Updated 1/6/18: MVC Expansion Poll

[just ducky]

I had stopped paying attention to the NIT so was surprised to see that Lipscomb has advanced to the semi-finals at MSG to meet non other than Wichita St. TCU vs Texas in the other bracket.

Lipscomb (net 49) won at Davidson 75, at UNCG 60 and at NC St 33 to get there. The Shockers net is 83 and they will meet Tuesday at 6 CST.

I will be watching! Go Bisons.

[VUGrad1314]

Of course no one takes realignment speculation seriously because it's speculation. Most of the rumors and gossip never come to fruition anyway. Second the only reason I have spent any time at all talking about NKU Wright State Lipscomb etc is because for some strange reason having an 11 team league is unfathomable and the number must be either 10 or 12 and more desirable candidates don't want in. I only WANT Murray State like most posters my other "ramblings" are "if we HAVE TO have a twelfth in order to get Murray State here are the best available options and here's why they might or might not fit.

As for the NKU situation you know as well as I do that removing teams from a conference is really difficult even in extreme circumstances like we've seen all over the P5 partly because the major conferences their member institutions and the NCAA itself are super corrupt. But if you can't understand the bad optics of promoting a school to a better conference the ultimate reward for an athletic department while that school is embroiled in a possible scandal then we aren't on the same wavelength. NKU has shown on and off the court that they are not ready. I had advocated for them because of the available options they stood the best chance of helping the MVC and being a net gain or at least not cutting into the gains brought by Murray State. I am shocked the NKU coach isn't on leave right now.

My argument for expansion is really as simple as this:

We haven't logged an at large since 2016

The NET shows that there is hope for leagues like the MVC If the SOCON and OVC can do it so can we.

BUT:

The ACC and Big 10 are going to 20 conference games

The Big East and PAC 12 are exploring the idea

The Big 12 and Big East are starting a challenge agreement

We lost our challenge partner in favor of another peer lesgue the A10

Drake and UNI have lost the Big 4

Our schedules and the possibilities to fill them took a beating this year. So we have two choices:

1. Reinstate the scheduling mandate (not gonna happen) or
2. Get stronger as a conference using internal and external help.

Adding a home and home with Murray State which has a resume this decade few MVC schools can match is a win for everyone. It doesn't guarantee extra bids but I certainly like our chances better with them than without them. At least we made our schedule stronger.

[racerlover]

Of course no one takes realignment speculation seriously because it's speculation. Most of the rumors and gossip never come to fruition anyway. Second the only reason I have spent any time at all talking about NKU Wright State Lipscomb etc is because for some strange reason having an 11 team league is unfathomable and the number must be either 10 or 12 and more desirable candidates don't want in. I only WANT Murray State like most posters my other "ramblings" are "if we HAVE TO have a twelfth in order to get Murray State here are the best available options and here's why they might or might not fit.

As for the NKU situation you know as well as I do that removing teams from a conference is really difficult even in extreme circumstances like we've seen all over the P5 partly because the major conferences their member institutions and the NCAA itself are super corrupt. But if you can't understand the bad optics of promoting a school to a better conference the ultimate reward for an athletic department while that school is embroiled in a possible scandal then we aren't on the same wavelength. NKU has shown on and off the court that they are not ready. I had advocated for them because of the available options they stood the best chance of helping the MVC and being a net gain or at least not cutting into the gains brought by Murray State. I am shocked the NKU coach isn't on leave right now.

My argument for expansion is really as simple as this:

We haven't logged an at large since 2016

The NET shows that there is hope for leagues like the MVC If the SOCON and OVC can do it so can we.

BUT:

The ACC and Big 10 are going to 20 conference games

The Big East and PAC 12 are exploring the idea

The Big 12 and Big East are starting a challenge agreement

We lost our challenge partner in favor of another peer lesgue the A10

Drake and UNI have lost the Big 4

Our schedules and the possibilities to fill them took a beating this year. So we have two choices:

1. Reinstate the scheduling mandate (not gonna happen) or
2. Get stronger as a conference using internal and external help.

Adding a home and home with Murray State which has a resume this decade few MVC schools can match is a win for everyone. It doesn't guarantee extra bids but I certainly like our chances better with them than without them. At least we made our schedule stronger.

You're spitting into the wind my friend. The school presidents, the conference and plenty on this board simply don't get it. There are 11 conferences with an odd number of schools. One of them is the ACC. I guess having a nice, even number gives people a nice warm fuzzy feeling. Who cares about success.

[RacerJoeD]

Check the date and TIFWIW-


Reports are coming out that Belmont Head coach and Hall of Famer Rick Byrd is retiring. You will see rather quickly if the powers that be in Nashville see Belmont as a program looking to progress.

[racerlover]

Check the date and TIFWIW-


Reports are coming out that Belmont Head coach and Hall of Famer Rick Byrd is retiring. You will see rather quickly if the powers that be in Nashville see Belmont as a program looking to progress.

It is April Fools Day. It looks legit as it's being reported on numerous credible news outlets, but until they hire someone else, I'm going to believe that old sweater vest will be on the bench next season.

[Jsnhbe1Birds]

Byrd left the next guy set up with a team of mostly sophomores next year. I'm not exaggerating when I say they had like 7 freshman on the team this season. Frankly, I'm surprised hes retiring. The next three years could be GOLDEN for Belmont. A team of mostly freshman made the NCAA tournament as an at-large from a low level conference. I could see an elite 8 run with that group in a couple seasons if he stayed.

[Kip Dynamite]

It was my understanding that Byrd was one of the main reasons why Belmont turned the MVC down. He didn't want to make the move. Wonder if that may change now that's he's gone?

[RacerJoeD]

Not sure. But I will say they have a young roster, but are losing more than meets the eye. The losses of Windler and McClain take away some of the dynamism that made them transcendent this season. That’s said, Byrd has made a living stashing guys on the bench with a redshirt and having them just show up fully formed.

[MNPanthers]

Honestly annoyed they announced it on April 1st. Seems perfectly legit, but sports social media today is almost completely untrustable. Throw in a real announcement amongst all the fake ones and it really puts my mind in a pretzel.

[Kyle@MOState]

It was my understanding that Byrd was one of the main reasons why Belmont turned the MVC down. He didn't want to make the move. Wonder if that may change now that's he's gone?

I know they probably throw more money at their program than most OVC schools, but now we get to find out if they are just dependent on their coach, or if their success as a program is sustainable. It would be great to add Murray and Belmont, but the powers that be at Belmont may want to slow play it to see if the replacement can keep it up, and I am sure the Presidents in the Valley will also take their sweet time.