Fox Sports "Ahead of Schedule"

[xudash]

I've taken the position all along that we, along with our 9 new conference mates, found ourselves in the absolutely right place at the absolutely right time as regards the Big East's ability to secure a broadcast partner like FOX.

I actually enjoyed various posts last year about the small viewership numbers FOX was tallying up, especially posts from some A10 fans, in particular, who had and have no clue where this is headed.

http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2014/12/02/Media/Shanks.aspx?utm_campaign=Wildfire+Message+-+SBD%3A+Eric+Shanks%2C+on+the+first+year+of+FS1%3A ...&utm_content=po_1646777&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter

[xudash]

BTW, I imagine Greg Norman will excel in the broadcast booth. I can only take so much of Johnny Miller...

http://www.franklintempletonshootout.com/news_043014.php

[Masterofreality]

FS1 is growing and this partnership will continue to grow too. I love the fact that the big Fox network is putting more and more events on. Just quit showing Marquette as a "marquee team".

This league will get better and better and FS1 will too. They will soar together. The A10 honks are pretty silent this year. Their league is back to where it was with ZERO buzz.

[Juice]

FS1 is growing and this partnership will continue to grow too. I love the fact that the big Fox network is putting more and more events on. Just quit showing Marquette as a "marquee team".

This league will get better and better and FS1 will too. They will soar together. The A10 honks are pretty silent this year. Their league is back to where it was with ZERO buzz.

And get rid of Donovan McNabb, he is in my top 5 list of dumbest people paid to talk about sports on TV.

[drudy23]

This league will get better and better and FS1 will too. They will soar together. The A10 honks are pretty silent this year. Their league is back to where it was with ZERO buzz.

The same A10 we were apart of two years ago, and the same one that we said deserved much more respect back then too? Sounds like UC associating themselves with the Big Boys just be the Big East association. We knew it was crap then....let's not spew the same crap.

Let's remember where we came from...we're not Syracuse just yet. And FYI, the A10 being solid would actually be a GREAT thing for the Big East.

[xudash]

The same A10 we were apart of two years ago, and the same one that we said deserved much more respect back then too? Sounds like UC associating themselves with the Big Boys just be the Big East association. We knew it was crap then....let's not spew the same crap.

Let's remember where we came from...we're not Syracuse just yet. And FYI, the A10 being solid would actually be a GREAT thing for the Big East.

How so?

[GoMuskies]

Personally, I love the Atlantic 10 and would never disparage it. It is the second greatest thing to ever happen to Xavier University athletics.

[drudy23]

How so?

It's called geographical competition...competition forces you to raise your game or be left out. And whether or not you think the A10 is so much worse than the Big East, they're not. We're competing for the same talent, especially those at the top end of the A10.

[xudash]

It's called geographical competition...competition forces you to raise your game or be left out. And whether or not you think the A10 is so much worse than the Big East, they're not. We're competing for the same talent, especially those at the top end of the A10.

Okay. I respect your thought process, but the nature of the NCAA Basketball landscape is such that there is plenty of NATIONAL competition to keep any serious program from becoming complacent.

The A10 is definitely on a lower rung on the ladder than the Big East. This year is proving the A10's inability to truly sustain a competitive position with the Big East.

We had to say what we said before because we were in that conference. We also said those things at a time when programs like Temple were in there with us. But we always had to live with the reality that the bottom of the A10 was, and still is putrid.

We have recruits from LA, Minnesota, Chicago, etc.; geographic competition isn't as big a factor as you believe.

We need for XAVIER to keep its edge, which it will. Anything that otherwise emanates from the A10 is just noise.

[Masterofreality]

The same A10 we were apart of two years ago, and the same one that we said deserved much more respect back then too? Sounds like UC associating themselves with the Big Boys just be the Big East association. We knew it was crap then....let's not spew the same crap.

Let's remember where we came from...we're not Syracuse just yet. And FYI, the A10 being solid would actually be a GREAT thing for the Big East.

No way is it the same. The noise from the dump up north about how they'd be in the much better league long term was deafening.

I'm not sure how much more respect the A10 deserved 2 years ago. We only won 17 games, VCU was a novelty add, St. Louis lost to us, Temple and Charlotte sucked and were leaving and somehow LaSalle was the best team in the league. We knew that wouldn't last.

By the way, not too many of us were wanting to stay in the A10 if we had an alternative. How many years were there posts on this board about the "Catholic Conference"?

We're there years where the A10 deserved more respect, yep, but even in those years the Big East cleaned the A10's clock- except for us.

And how the A10 being solid would be a great thing for the Big East makes no sense to me,

[drudy23]

We had to say what we said before because we were in that conference.

.

This is BS. The only time that these thoughts crept in were when we knew we were locks for the new Big East. I think before that, people genuinely thought the A10 (as previously constructed) was a good place for X. Of course I knew other conferences were better, but I thought we were in a league that was a good fit for the school. MOST felt the same way.

There was NEVER a lot of noise from Xavier fans saying that we needed to jump ship from the A10 before the Big East scenario came along. Of course the situation we're in now is better (and MOST felt great about improving our situation), but it's not like we were UC in the AAC. We weren't in a desperate position.

[Masterofreality]

It's called geographical competition...competition forces you to raise your game or be left out. And whether or not you think the A10 is so much worse than the Big East, they're not. We're competing for the same talent, especially those at the top end of the A10.

And this is bull sheet.

Just check the number of Top 150 players that signed with the Big East last year vs the A10. Different hemispheres.

And they are worse. The only Big East team to lose to an A10 team this year was DePaul last night. Big East RPI 2, A10 RPI 7 or 8 whichever service you believe.

[GoMuskies]

There was NEVER a lot of noise from Xavier fans saying that we needed to jump ship from the A10 before the Big East scenario came along. Of course the situation we're in now is better, but it's not like we were UC in the AAC.

MHettel was SUPER noisy about going independent!

[drudy23]

And this is bull sheet.

