Mountain West Connection: FanPosts

2013 MWC Transfers, Who is In & Who is Out?

2013-05-19T19:04:41Z

With only a little over a month out from March Madness and Final 4, the NCAA transfers list exceeds 400 student athletes. With so many players switching uniforms it will be hard to follow teams with out a roster. Once again SDSU lands two high impact transfers. Steve Fisher has a history of taking dis-guarded kids and building winning teams and successful students who graduate with their degrees. Perhaps its the teacher in him. The current Aztec Roster looks like a who's who in college basketball with players transferring in from Washington State, St. Johns, Virgina, Utah, CSUN and now local San Diego native Angelo Chol from Arizona and Josh Davis from Tulane.

Here is a cheat sheet for the MWC, a sort of snapshot in time tracking player movement:

Who is in?

Angelo Chol, 6-9, PF, Soph., Arizona -- SAN DIEGO STATE

Josh Davis, 6-8, PF, Jr., Tulane (can play immediately) -- SAN DIEGO STATE

Jerron Granberry, 6-5, G, Sr., North Florida (can play immediately) -- WYOMING

Who is Out?

Kory Alford, 6-4, G, Fr., New Mexico - UCLA

Aaron Anderson, 6-3, G, Fr., Fresno -- CENTRAL OKLAHOMA

David Andoh, 6-7, F, Fr., San Jose State -- WAGNER

Riley Bradshaw, 6-2, G, Fr., Utah State - MONTANA

Alex Brown, 6-11, C, Jr., San Jose State

Jerry Brown, 6-7, F, Jr., Fresno -- SANTA CLARA

Jordan Burris, 6-7, SG, Jr., Nevada

Devonte Elliott, 6-10, F, Jr., Nevada

Louis Garrett, 6-6, F, Jr., San Jose State -- DIXIE STATE

Marvin Jean, 6-4, G. Jr., Utah State

Xavier Jones, 6-4, G, Jr., San Jose State

Matt Lopez, 6-11, C, Soph., Utah State

Mike Moser, 6-8, F, Jr., UNLV (will graduate) -- OREGON

Kevin Olekaibe, 6-2, G, Jr., Fresno

Kevin Panzer, 6-9, F, Jr., Nevada

Stephen Smith, 6-8, F, Soph., San Jose State

Demetrius Walker, 6-2, G, Jr., New Mexico (will graduate)

My biggest surprise is that there are as many big names leaving the MWC then who are coming in. The MWC has been an accepting conference and turned marginal or troubled players into college athletes and NBA hopefuls. I don't see MWC schools landing transfers...yet...but there is still time.

Here is a cheat sheet for the MWC, a sort of snapshot in time tracking player movement:

Who is in?

Angelo Chol, 6-9, PF, Soph., Arizona -- SAN DIEGO STATE

Josh Davis, 6-8, PF, Jr., Tulane (can play immediately) -- SAN DIEGO STATE

Jerron Granberry, 6-5, G, Sr., North Florida (can play immediately) -- WYOMING

Who is Out?

Kory Alford, 6-4, G, Fr., New Mexico - UCLA

Aaron Anderson, 6-3, G, Fr., Fresno -- CENTRAL OKLAHOMA

David Andoh, 6-7, F, Fr., San Jose State -- WAGNER

Riley Bradshaw, 6-2, G, Fr., Utah State - MONTANA

Alex Brown, 6-11, C, Jr., San Jose State

Jerry Brown, 6-7, F, Jr., Fresno -- SANTA CLARA

Jordan Burris, 6-7, SG, Jr., Nevada

Devonte Elliott, 6-10, F, Jr., Nevada

Louis Garrett, 6-6, F, Jr., San Jose State -- DIXIE STATE

Marvin Jean, 6-4, G. Jr., Utah State

Xavier Jones, 6-4, G, Jr., San Jose State

Matt Lopez, 6-11, C, Soph., Utah State

Mike Moser, 6-8, F, Jr., UNLV (will graduate) -- OREGON

Kevin Olekaibe, 6-2, G, Jr., Fresno

Kevin Panzer, 6-9, F, Jr., Nevada

Stephen Smith, 6-8, F, Soph., San Jose State

Demetrius Walker, 6-2, G, Jr., New Mexico (will graduate)

