or Summit League team makes a Loyola-esque run to the Final Four and then follows that up with a couple more NCAA seasons winning a couple games and establishes themselves? That is the kind of team we want to add.
Just my two cents.
Agree. I'm just not buying the argument that 11 is unworkable because of a volleyball travel partner. If the Valley wanted Murray State, they should invite them NOW. This also tells me that Murray is not "No. 11" but No. 12. Anyone believe that if Saint Louis suddenly wanted in and Murray decided to stay in the OVC that the MVC would make the Billikens wait for a No. 12?
If it's Elgin, then the presidents could overrule him, could they not? Since they don't seem to be inclined to do so, then it's either lack of foresight or greed, i.e. not wanting to divide the NCAA pie any further. I'd say it's likely a little of both.