Just check the number of Top 150 players that signed with the Big East last year vs the A10. Different hemispheres.

And they are worse. The only Big East team to lose to an A10 team this year was DePaul last night. Big East RPI 2, A10 RPI 7 or 8 whichever service you believe.

I'm talking about the teams in the top tier of the A10 that we compete for talent with. Of course the league overall is better...not even close to what I'm saying and you know it.

[Masterofreality]

I'm talking about the teams in the top tier of the A10 that we compete for talent with. Of course the league overall is better...not even close to what I'm saying and you know it.

Quote: "And whether or not you think the A10 is so much worse than the Big East, they're not." Not the "top of the A10", the A10.

We compete for talent with the Power 5. Other than the occasional area kid that may choose between the dump, SucKS and us, we don't compete with them, nor does the Big East. UConn, yeah, in the Northeast and occasionally VCU in the mid Atlantic, but that is it.

[toledodan]

i'm very greatful for the a-10. it allowed xavier to continue to grow as a program. xavier finally reached a point where it was the right time to move. the a-10 is a good league but doesn't have the name schools the big east even at it's new state does. the new big east will continue to recruit better and have better success going forward.

[drudy23]

Back to the point...stop saying that we were all clamoring for a new league before the Big East option became a real possibility.

And definitely stop disparaging it because we moved on from it...you sound like UC fans.

[MADXSTER]

We were already recruiting against the BE when Xavier was in the A10. We lost some recruits that I now think we would have gotten like DSR, Rysheed Jordan, Kris Jenkins, JayVaughn Pinkston, and others.

[bleedXblue]

The same A10 we were apart of two years ago, and the same one that we said deserved much more respect back then too? Sounds like UC associating themselves with the Big Boys just be the Big East association. We knew it was crap then....let's not spew the same crap.

Let's remember where we came from...we're not Syracuse just yet. And FYI, the A10 being solid would actually be a GREAT thing for the Big East.

Pretty much dead nuts on.

MOR can't help but crap on everything that isn't X. The list is endless.

[Masterofreality]

Pretty much dead nuts wrong.
.

Fixed that for you.

And many, many of us on this and other boards crapped on the A10 for years. There are numerous threads to that effect. Xavier did much more for the A10 than the A10 did for us. in fact , an argument can be made that we succeeded in spite of the A10 rather than because of it. Fordham, Dookcane and LaSuck stole money from the league for years while contributing nothing. For years we were the only school that had any big wins against anybody.

How quickly some forget Linda Blutarsky and Olean Welding Academy. How quickly some forget the joke crowds the A10 would draw in Atlantic City and how embarrassing it was on National TV for the Tournament Championship game.

It's a wanna be league and always has been. We elevated it higher...and paid for the privilege.

[vee4xu]

Mommy, mommy, these boys are fighting again!

[xudash]

Back to the point...stop saying that we were all clamoring for a new league before the Big East option became a real possibility.

And definitely stop disparaging it because we moved on from it...you sound like UC fans.

That is your point, so I will give you my point.

Anyone around here who truly goes back far enough understands our association with the Atlantic 10 was valuable. Xavier was a program coming out of the MCC that was always looked at as a Cinderella and nothing more. Over the course of our association with the Atlantic 10, we held up our end of the bargain.

As we were coming towards the end of that relationship, there was a lot of discussion among Xavier fans about needing a better conference affiliation. For better or for worse or right or wrong, I was absolutely one of them. We had established a national reputation by then, and there were certain programs in the Atlantic 10 that either would not or could not invest in themselves to make themselves more competitive. That became increasingly frustrating, so those conversations took place from time to time.

Frankly, I don't even know what's driving you to take the position you are taking. Is this a matter of being perceived to be conceited with you? I have news for you: I have read plenty of messages from Atlantic 10 fans who disparage the Big East, and want it to fail, along with its relationship with Fox and Madison Square Garden.

Xavier is in a materially better position now thanks to its conference affiliation with the Big East. That is not a conceited statement. That is a statement of fact.

[UCGRAD4X]

the fact is, the A10 was a better league with Xavier and, at the time, Butler in it. Any time a league loses its two best teams, that league will naturally be downgraded. Saying it's not as good of a league is a reasonable assessment - not as good as the BE and not as good as it was 2 years ago. I don't see what this issue is here.

[xudash]

the fact is, the A10 was a better league with Xavier and, at the time, Butler in it. Any time a league loses its two best teams, that league will naturally be downgraded. Saying it's not as good of a league is a reasonable assessment - not as good as the BE and not as good as it was 2 years ago. I don't see what this issue is here.

Good point. Temple as well.

And then there is this: http://http://www.si.com/college-basketball/2014/12/12/big-east-basketball-success (http://www.si.com/college-basketball/2014/12/12/big-east-basketball-success)

[D-West & PO-Z]

Good point. Temple as well.

And then there is this: http://http://www.si.com/college-basketball/2014/12/12/big-east-basketball-success (http://www.si.com/college-basketball/2014/12/12/big-east-basketball-success)

7 Big East teams mentioned in the article and we arent one of them. Been a pretty unremarkable non conference for us.

[Masterofreality]

7 Big East teams mentioned in the article and we arent one of them. Been a pretty unremarkable non conference for us.

This Big East scheduling philosophy is miles different from the other ESPN propped up Big East when Georgetown Syracuse and UConn would never leave home and play a steady diet of the Stetsons, St. Leo's and Niagaras, unless of course they had those "marquee" CBS games.

The advent of Thanksgiving vicinity Tournaments has changed the dynamic too. Those weren't around until the last 6 or 7 years.

By the way. I cheer for every Big East team every game they play in non-conference. I NEVER did that with the A10. This is different. No one in this league acts entitled.

[Backyard Champ]

This Big East scheduling philosophy is miles different from the other ESPN propped up Big East when Georgetown Syracuse and UConn would never leave home and play a steady diet of the Stetsons, St. Leo's and Niagaras, unless of course they had those "marquee" CBS games.