Boise State has lost two more football players

2013-05-08T05:11:08Z

Starting DE Sam Ukwuachu has been dismissed from the team for an unspecified violation and reserve quarterback Jimmy Laughrea has decided to leave the program. The two departures bring the total to eight of the nineteen recruits from the 2011 recruiting class who have left. Ukwuachu was an especially concerning loss after starting in 12 games last season. He was a freshman All-American selection and leaves the team thin at defensive end.

2013 NFL Draft by Conference

2013-04-30T06:18:58Z

The draft is complete and players will be in the locker room for summer work outs, but which conference will send the most drafted players into the pros? The SEC by far had more drafted players then any other conference. Here is the actual breakout: SEC 63, ACC 30, PAC 12 28, BIG 12 22, BIG East 21, BIG 10 20, CUSA 8, Mountain West 7, Indy's 7, WAC 6, MAC 6, Sun Belt 3.

MWC Drafted Players:

Boise State: DB Jamar Taylor (No. 54 overall, Miami Dolphins)

Fresno State: DB Phillip Thomas (No. 119 overall, Washington Redskins)

Nevada: DB Duke Williams (No. 105 overall, Buffalo Bills), DB Khalid Wooten (No. 202 overall, Tennessee Titans)

San Diego State: TE Gavin Escobar (No. 47 overall, Dallas Cowboys), DB Leon McFadden (No. 68 overall, Cleveland Browns), WR Brice Butler (No. 209 overall, Oakland Raiders)

MWC Drafted Players:

Boise State: DB Jamar Taylor (No. 54 overall, Miami Dolphins)

Fresno State: DB Phillip Thomas (No. 119 overall, Washington Redskins)

Nevada: DB Duke Williams (No. 105 overall, Buffalo Bills), DB Khalid Wooten (No. 202 overall, Tennessee Titans)

San Diego State: TE Gavin Escobar (No. 47 overall, Dallas Cowboys), DB Leon McFadden (No. 68 overall, Cleveland Browns), WR Brice Butler (No. 209 overall, Oakland Raiders)

Congrats New Mexico State and Idaho for finding a conference

2013-04-20T19:01:00Z

I know I am a little late on this issue but, the teams who got slapped around during realignment finally found a place in division 1 football .

Idaho and New Mexico State have found new homes in the Sun Belt Conference. This is a big win for the Sun Belt for more ways and I think no one will agree with me on this. Idaho brings a team that was about to drop back down and accept a Big Sky Conference invite. New Mexico State is actually closer to the conference action so expect them to make more sense.

Both have histories with the Sun Belt Conference as they were members before bolting for the WAC(Now a weak basketball conference).

Idaho brings the Moscow media market, which is huge for the Sun Belt who needed a presence in the western region of the United States (Sarcasm). I believe that Idaho will be a loyal team to the conference the next time around.

At least they found a home, and now Boise State has no excuse not to play their brother...
they are both Division 1

Ranking the MWC 2013 Basketball Recruiting Classes

2013-04-09T18:34:34Z

2012-2013 was a breakout season for the MWC sending five teams to the NCAA Tournament. No MWC team reached the second weekend, but what’s more startling is the list of teams that eliminated the league’s team from the tournament: No. 15 seed Florida Gulf Coast, No. 14 Harvard, No. 13 La Salle and No. 12 Cal. Only Colorado State could leave the tournament holding its head up high, and the eighth-seeded Rams lost in the round of 32 to Louisville. Biggest disappointments: NMU losing to Harvard, so long Steve Alford and UNLV to Cal, so long Anthony Bennett and Mike Moser. Only SDSU and Colorado State had a respectable tourney.

