Little Rock to the OVC

[Mulefodder]

Agree on the above: we should only be adding Belmont and Murray, period. UIC is the only one that brings a "market" benefit that I think is worthwhile since the program is decent, but I don't think they're ready or even needed. We also should not be bringing on UMKC or Omaha.

dont matter what ya'll want or hate or think dumb prezidents make the final decision so we all need to understand that and show full respect for that like i wish we all would do for our beautiful america flag hate when those commies dont stand
oral roberts is real good
go eagles

[tribecalledquest]

Don't know how this effects any movement relative to the MVC next year, but it's another piece of the ever-evolving puzzle. I need Murray to announce soon.

Arlington, Murray, UIC, Kansas City and Omaha all make their presentations to the Valley on Dec 19.

The first 3 are locks.

For the 14th slot, Kansas City is in a more desirable location, Omaha is more ready for the jump with facilities. We'll see which way they go.

You really think they are locks and the league is going to 14?

[RacerJoeD]

Market size doesn't matter if you dont have market penetration. Loyola earned the their penetration into the Chicago market with sustained success over a short time. In the Dallas market, I dont think Arlington has any real brand recognition. That can change of course. Money drives a lot of that.

[BCPanther]

Don't know how this effects any movement relative to the MVC next year, but it's another piece of the ever-evolving puzzle. I need Murray to announce soon.

Arlington, Murray, UIC, Kansas City and Omaha all make their presentations to the Valley on Dec 19.

The first 3 are locks.

For the 14th slot, Kansas City is in a more desirable location, Omaha is more ready for the jump with facilities. We'll see which way they go.

You really think they are locks and the league is going to 14?

Yes.

Every single person that I've talked to connected at that level at UNI has said it's 14 for sure and could be 16 in the future if the right other two would come along.

Getting into markets helps the privates and with 14 you can really game the schedule to keep the top teams from having to play all the bottom teams twice.

UNI and Missouri State are greatly harming their football programs with this move but realize that basketball is what brings the notoriety and money.

[BEARZ77]

So 14 teams and 2 divisions ; would it look like this:

MSU,Drake, KC, UTA,Belmont,Murray, SIU,

Illinois St,Indiana St, Evansville, UNI, Bradley, UIC, Valpo,

[BCPanther]

So 14 teams and 2 divisions ; would it look like this:

MSU,Drake, KC, UTA,Belmont,Murray, SIU,

Illinois St,Indiana St, Evansville, UNI, Bradley, UIC, Valpo,

No divisions. Just a 14 team league.

MVFC would be a different story but no divisions in the MVC.

[IllinoisState]

The biggest question I have is 10, 12, or 14 an where does Murray fall on that list.

How many more teams does the MVC add? Watch Murray State be the "next school" they would have added while going for the markets.

[Murraygrad05]

There is no reason to relive all of the discussion relative to this, but I really don't want Arlington. I could care less about market (nobody in the metroplex is tuning into an in-conference Arlington basketball game regardless of the conference) and there is nothing about the school or program itself that moves the needle. Combine that with their distance from the traditional footprint and it's way to meh.

And yes, I realize Belmont is outside the traditional MVC footprint, but we are right on the edge (short drives to SIU and Evansville) and once Murray is added there are no breaks in the MVC territory. On top of that Belmont brings solid basketball pedigree that's only getting better, incredible academic tradition, AND a solid market.

Hallelujah a Belmont fan!! Come join the Murray board. We’d love a little friendly banter with you on there.

[IllinoisState]

UTA is the 4th or 5th team located in their metro, and closer to 11th in state.

UMKC is the 2nd or 3rd team located in their metro, but 5th in state.

People don't care about these programs. This will not bring the MVC the eyes and therefore applicants that they think it will. If UMKC was the answer they wouldn't be conference hopping and if UTA was so great the Sun Belt would still want them as a Olympic sports only. And if each private school only needs a few there are better options than these both.

There is no reason to relive all of the discussion relative to this, but I really don't want Arlington. I could care less about market (nobody in the metroplex is tuning into an in-conference Arlington basketball game regardless of the conference) and there is nothing about the school or program itself that moves the needle. Combine that with their distance from the traditional footprint and it's way to meh.

And yes, I realize Belmont is outside the traditional MVC footprint, but we are right on the edge (short drives to SIU and Evansville) and once Murray is added there are no breaks in the MVC territory. On top of that Belmont brings solid basketball pedigree that's only getting better, incredible academic tradition, AND a solid market.

Hallelujah a Belmont fan!! Come join the Murray board. We’d love a little friendly banter with you on there.

I think you mean the Belmont fan.

[third rail]

The biggest question I have is 10, 12, or 14 an where does Murray fall on that list.

Murray at #15.