The advent of Thanksgiving vicinity Tournaments has changed the dynamic too. Those weren't around until the last 6 or 7 years.

By the way. I cheer for every Big East team every game they play in non-conference. I NEVER did that with the A10. This is different. No one in this league acts entitled.

Just wondering, why would you never do that with the A10? Seems silly. Whatever conference you're in, you want every team to do well in OOC.

Also, the A10 is different than we were in it, but not much. There were great years for the A10, and pitiful years. I don't think that the current A10 is nearly as good as the big east though. However, you could make a legit argument if you had Xavier, Butler and Temple(A10 years) in the current A10, that it would be a better league than the current Big Eaat.

The lower half of the A10 is so bad though, and really temple is terrible now, so Big East is and for the foreseeable future will be better than the A10. It's not really close.

[bleedXblue]

It does no one any good at this point to rip the A-10. It was a great fit for X for many years. We're in a bettEr place now.

[xubrew]

The A10 has the worst TV deal imaginable considering that it's a decent league, and they're seemingly locked into it long term. When the MVC schools get twice as much as the A10'does, it's a sign that the deal sucks.

With that said, what's the point in talking about how much better ours is?? Even if our deal want half as good as it currently is, it'd still be better than the A10's.

[Masterofreality]

The A10 has the worst TV deal imaginable considering that it's a decent league, and they're seemingly locked into it long term. When the MVC schools get twice as much as the A10'does, it's a sign that the deal sucks.

With that said, what's the point in talking about how much better ours is?? Even if our deal want half as good as it currently is, it'd still be better than the A10's.

Remember how we used to have this debate for so many years about how a really good commissioner and League Leadership makes a difference?

Linda Blutarsky was horrible at leveraging her league product. Even after two A10 schools made the Elite 8 in 2004 and St. Joes spent almost the entire year at #1 the A10 still basically gave away their games for "exposure" purposes. McGlade apparently still has the same opinion. Each A10 school gets about $300,000 from TV. That's all. Even in this day -the year after the A10 had a good year and in an era where networks are falling all over each other for live sports programming- the A10 basically gives their product away. That is bad, bad leadership.

No doubt, we are a helluva lot better with the Big East leadership. I know that Val Ackerman wasn't necessarily the Commissioner when the Fox deal was put together, but there were some very smart people in the background then, and Val has enhanced the situation.

The A10 was a good steppingstone, but unless you made the right steps and aggressively scheduled and won like Xavier did, you'd be stuck there in mediocre-land. UMass, Dookcane, Fordham, St. Joes, udump and GW sure are.

[Emp]

Another thread runs amok. MOR's hardon for Linds has lasted more than four years, see a physician stat!

Shout out to Fox's Gus Johnson, good Jesuit educated guy recently inducted into his --and my-- UD Jesuit HOF.

[Masterofreality]

Another thread runs amok. MOR's hardon for Linds has lasted more than fourteen years, see a physician stat!

Shout out to Fox's Gus Johnson, good Jesuit educated guy recently inducted into his --and my-- UD Jesuit HOF.

Fixed that for you Emp!

[Xavier]

This Big East scheduling philosophy is miles different from the other ESPN propped up Big East when Georgetown Syracuse and UConn would never leave home

Is it that different? In the Big East thread you commented on Brew who pointed out the lack of games away from home. "That's good scheduling" as you put it.

[Masterofreality]

Is it that different? In the Big East thread you commented on Brew who pointed out the lack of games away from home. "That's good scheduling" as you put it.

Yes, because of the 3 neutral site games you get in Thanksgiving Tournaments. Plus the quality of teams that the Big East is playing at home: see Kansas vs Georgetown, is better. Even St. Mary's going to Creighton is an upgrade over St. Leo's playing at Georgetown.

[waggy]

Since this has turned into a quasi A10 discussion.. Saint Louis sure has dropped off the map. Sagarin predictor is 300. Dead last in the A10.

[xubrew]

The year the Big East sent 11 teams to the tournament, they played the fourth toughest overall OOC schedule. The only leagues that played tougher schedules were the SWAC, MEAC, and one other league that was on the receiving end of buy games. No other major conference was even close to them. They averaged more OOC wins against tournament teams than any other league, and more OOC road wins than any other league. They accomplished that with an 18 game conference schedule, which meant they played two fewer OOC games than everyone else, so to get those numbers was even more impressive.

Syracuse and UC played crap schedules. Most of the teams in the league actually did play rough schedules, though, especially Georgetown. Seriously, if you think that's wrong then go back and look at them.

[xubrew]

Since this has turned into a quasi A10 discussion.. Saint Louis sure has dropped off the map. Sagarin predictor is 300. Dead last in the A10.

Tim Crews is in the house!!!!

[waggy]

They are .500 though, and it's early, and other rankings have them higher, but still..

[D-West & PO-Z]

Since this has turned into a quasi A10 discussion.. Saint Louis sure has dropped off the map. Sagarin predictor is 300. Dead last in the A10.

They are horrendous this year, tons of young players too. Only two guys played even a small amount of significant minutes last year. No a surprise they are so bad this year.

[waggy]

They are horrendous this year, tons of young players too. Only two guys played even a small amount of significant minutes last year. No a surprise they are so bad this year.


If SLU has any thoughts of moving to a better conference, they need to get to the point where they are recognized as THE best program in the A10. Too bad Majerus kicked it when he did. Who knows, he might have taken them on a deep run two.

[X-band '01]

The A10 has the worst TV deal imaginable considering that it's a decent league, and they're seemingly locked into it long term. When the MVC schools get twice as much as the A10'does, it's a sign that the deal sucks.

With that said, what's the point in talking about how much better ours is?? Even if our deal want half as good as it currently is, it'd still be better than the A10's.

Does that also take into consideration that the Missouri Valley has 10 teams to split the pot and the A-10 14 teams? The A-10 does have the benefit now of CBS Sports Network and NBC Sports Network for most of their regular season games along with scraps at the Mothership's table. I don't think they're paying networks to televise the games anymore.