With that said, will the MWC reload for the 2013-2014 and recruit top prospects, unfortunately at this point of the year the answer is "No."

Let’s take a look at who is entering in to the Nations No. 11 RPI conference this fall. I use that No. 1 loosely after being disappointed in March and fear that the chants of overrated may have been dead on.

The best teams get better and then there is everyone else. San Diego State appears to have the strongest incoming class with two 4 star wings: Dakari Allen 6’5" and RS freshman Matt Shringly 6’6" wing players and PG D’Erryl Williams a solid 6’3" PG from Sheldon HS. The Aztecs need to replace 63% of their total scoring; as they lose NBA bound Jamaal Franklin and senior starters Chase Tapley, Deshawn Stephens and James Rahon. Jamal Jones a 6’8" juco wing has narrowed down the Aztecs to his top choices.

The Running Rebels have no loss of talent either with three incoming recruits, 4 star 6’10" Christian Wood from hometown Findlay Prep, 3 star Kendall Smith SG and 6’5" Juco transfer Jelan Kendrick. But the Rebs lose 60% of their offense with the loss NBA bound Anthony Bennett; Udub bound Mike Moser and 3 4 year seniors. UNLV and SDSU will fight in out for Shabazz Muhammad’s little brother Rashad another 6’4" SG.

Lobo Nation won’t fair much better not only is Head Coach Steve Alford in Westwood but Bryce Alford is coming along with dad. Bryce a 3 star SG was Mr. Basketball New Mexico. Tony Snell applies for the NBA draft as well leaving a hole at SG. Will Cullen Neal follow his dad to Albuquerque now that team Alford is gone? Cullen is a 6’4 SG who has spent his HS career in the shadow of Bryce Alford. Currently, Cullen is the #1 recruit at St Mary’s but I assume dad will ask him to reconsider. UNM also brings in 6’7" PF Tim Myles.

The Rams lose 5 senior starters and over 80% of scoring with NBA fence sitters Colton Iverson and Dorian Green. Will 6’11 JC transfer Marcus Holt fill the shoes of Iverson? And will recruit guards David Cohen and Carlton Hurst get playtime? Both are 3 star players.

Boise State should be strong as the current squad is made up of freshman and sophomores. They have 3 recruits coming in, 2 star Dezmyn Trent just committed in March.

Three players to watch for are Fresno State PF Soma Edo 6’5" 225, UN Reno’s SF D.J Fenner out of Seattle Prep. He won’t however make up for the loses of Jordan Burris 6’7" and Devonte Elliott 6’10 who want out of the program. The last on the watch list is 6’4" SG Joe McGlaston who has committed to Utah State.

Here’s how the rest of MWC look for incoming recruits: Wyoming 67, Utah St 67, Fresno State 65, San Jose State 58, Boise St 55 and AF 55 (Average player rating.)

These will all change once the list of transfers comes out and players look to the MWC for more playtime and better competition. So far 100 players have decided to make the move, last year a record 450 transfers players changed schools and I expect more of the same this year.

With that said, will the MWC reload for the 2013-2014 and recruit top prospects, unfortunately at this point of the year the answer is "No."

Boise State should be strong as the current squad is made up of freshman and sophomores. They have 3 recruits coming in, 2 star Dezmyn Trent just committed in March.

Here’s how the rest of MWC look for incoming recruits: Wyoming 67, Utah St 67, Fresno State 65, San Jose State 58, Boise St 55 and AF 55 (Average player rating.)

Reviewing the Mountain West Basketball Tournament

2013-03-28T01:12:26Z

Check out the Stadium Journey review I did of the basketball tournament at Thomas and Mack! And make sure that if you go next year to use it as sort of a guide on what and what not to do.

Even though the NCAA tourney didn't go so well for the conference, the conference tourney is a great experience that everyone should experience if they haven't before.

Also, make sure to check out the Stadium Journey reviews of all the Mountain West basketball and football venues, and if you disagree with what we've put, feel free to write your own crowd review or simply comment.

Check out the Stadium Journey review I did of the basketball tournament at Thomas and Mack! And make sure that if you go next year to use it as sort of a guide on what and what not to do.

Even though the NCAA tourney didn't go so well for the conference, the conference tourney is a great experience that everyone should experience if they haven't before.

Demetrius Walker Leaving New Mexico

2013-03-23T21:36:22Z

RUMORVILLE

WARNING RUMOR ONLY

I hate rumors as much as the next guy but after his indefinite suspension early in March this season, Demetrius Walker may have worn his New Mexico jersey for the last time.

Demetrius Walker was suspended for a "violation of team rules," said Steve Alford in early March.

Walker didn't play the rest of the season and while we still don't know exactly what Walker did to violate the team rules, it's been rumored that he's seen his last days as a New Mexico Lobo.

Rumored by sources close to the team.

If this is in fact true, you heard it here first.

@OronaComedy

RUMORVILLE

WARNING RUMOR ONLY

I hate rumors as much as the next guy but after his indefinite suspension early in March this season, Demetrius Walker may have worn his New Mexico jersey for the last time.

Demetrius Walker was suspended for a "violation of team rules," said Steve Alford in early March.

Walker didn't play the rest of the season and while we still don't know exactly what Walker did to violate the team rules, it's been rumored that he's seen his last days as a New Mexico Lobo.

Rumored by sources close to the team.

If this is in fact true, you heard it here first.

@OronaComedy

What is it about the NCAA Tourney?

2013-03-23T02:25:02Z

New Mexico and Georgetown were both knocked out of the NCAA Tournament in their very first games this year. The similarities between the two programs are almost identical, minus the Final Four appearance by Georgetown in 2007.

Let's compare.

The giant New Mexico fan base had their balloon deflated yesterday by Ivy-League's #14 Harvard in an embarrassing early departure from the NCAA Tournament this year.

Meanwhile, just a few moments ago, the Hoyas were sent home in a high flying upset handed to them by #15 Florida Gulf Coast making the Lobo loss look a little more respectable. A little.

Georgetown's head coach, John Thompson III, has spent 9 seasons with the Hoyas with a 7-2 record of making the NCAA Tournament. Thompson produced a final four appearance in 2007 and sweet sixteen birth in 2006. The last five appearances were early dismissals.

New Mexico's head coach, Steve Alford, has spent 6 seasons with the Lobos with a 3-3 record of making the tournament. They have yet to win 2 games late in March.

In the last 5 years, New Mexico and Georgetown have proved that they are very good teams. Just not great teams.

Question: What is it about the NCAA Tournament that causes very good teams to fumble out of the first or second round?

Is there a doctor in the house?!

@OronaComedy

Let's compare.

The giant New Mexico fan base had their balloon deflated yesterday by Ivy-League's #14 Harvard in an embarrassing early departure from the NCAA Tournament this year.

Meanwhile, just a few moments ago, the Hoyas were sent home in a high flying upset handed to them by #15 Florida Gulf Coast making the Lobo loss look a little more respectable. A little.

New Mexico's head coach, Steve Alford, has spent 6 seasons with the Lobos with a 3-3 record of making the tournament. They have yet to win 2 games late in March.

In the last 5 years, New Mexico and Georgetown have proved that they are very good teams. Just not great teams.

Question: What is it about the NCAA Tournament that causes very good teams to fumble out of the first or second round?

Is there a doctor in the house?!

@OronaComedy

Gonzaga to the Mountain West? Why Not?