[GoMuskies]

I think most Valley teams at least have quite a bit of interest in their local market (with the exception of Loyola). And Arch Madness has long been one of the better conference tournaments. The A-10 has a number of programs that don't even rate in their local markets, and the conference tournament has been a complete mess at least since the day Xavier joined.

[drudy23]

T

Xavier is in a materially better position now thanks to its conference affiliation with the Big East. That is not a conceited statement. That is a statement of fact.

And no one disagrees with that...nor has anyone said that's not true.

Reading is hard.

[xudash]

And no one disagrees with that...nor has anyone said that's not true.

Reading is hard.

My primary purpose in starting this thread was to share positive information about how well FS1 is trending.

Since its inception and the beginning of the new Big East, I have read post after post after post from various corners, especially from those we left behind in the A-10, focused on disparaging our broadcast partner and our conference. They don't want us to succeed. I am taking some pleasure in witnessing what I thought would happen all along:that the new Big East and it's deal with Fox would and will succeed.

I am more than fine with what the A-10 did for Xavier. But I don't have to be fine with some of its fans who we left behind.

If reading is hard, it would appear that comprehension is even harder.

[xubrew]

I think it would succeed even faster if they used the flagship network to market it more like their competitor ESPN/ABC did whenever they launched a new network. I like everything about it. I just wish they'd market it more, and don't understand why they don't.

[drudy23]

If reading is hard, it would appear that comprehension is even harder.

I would concur.

[XfansinKy]

Its so nice to live just outside of Lexington Ky and still be able to catch nearly every Xavier game. I think that says a lot about where Xavier basketball is nowadays. My only issue is that being from Lebanon, I literally have zero friends here that are X fans.

[bleedXblue]

My primary purpose in starting this thread was to share positive information about how well FS1 is trending.

Since its inception and the beginning of the new Big East, I have read post after post after post from various corners, especially from those we left behind in the A-10, focused on disparaging our broadcast partner and our conference. They don't want us to succeed. I am taking some pleasure in witnessing what I thought would happen all along:that the new Big East and it's deal with Fox would and will succeed.

I am more than fine with what the A-10 did for Xavier. But I don't have to be fine with some of its fans who we left behind.

If reading is hard, it would appear that comprehension is even harder.

I guess I'm confused. You read other internet message boards and actually put any credence into what they say? Of course some of the old A-10 members are going to have sour grapes. Especially rivals like UD. Aren't there many on this board that hope the AAC fails miserably b/c of UC? I guess I'm just saying that I think it's always going to be that way.

Drudy's point from the very beginning was why crap on the A-10 now? Who cares? We're in a much better place. Be happy with it and move on.

[RoseyMuskie]

I think it would succeed even faster if they used the flagship network to market it more like their competitor ESPN/ABC did whenever they launched a new network. I like everything about it. I just wish they'd market it more, and don't understand why they don't.

Fox promoted the heck out Syracuse/Villanova during yesterday's NFL contests. Granted, the game is on Fox, but it's telling the nation that Fox now owns the product.

Point being, the message has been received, and is starting to be addressed.

You're dead on that it is a must, though.

[hoyahooligan]

This Big East scheduling philosophy is miles different from the other ESPN propped up Big East when Georgetown Syracuse and UConn would never leave home and play a steady diet of the Stetsons, St. Leo's and Niagaras, unless of course they had those "marquee" CBS games.

The advent of Thanksgiving vicinity Tournaments has changed the dynamic too. Those weren't around until the last 6 or 7 years.

By the way. I cheer for every Big East team every game they play in non-conference. I NEVER did that with the A10. This is different. No one in this league acts entitled.

Georgetown Scheduling under JT3 has always been difficult and didn't change this year, or with the new conference.
Here are JT3's notable OOC games by year(including all road games):

04-05 #1 Illinois, Temple, @ Davidson, Rainbow Classic Tournament in Hawaii (not a great tournament, but a tournament we played Oral Roberts, Long Beach, and Clemson, we lost first round to Oral Roberts no clue who we could've played had we won)

05-06: @ Navy, @ JMU, Vanderbilt, @ UTEP, @ Oregon, @ #11 Illinois, #1 Duke

06-07: @ Vandy, @ Fairfield, Oregon, @ #10 Duke, @ Michigan

07-08: @ Ball St, @ ODU, @ #2 Memphis, @ Alabama

08-09: Old Spice Classic: Wichita St, Tennessee, Maryland, #16 Memphis, @#3 Duke

09-10: @ Tulane, @ Savannah St, #22 Butler (in MSG), #17 Washington (in Anahiem), #8 Duke

10-11: @ ODU, Charleston Classic: Coastal Carolina, Wofford, NC State, @ #9 Missouri, @ Temple, @ #16 Memphis

11-12: Maui Invitational: #14 Kansas, Chaminade, #8 Memphis; @#12 Alabama, Memphis

12-13: @ #10 Florida Canceled at half on battleship due to moisture, #11 UCLA and #1 Indiana both in NYC, Tennessee, Texas

13-14: Vs. #19 Oregon in South Korea, Puerto Rico Tip Off: North Eastern, Kansas St, #10 VCU; @ #18 Kansas, Vs #7 Michigan St in MSG

So No Georgetown didn't up our OOC schedule this year. It's been tough for years.