2013-03-19T20:17:04Z

Obviously, we're all focused more on the NCAA Tournament than conference realignment right now, but it doesn't mean the Mountain West Conference shouldn't continue looking for ways to improve itself. Though the league was among the strongest in the country this year, it regularly saw little respect from national outlets, and many East Coast publications barely acknowledged its existence. Still, despite all that, the MWC received five bids to this year's tournament, with New Mexico grabbing an impressive three-seed.

While the book hasn't been completely written on the Mountain West this season -- we still have to see how the tournament plays out -- it can't hurt to look at what could've been better. Most notably, which team out there is ripe for the picking, and would be an instant jolt for the MWC? Of course, we're talking about Gonzaga.

As of next year, the MWC will have 11 basketball members (Hawaii is football-only), creating an uneven scheduling situation despite an even stronger league (Utah State's addition, in particular, is a huge boost in most years). Ideally, that 12th member would be BYU, but as has been rehashed many times, that ship's likely sailed.

More football schools (New Mexico State, Idaho) provide little in terms of TV markets, national cachet or basketball success. Gonzaga, however, provides it all. And they're anxious to leave the West Coast Conference they've called home since 1979. Back when the Catholic 7/New Big East first defected, it was reported that the Zags were actively seeking membership in such a league with some national brand recognition (and increased competition). Even with a no. 1 seed, the Bulldogs are still catching flack for their WCC schedule, and rightfully so. The only tournament-caliber team they face in conference play is St. Mary's, and beyond that, they're a big fish in a small pond. So why not fix that by joining the MWC? A look at the mutual benefits:

Conference RPI Comparisons

Over the past seven years, here are the conference RPI breakdowns of the MWC versus the WCC:

2012-13: MWC (1), WCC (10)

2011-12: MWC (5), WCC (11)

2010-11: MWC (3), WCC (12)

2009-10: MWC (7), WCC (14)

2008-09: MWC (9), WCC (15)

2007-08: MWC (10), WCC (13)

2006-07: MWC (8), WCC (13)

What you see above are two leagues improving their stature, but while the MWC has seen a meteoric rise to the top of college basketball, the WCC has spent much of the past seven years middling around in the 10-15 spots, mostly on the back of Gonzaga's performance. If Gonzaga had been in the MWC these past seven years, here's what the RPI comparisons would've looked like instead:

2012-13: MWC (1), WCC (19)

2011-12: MWC (3), WCC (15)

2010-11: MWC (3), WCC (15)

2009-10: MWC (5), WCC (17)

2008-09: MWC (7), WCC (20)

2007-08: MWC (9), WCC (15)

2006-07: MWC (8), WCC (17)

On top of the obvious strength they provide on the court, Gonzaga is a sizable force for the Mountain West's bank account as well. Spokane, Wash. is the 73rd-ranked DMA, but to count just that city would be short-sighted. With Washington and Washington State struggling, you can almost scoop up the majority of the state -- most notably the Seattle-Tacoma, ranked 12th in the country. Gonzaga partners with Nike, with merchandise appearing all across the country, and their value as one of the nation's most consistent programs seemingly continues to grow each year (15 seasons and counting since that first trip to the Elite Eight in 1999).

While I know it's not a topic of discussion for the MWC powers-that-be right now, perhaps this really should be. The Zags are a valuable commodity in college basketball -- and it's likely to only grow from here. Why not buy now, and reap the rewards later as the country's best basketball conference each and every season?

John Cassillo authors Atlantic Coast Convos, covering every aspect of ACC football and the ongoing conference realignment conversation. Check out the blog, and follow him on Twitter: @JohnCassillo

Conference RPI Comparisons

Over the past seven years, here are the conference RPI breakdowns of the MWC versus the WCC:

2012-13: MWC (1), WCC (10)

2011-12: MWC (5), WCC (11)

2010-11: MWC (3), WCC (12)

2009-10: MWC (7), WCC (14)

2008-09: MWC (9), WCC (15)

2007-08: MWC (10), WCC (13)

2006-07: MWC (8), WCC (13)

2012-13: MWC (1), WCC (19)

2011-12: MWC (3), WCC (15)

2010-11: MWC (3), WCC (15)

2009-10: MWC (5), WCC (17)

2008-09: MWC (7), WCC (20)

2007-08: MWC (9), WCC (15)

2006-07: MWC (8), WCC (17)

John Cassillo authors Atlantic Coast Convos, covering every aspect of ACC football and the ongoing conference realignment conversation. Check out the blog, and follow him on Twitter: @JohnCassillo

Hawai'i left out on new TV deal

2013-03-10T00:17:47Z

As the University of Hawai'i was looking for more cash from the new TV deal that will be presented soon, they will not have any share of the $18-20+ millions per year that will run through 2019-20.

And while MWC members who play national ESPN TV games will earn six-figure bonuses this year, Hawai'i will not. They will instead keep the local rights fee from Oceanic Time Warner Cable which is roughly $2.3 million a year. That is IF the Mountain West Conference gives Oceanic four games(home and/or road games)to keep the contract intact otherwise the amount will be less. UH will have two non conference games on Oceanic for a total of six games broadcast pay per view across the state.

Hawai'i was desperate to leave the sinking WAC and wanted to join the MWC but keep their local package with Oceanic, something no MWC member had. So you think what's the problem. UH will possibility get the same share as the rest of the MWC members with the Oceanic deal yet not get a piece of the MWC TV deal pie. The only way Hawai'i will get any share of the MWC TV deal is if all 11 other members reach the same $2.3 million and go over that amount and that will probably only happen to Boise State.

But Hawai'i is also paying for MWC teams to come to Honolulu and its not a two way street on the host MWC team to pay for Hawaii's travel to the mainland. New AD Ben Jay, a great number's guy, is desperately trying all possibilities to get UH back in the black and has already scheduled a $1 million guarantee game to play Michigan at the Big House in 2016 and more body bag games in the works. It will be hard to watch Hawai'i play multiple body bag games on the road getting blown out and coming home feeling like a FCS team after.

Now with the travel subsidies UH pays the MWC teams and the Big West teams and an annual $2 million debt in operating costs, Hawai'i needs any penny they can get to stay afloat in these hard times. Otherwise they can afford to keep football in the Mountain West or any non-major conference.

As the University of Hawai'i was looking for more cash from the new TV deal that will be presented soon, they will not have any share of the $18-20+ millions per year that will run through 2019-20.

The Pit ranked in top 5 college basketball experiences in 2012 by Stadium Journey

2013-03-08T22:56:27Z

In 2012, Stadium Journey Magazine produced a list of the top 101 stadium experiences in the world. On stadiumjourney.com, we have reviewed over 1,300 stadiums from all over the world, and The Pit, home of the Lobos, came in at Number 5 in college basketball, and Number 37 overall! Here's our official review of University Arena.

I will be at Thomas & Mack for the conference tournament next week reviewing it for the website. If you have any tips, let me know!

You can see the rest of my Stadium Journey work here. I have also been in the February and March 2013 issues of the magazine.

I will be at Thomas & Mack for the conference tournament next week reviewing it for the website. If you have any tips, let me know!

You can see the rest of my Stadium Journey work here. I have also been in the February and March 2013 issues of the magazine.

MWC Bracketology 2013 By the Numbers

2013-02-25T09:30:11Z

The MWC is the #1 RPI conference for the past few weeks running. Yet, ESPN only has 4 MWC schools (UNM, CSU, UNLV and SDSU) making the Tournament, while CBSSportsline has 5 (Boise St included.) We still get little respect while the Big 10 and Big East will send 7-8 schools.