[xubrew]

Georgetown Scheduling under JT3 has always been difficult and didn't change this year, or with the new conference.
Here are JT3's notable OOC games by year(including all road games):

04-05 #1 Illinois, Temple, @ Davidson, Rainbow Classic Tournament in Hawaii (not a great tournament, but a tournament we played Oral Roberts, Long Beach, and Clemson, we lost first round to Oral Roberts no clue who we could've played had we won)

05-06: @ Navy, @ JMU, Vanderbilt, @ UTEP, @ Oregon, @ #11 Illinois, #1 Duke

06-07: @ Vandy, @ Fairfield, Oregon, @ #10 Duke, @ Michigan

07-08: @ Ball St, @ ODU, @ #2 Memphis, @ Alabama

08-09: Old Spice Classic: Wichita St, Tennessee, Maryland, #16 Memphis, @#3 Duke

09-10: @ Tulane, @ Savannah St, #22 Butler (in MSG), #17 Washington (in Anahiem), #8 Duke

10-11: @ ODU, Charleston Classic: Coastal Carolina, Wofford, NC State, @ #9 Missouri, @ Temple, @ #16 Memphis

11-12: Maui Invitational: #14 Kansas, Chaminade, #8 Memphis; @#12 Alabama, Memphis

12-13: @ #10 Florida Canceled at half on battleship due to moisture, #11 UCLA and #1 Indiana both in NYC, Tennessee, Texas

13-14: Vs. #19 Oregon in South Korea, Puerto Rico Tip Off: North Eastern, Kansas St, #10 VCU; @ #18 Kansas, Vs #7 Michigan St in MSG

So No Georgetown didn't up our OOC schedule this year. It's been tough for years.

See above. The perception is not the reality. There were a couple of teams, and it literally was only a couple, namely Syracuse and Cincinnati, that played watered down OOC schedules. The perception was that the entire Big East did that. The reality is that most of the Big East played a fair OOC schedule, and a few of the teams, particularly Georgetown, played a very tough OOC schedule. Nova's schedule was generally pretty strong as well. There were more teams in the BE playing tough schedules than there were playing weak ones. There were really only two teams that played weak schedules.

[GoMuskies]

Louisville's OOC schedules have sucked, too, but they always sprinkle in a few good games at least (Kentucky, for example).

[xubrew]

Louisville's OOC schedules have sucked, too, but they always sprinkle in a few good games at least (Kentucky, for example).

Fair point. But, my point is that the BE actually collectively played pretty good OOC schedules, especially when compared to the other power leagues.

[xudash]

I guess I'm confused. You read other internet message boards and actually put any credence into what they say? Of course some of the old A-10 members are going to have sour grapes. Especially rivals like UD. Aren't there many on this board that hope the AAC fails miserably b/c of UC? I guess I'm just saying that I think it's always going to be that way.

Drudy's point from the very beginning was why crap on the A-10 now? Who cares? We're in a much better place. Be happy with it and move on.

What don't you understand about the following:

My primary purpose in starting this thread was to share positive information about how well FS1 is trending.

I am more than fine with what the A-10 did for Xavier.

But I don't have to be fine with some of its fans who we left behind.

So, on the one hand, bringing the A10 fan reaction to the Fox deal into the thread was essentially conversational. Nothing more. Nothing less. And on the other hand, Drudy didn't make a point, because I wasn't crapping on the A10; I am taking some pleasure in knowing that some people who want us to fail are not getting their way.

This is a message board. You aren't the message board police. I'll write what I want to write. If you don't like the thread, then don't read it. If you are going to read it, then comprehend what's being written.

I do agree with you that you are confused. Drudy didn't make a point, because I did not directly disparage the A10 Conference (which I would not do). You've not made a point, either.

[bleedXblue]

What don't you understand about the following:

My primary purpose in starting this thread was to share positive information about how well FS1 is trending.

I am more than fine with what the A-10 did for Xavier.

But I don't have to be fine with some of its fans who we left behind.

So, on the one hand, bringing the A10 fan reaction to the Fox deal into the thread was essentially conversational. Nothing more. Nothing less. And on the other hand, Drudy didn't make a point, because I wasn't crapping on the A10; I am taking some pleasure in knowing that some people who want us to fail are not getting their way.

This is a message board. You aren't the message board police. I'll write what I want to write. If you don't like the thread, then don't read it. If you are going to read it, then comprehend what's being written.

I do agree with you that you are confused. Drudy didn't make a point, because I did not directly disparage the A10 Conference (which I would not do). You've not made a point, either.

LMAO

Man you get worked up and awfully defensive.

It was another poster who was critical of the A-10.

Breath. Exhale. Breath.

[drudy23]

This is a message board. You aren't the message board police. I'll write what I want to write. If you don't like the thread, then don't read it. If you are going to read it, then comprehend what's being written.

.

Agreed...perhaps you should follow your own advice.

PS - I made points, you just didn't agree with them; hence, take your own advice.

[xudash]

LMAO

Man you get worked up and awfully defensive.

It was another poster who was critical of the A-10.

Breath. Exhale. Breath.

Wow, you really don't get it. Why did you respond to me when "It was another poster who was critical of the A-10"? You should have responded to whomever that other poster was if he or she deserved a response from you.

You responded to me, and stupidly at that, so I responded back.

Do you not get that? You still laughing?

And Drudy, so that I don't have to put this in a different response to you, because I'm finishing up here with this: if the points you made were about not disparaging the A10, then you didn't make any points with me, because I took a casual shot at some of its fans, not the conference itself. It was a passing comment by me, having already shared the article on FS1.

This is at best about comprehension issues on your part, followed up by you coming into a thread that I started, only to try to make some kind of lame argument about how it's important for the A10 to remain competitive for the good of the Big East - truly one of the less insightful things I've ever read around here - and following that up with how we shouldn't hurt the A10's feelings by putting it down.

Again, I respect what the A10 meant to Xavier, but I don't have to put up with some of its fans who want the Big East, Xavier and Fox to fail. If you enjoy their company so much, go over and hang out with them. Your points were weak and you overreacted. Deal with it.

[Masterofreality]

See above. The perception is not the reality. There were a couple of teams, and it literally was only a couple, namely Syracuse and Cincinnati, that played watered down OOC schedules. The perception was that the entire Big East did that. The reality is that most of the Big East played a fair OOC schedule, and a few of the teams, particularly Georgetown, played a very tough OOC schedule. Nova's schedule was generally pretty strong as well. There were more teams in the BE playing tough schedules than there were playing weak ones. There were really only two teams that played weak schedules.