Teamrankings.com analyzes and projects out the 2013 field. Here's a short list of MWC schools and other western schools (targets.) The metrics I am writing about are the projected seed, the estimated final record, and the % possibility to receive a bid. The MWC is as follows:

UNM projected 2 seed, finishing 25-5 with 100% bid, UNLV #5 seed, 23-8 99%, CSU #6 seed, 24-7 99%, SDSU 22-8 #11 seed 22-8 and Boise State 20-10 and 25% chance of a bid. Wyoming is projected with 19-11 and 1% chance and Air Force 17-12 with a 2% chance.

2013 MWC new comers Utah State 22-8 (WAC)and only a 12% chance. SJSU 10-19 0% is about the same as Nevada 13-17 and Fresno St 10-19 all 0%.

They also project the following# of bids from the top 10 conferences: Big East 7.6 teams, Big 10 6.9, Big 12 4.9, Pac12 4.9, ACC 4.5, MWC 4.2, A-10 3.7, SEC 3.5, WCC 2.1 and CUSA and MVC 2.0 all other AQs will be between 1.0 and 1.8.

Should the MWC earn 5 bids? Does Boise St deserve to go? Are other conferences overrated? Should the MWC look at the following targets for MWC Basketball expansion? WCC schools: Gonzaga 29-2 100%, St. Mary's 26-5 96%, BYU and Santa Clara 21-10 2% or even Denver (WAC) 21-10 48%, UTEP (CUSA) 16-14 and NMSU (WAC) 21-10.

2013 MWC new comers Utah State 22-8 (WAC)and only a 12% chance. SJSU 10-19 0% is about the same as Nevada 13-17 and Fresno St 10-19 all 0%.

Newest Expansion Rumors...MW impact?

2013-02-20T22:31:04Z

As I'm sure most of you are aware the latest rumor in the NCAA conference realignment is that the B1G has extended invitations to UNC, UVA, and possible GT. UNC would certainly be a slap in the face to the ACC but not surprising given Delany's ties to the school. Let's say theoretically UNC and UVA leave for the B1G thus placing them at the holy grail of 16 teams. What does that entail for the rest of the conference dominoes...

SEC: 14 teams

To get to 16: Likely the UNC/UVA hit would cripple the ACC to the point where it becomes to new Big East. Rumored targets have included NC State/VaTech...regardless the ACC would be down to now 10 teams and the SEC would also reach the 16 team nirvana.

Big 12: 10 teams

To get to 16: Might not need to get to 16 for this scenario however they would likely expand to keep pace and get to at least 12, possibly 14. Big 12 target rumors have included FSU/Clemson...could even add Cincy/Louisville in place of or in addition to. If they get to 14 that includes 3 steals from the ACC placing the ACC at a measly 7 teams.

ACC: Possibly 7 teams?!?!

To regain some respect: Poach Big East for UConn and USF, hell let's throw in ECU as well to get to 10. Now we have rebirth of Big East version 3.0....no longer in the League of 5??? I'd say they aren't at this point.

Big East: Please just go away already

Losing Cincy/USF/UConn/ECU...what's left but CUSA version 2.0?

ACC/Big East: at this point why not just merger with the 16 best teams???

MWC: now on to the good part...

To get to 16: In the aforementioned scenarios there would certainly be some targets available. Perhaps now SMU/Houston see the sinking ship they are on and decide to head west into open arms thus reestablishing the MW in the Republic of Texas. Additionally UTEP/Tulsa may see that the MW could potentially stand as the 5th best conference in the land and want a piece of the pie. I know all four of these teams have been mentioned before but to no avail, however if the pieces land in the right place the MW could be the beacon of light west of the Mississippi for those teams wanting to make the grade.

Pac-12: have to mention them... raided MW once before, if they want to get to 14 or 16 they certainly won't be going for NMSU or Idaho. If they don't add to the conference realignment confusion further by going after the Texas/TT/OU/OkSt quartet then they could easily go for some MW teams if they value geographical relationships at all.....but I'd rather not rain on the MW parade right now.

Let me know what you think...just buckle up and get ready for another potential round of craziness.