No reality is reality. Don't just look at the "notable" games. Look at all of them, how they came about and the results. There was lots of RPI gaming going on with the assistance of the ESPN protector to help set up games.

I've already said that the advent of 3 game "exempt" Tournaments has changed the scheduling dynamic to something better and more measure able. I'm not going through every Georgetown game for 12 years, but let's just take a snapshot of the 2005-2006 GTown season OOC shall we?

Navy. Road. Final record 10-18. Road win vs a bad team.
James Madison. Road. Final record 5-23. Road win vs bad team.
Vandy. Home. Final record 17-13. Home LOSS vs a mediocre team.
Illinois- Road. Final record 26-7. Road LOSS by 10. (BTW Xavier lost to Illinois by 2 in Chicago in this same year)
Oregon. Road. Set up by an ESPN late game need. Final record 15-18. Win vs a mediocre to bad team.
Fairfield, Stetson, Savannah State. All Bad teams. All at home. All wins.
Colgate. Neutral. Sun Bowl 4 team tournament. Win vs a bad team.
UTEP. Call it road. Sun Bowl Final. UTEP final record 21-10 NIT 1st round loss. LOSS by GTown to a good team.
Duke. Home. Set up by CBS. Duke was #1. Great win by GTown by 3 at home vs a great team.

So- non conference 8-3 in total with one really good home win, and 2 losses to good teams and one to a mediocre Vandy team. 7 wins vs bad teams.

Meh.

[waggy]

I hope you're going to go thru every X season now and point out how sucky it was.

Actually I hope you don't.

[Masterofreality]

I hope you're going to go thru every X season now and point out how sucky it was.

Actually I hope you don't.

Don't have to. Our success speaks for itself! :yahoo:

[waggy]

I guess we got nothing better to do around here, so have at it. Whatever at it is.

[Masterofreality]

I guess we got nothing better to do around here, so have at it. Whatever at it is.

We can listen to the Chris Mack Show- at 7:00pm.

[waggy]

:twothumbsup:

[drudy23]

Wow, you really don't get it. Why did you respond to me when "It was another poster who was critical of the A-10"? You should have responded to whomever that other poster was if he or she deserved a response from you.

You responded to me, and stupidly at that, so I responded back.

Do you not get that? You still laughing?

And Drudy, so that I don't have to put this in a different response to you, because I'm finishing up here with this: if the points you made were about not disparaging the A10, then you didn't make any points with me, because I took a casual shot at some of its fans, not the conference itself. It was a passing comment by me, having already shared the article on FS1.

This is at best about comprehension issues on your part, followed up by you coming into a thread that I started, only to try to make some kind of lame argument about how it's important for the A10 to remain competitive for the good of the Big East - truly one of the less insightful things I've ever read around here - and following that up with how we shouldn't hurt the A10's feelings by putting it down.

Again, I respect what the A10 meant to Xavier, but I don't have to put up with some of its fans who want the Big East, Xavier and Fox to fail. If you enjoy their company so much, go over and hang out with them. Your points were weak and you overreacted. Deal with it.

LOL...you're the only one disagreeing with my "weak" points.

And it's nice you don't have to "put up" with those damn internet message board fans. They can haunt you if you let them...LOL!!!!

[MADXSTER]

I Disagree!!

[hoyahooligan]

No reality is reality. Don't just look at the "notable" games. Look at all of them, how they came about and the results. There was lots of RPI gaming going on with the assistance of the ESPN protector to help set up games.

I've already said that the advent of 3 game "exempt" Tournaments has changed the scheduling dynamic to something better and more measure able. I'm not going through every Georgetown game for 12 years, but let's just take a snapshot of the 2005-2006 GTown season OOC shall we?

Navy. Road. Final record 10-18. Road win vs a bad team.
James Madison. Road. Final record 5-23. Road win vs bad team.
Vandy. Home. Final record 17-13. Home LOSS vs a mediocre team.
Illinois- Road. Final record 26-7. Road LOSS by 10. (BTW Xavier lost to Illinois by 2 in Chicago in this same year)
Oregon. Road. Set up by an ESPN late game need. Final record 15-18. Win vs a mediocre to bad team.
Fairfield, Stetson, Savannah State. All Bad teams. All at home. All wins.
Colgate. Neutral. Sun Bowl 4 team tournament. Win vs a bad team.
UTEP. Call it road. Sun Bowl Final. UTEP final record 21-10 NIT 1st round loss. LOSS by GTown to a good team.
Duke. Home. Set up by CBS. Duke was #1. Great win by GTown by 3 at home vs a great team.

So- non conference 8-3 in total with one really good home win, and 2 losses to good teams and one to a mediocre Vandy team. 7 wins vs bad teams.

Meh.

Georgtown did not lose to UTEP as you state, so not sure where you got your information. Vanderbilt was an NIT team too, but UTEP is a good team, and Vanderbilt is mediocre?

The only thing I don't get is the Set up by ESPN, Set up by CBS stuff. Yes the broadcasters help set up marquee match ups, but these are scheduled home and home series not one off games. We played @ Oregon in 2005-06 an they returned the game in 06-07. Duke was part of a 4 year home and home series with one game off in between. Duke has scheduled several home and homes with Georgetown since it gives them a game in DC which often hosts NCAA tournament games and is a recruiting hot bed. The Hoyas can get tons of great teams to come play us for those 2 reasons. So we get no credit for scheduling these games because people want to watch out team play?


Also Fairfield was part of a 2 for 1 home and home. Savannah St was a home and home as a favor to former hoya Horace Broadnax. Illinois was part of a home and home. Navy and James Madison all home and home vs. Local teams.

[drudy23]

UC fan - "Have fun playing Fordham in your awesome conference while we eat lobster in the Big East" while every XU fan stewed and wished death on the pure arrogance and ignorance of it.

"New" XU fan - "Have fun playing Fordham in your awesome conference while we eat lobster in the Big East"

Pathetic.

[PMI]

UC fan - "Have fun playing Fordham in your awesome conference while we eat lobster in the Big East" while every XU fan stewed and wished death on the pure arrogance and ignorance of it.

"New" XU fan - "Have fun playing Fordham in your awesome conference while we eat lobster in the Big East"

Pathetic.

Eh, get over it. UC is our rival. I for one think it's pretty awesome that we moved up and they moved down in all the conference realignment. If it's our turn to poke at them for what they used to poke at us for, I for one am not going to apologize to them. Some fans are so hellbent on proving their "rationality" and separation from the total homers that they can't even enjoy the perks of shitting on a rival anymore. Pathetic.

[GoMuskies]

I'm all for shitting on Dayton and UC. But I'm not sure I get the vitriol one poster has for VCU. Ok, I'm actually sure I don't get it. I also think it's silly to act like a program cannot be incredibly successful while playing in the A-10 or the AAC (particularly since last year's men's and women's national champs came out of the AAC).

I sure as hell wouldn't want to trade places with anyone in the A-10 or AAC, though.

[muskiefan82]

UC fan - "Have fun playing Fordham in your awesome conference while we eat lobster in the Big East" while every XU fan stewed and wished death on the pure arrogance and ignorance of it.

"New" XU fan - "Have fun playing Fordham in your awesome conference while we eat lobster in the Big East"

Pathetic.

Why does this upset you so? Isn't this what X has been working towards for the past 30+ years? To get to a point where X is higher than UC in the basketball pecking order? Why shouldn't those of us who have been on this journey for so long be able to take a few shots now that we can?

I am by no means a "new" XU fan and I will proudly tell UC to eat it now that they are stuck in the ACK! conference. They may end up in the Big 12 at some point, so I will take my opportunity now and run with it.

[GoMuskies]

Isn't this what X has been working towards for the past 30+ years? To get to a point where X is higher than UC in the basketball pecking order?

I certainly hope that hasn't been the goal. It's a nice byproduct, though.

[drudy23]

I'm perfectly fine with taking shots at UC...at any costs. Want to make fun of them for being in basketball purgatory, please feel free. In fact, I encourage it.

For the 9 millionth time...let's not act like we're now basketball royalty because of JUST conference affiliation. That's what UC fans did even though they earned no piece of what made the Big East the Big East. Let's not do that until we earn it.

Does everyone understand now that I've said it 15 different ways yet everyone keeps saying "how can you not think we're in a better situation"?

Yes, comprehension apparently is very overrated.

[muskiefan82]

I'm perfectly fine with taking shots at UC...at any costs. Want to make fun of them for being in basketball purgatory, please feel free. In fact, I encourage it.

For the 9 millionth time...let's not act like we're now basketball royalty because of JUST conference affiliation. That's what UC fans did even though they earned no piece of what made the Big East the Big East. Let's not do that until we earn it.

Does everyone understand now that I've said it 15 different ways yet everyone keeps saying "how can you not think we're in a better situation"?

Yes, comprehension apparently is very overrated.

I do agree with this. Being in the Big East is not what makes X awesome. The Big East is what X has earned through years of commitment and success and the Big East will now be better because X is in it.

[PMI]

I'm perfectly fine with taking shots at UC...at any costs. Want to make fun of them for being in basketball purgatory, please feel free. In fact, I encourage it.

For the 9 millionth time...let's not act like we're now basketball royalty because of JUST conference affiliation. That's what UC fans did even though they earned no piece of what made the Big East the Big East. Let's not do that until we earn it.

Does everyone understand now that I've said it 15 different ways yet everyone keeps saying "how can you not think we're in a better situation"?

Yes, comprehension apparently is very overrated.

People probably didn't feel like reading all your pages of bickering where you allegedly made your point (I know, pot and kettle.) I'm also pretty confident that there are very few, if any Xavier fans who are content with just being in a better conference. Being in a better conference is one of the advancements of Xavier basketball, and a big one, but if there really has been anyone arguing with you that that's all we should care about, they probably aren't worth responding to. To me, it seems you just got annoyed with what you perceived to be shots at our old league, and at people who you perceived to be hypocrites for using an argument that used to be used against us. If that's not it, and everyone else is missing your point, then perhaps it's not everyone else's comprehension that is the issue.

[xudash]

The same A10 we were apart of two years ago, and the same one that we said deserved much more respect back then too? Sounds like UC associating themselves with the Big Boys just be the Big East association. We knew it was crap then....let's not spew the same crap.

Let's remember where we came from...we're not Syracuse just yet. And FYI, the A10 being solid would actually be a GREAT thing for the Big East.

Who here agrees with Drudy that "the A10 being solid would actually be a GREAT thing for the Big East"?

[drudy23]

Just calling out the guys that are acting exactly like the UC fans they vilified two years ago.

"When I'm rich, I won't change"...yeah, OK.

[drudy23]

How is an A10 crumble good for Xavier? If they're nothing like us, and our talent is so far superior, then why is it so important they fail?

[xudash]

Who here agrees with Drudy that "the A10 being solid would actually be a GREAT thing for the Big East"?

Who here would agree with the FACT that no one is disparaging the A10 by not wanting it to be solid relative to the Big East? That is a matter of commentary on relative positioning, not taking direct shots against the conference.

[xudash]

How is an A10 crumble good for Xavier? If they're nothing like us, and our talent is so far superior, then why is it so important they fail?

Drudy, you raised the question originally. You're stuck with having to try to come up with an answer for it. You're spinning yourself into the ground with each new response.

Keep calling out the guys.

[drudy23]

I have plenty of logical reasons why a successful A10 is good for the Big East.

I'm sure others can come up with reasons why it's not. Doesn't mean either of us is right, it just means we have opinions.

[PMI]

Who here agrees with Drudy that "the A10 being solid would actually be a GREAT thing for the Big East"?