SEC: 14 teams

Big 12: 10 teams

ACC: Possibly 7 teams?!?!

Big East: Please just go away already

Losing Cincy/USF/UConn/ECU...what's left but CUSA version 2.0?

ACC/Big East: at this point why not just merger with the 16 best teams???

MWC: now on to the good part...

Let me know what you think...just buckle up and get ready for another potential round of craziness.

Should the NCAA Crack Down on Conference Expansion?

2013-02-19T10:41:22Z

Given the land and money grab and the loss of historical rivalries should the NCAA have any say on Conference realignment? They certainly don't have any issues on handing out disciplinary actions or to review student athletes eligibility. However, when it comes to the expansion and the collapse of leagues we never hear anything about the NCAA, do they have a role? Or are they ok as long as they are making money off the backs of student athletes and the institutions they over see?

MWC Conference Expansion

2013-02-18T07:24:52Z

If you were Craig Thompson how would you create stability and growth opportunities in the MWC? Here's what I would do and it's all plausible. First the facts, the MWC currently is the #1 or #2 rated RPI conference in the Nation depending on the source or the weeks. The MWC RPI will be diluted when FB schools Utah State and SJSU are added in the Fall of 2013. BYU is still highly desirable as a FB or BB school to the MWC. The MWC will have 11 BB playing schools since Hawaii is FB only and plays all other sports in the Big West. The MWC CBS contract goes through 2016 and focus' on the MWC Football schedule. The MWC has allowed a secondary revenue source beyond CBS sports for MWC FB.
Both Gonzaga and St. Mary's are top 50 BB programs, while Gonzaga is a premium national brand.

The MWC should expand and include BYU, Gonzaga and St. Mary's as BB schools, plus Olympic sports. This allows all schools to be within the same geographical footprint without looking eastward to Texas and Oklahoma. The precedent has been set. Fox was willing to pay the Catholic 7 $30MM, what would the MWC BB conference receive $15MM to $20MM. Fox, NBC and ESPN are all looking for quality content. The additions of these 3 schools would restore the RPI and the conference would be the best in the west! BYU could maintain their independence in football, but would be required to play a minimum 5 to 6 MWC teams, currently, BYU has commitments with Utah St, Boise St, UNLV and Nevada. This agreement is similar to Notre Dame and the ACC. The new MWC BB league would require a separate TV deal and unlike the Big East/Catholic 7 split pay schools for both programs.

Basketball would adhere to the same divisional splits but increase he overall RPI. UNM 22-4 .6635, Gonzaga 25-2 .6432, CSU 21-4 .6405, UNLV 19-7 .6180, SDSU 18-7 .6044, Boise St. 16-8 .5942, St Mary's 22-5 .5844, Wyoming 18-7 .5711, BYU 19-8 .5644, Air Force 15-9 .5633, Utah St. 18-6 .5314, Nevada 12-12 .5238, Fresno St 6-16 .5076 and SJSU 9-16 .4564. Both NMSU 18-9 .5532 and UTEP 14-10 .5427 could be considered as both BB and FB schools.

MWC would need to negotiate an additional bid from the NCAA for the tournament and create a broadcast proposal for the sports networks and digital rights. The scenario is a win-win for the MWC and three new partners. BYU would also maintain its current FB status, the MWC would gain audience and create a rev share program to offset costs.

This blueprint expands the MWC footprint and leverages both FB and BB assets and resources. This scenario also takes into consideration the possible additions for NMSU and UTEP but rewards them for their basketball programs and does hurt the current FB schools. We also accept BYU back into the MWC, allowing them to continue on with BYU TV for football.

The WAC, WCC, Big Sky and Big West would have to realign schools at some point, however, the MWC becomes the premiere RPI NCAA BB conference and the preferred non AQ FB conference for BCS Bowls. The concept and math works, so if I was Craig Thompson I would look to secure basketball schools and look beyond the current TV deal.