I don't see the logic in that at all but I'm not sure if you're quoting him or paraphrasing/misinterpreting. I'm curious as to what the argument would be.

[xudash]

I don't see the logic in that at all but I'm not sure if you're quoting him or paraphrasing/misinterpreting. I'm curious as to what the argument would be.

It's a direct quote from him - Post #5 in this thread.

He came up with this in Post #80 a few minutes ago: "I have plenty of logical reasons why a successful A10 is good for the Big East."

However, he doesn't seem to want to share them.

[Masterofreality]

Yeah, a "solid A10" that includes the dump up north would be good for Xavier...as they get better they could recruit better against us. That makes all kinds of (non) sense. Just like SucKS being in a better conference where they would be more attractive to recruits that we may want is good for Xavier.

Wow. Just wow.

[xudash]

Yeah, a "solid A10" that includes the dump up north would be good for Xavier...as they get better they could recruit better against us. That makes all kinds of (non) sense. Just like SucKS being in a better conference where they would be more attractive to recruits that we may want is good for Xavier.

Wow. Just wow.

That was essentially my reaction, too. But remember: he has plenty of logical reasons.

[drudy23]

I'm not hiding from what I said. I can think of plenty of reasons to think it's true. And I'm sure you could think of plenty of reasons to think I'm wrong. But at the end of the day, who's right? How can you know? Here's some logic knowing we're more like the top end teams of the A10 mores than like the top end teams of the Big 5:

* Regional competition - competition forces you to get better. The better the A10 is, the harder and smarter our coaches and administration has to work. That equals investment...that's a great thing.
* Regional rivalries - do you think Louisville wants UK to tank? Not to mention, the best of the Big 5 aren't knocking down the doors to schedule us. OOC games with teams like VCU, St Louis, Dayton, and Richmond would be solid additions to the schedule and these teams would play us (OK, maybe not Dayton)
* Expansion - the Big East will expand eventually. The teams I mentioned above are the likely targets (including some others). Lets hope they all tank so we get a crap team to join our conference.
* National respect - whether you believe it or not, the country doesn't look at the Big East much different than they do the A10. Success in both conferences can only raise the profile of those schools that know they aren't mid-majors but have to fight the label.
* How exciting is the UC/XU rivalry if UC sucks consistently? Not only is it not fun, it goes away.

There's more...and those are all valid points. And yes, you could come up with some that would suggest its a bad move...doesn't mean the opinion isn't valid and/or logical.

And now you'll do your best to disagree just to be a contrarian when you know those are all valid points.

Maybe this changes in 5-10 years as we progress. But right now, this all applies.

[Masterofreality]

I'm not hiding from what I said. I can think of plenty of reasons to think it's true. And I'm sure you could think of plenty of reasons to think I'm wrong. But at the end of the day, who's right? How can you know? Here's some logic knowing we're more like the top end teams of the A10 mores than like the top end teams of the Big 5:

* Regional competition - competition forces you to get better. The better the A10 is, the harder and smarter our coaches and administration has to work. That equals investment...that's a great thing. We don't compete regionally like the MAC does. We compete nationally. Competing with the dump does nothing for us. Anyway we already have a "regional rival" in SucKS.
* Regional rivalries - do you think Louisville wants UK to tank? Not to mention, the best of the Big 5 aren't knocking down the doors to schedule us. OOC games with teams like VCU, St Louis, Dayton, and Richmond would be solid additions to the schedule and these teams would play us (OK, maybe not Dayton). Yeah.Louisville would love for UK to tank. Just like we'd love the Borecats to tank. Our scheduling is fine.
* Expansion - the Big East will expand eventually. The teams I mentioned above are the likely targets (including some others). Lets hope they all tank so we get a crap team to join our conference. No reason for the Big East to expand. Only if Fox makes it worth our while. This is a red herring.
* National respect - whether you believe it or not, the country doesn't look at the Big East much different than they do the A10. Success in both conferences can only raise the profile of those schools that know they aren't mid-majors but have to fight the label.BS. The Big East has gotten all kind of national respect this year. As for the A10? Crickets. They had their once out of every 10 years last year. Look at the recruits the Big East gets vs the A10. That tells you all you need to know about which league is "respected"


Please check the above.

[drudy23]

1) I agree - we schedule nationally. That doesn't mean we can't have numerous great scheduling options close to home. When did I say we wouldn't play a national schedule?
2) It would suck if UC sucked every year. What's the point of the rivalry then? Man, it sure feels good when we beat a UC team that sucks. That feeling I had after those two #1 victories must have been a hallucination.
3) It's about money...they will expand and you know it.
4) And last year it was the opposite. I agree as a total the A10 is far weaker, but the top tier teams are quality programs that get some national respect while fighting the "little brother" label.

[BMoreX]

In real FOX Sports news...

Awful Announcing @awfulannouncing
As we reported a week ago, Fox Sports has made the Brad Friedel and Alexi Lalas signings official. bit.ly/1ACEm5c

[PMI]

1) I agree - we schedule nationally. That doesn't mean we can't have numerous great scheduling options close to home. When did I say we wouldn't play a national schedule?
2) It would suck if UC sucked every year. What's the point of the rivalry then? Man, it sure feels good when we beat a UC team that sucks. That feeling I had after those two #1 victories must have been a hallucination.
3) It's about money...they will expand and you know it.
4) And last year it was the opposite. I agree as a total the A10 is far weaker, but the top tier teams are quality programs that get some national respect while fighting the "little brother" label.

I think you make some fair points. I don't really agree with your take on the quality programs in our leagues as it pertains to national respect. I think Georgetown, Marquette and Villanova based on their old Big East history alone have far, far bigger and more recognizable names than any A10 program. You could maybe throw X and Butler in there too, to a lesser extent. I guess VCU would be the biggest "name" in the A10 now, and compared to Georgetown, they aren't really on the same planet when it comes to perceived prestige. I don't think it's nearly as close at the top of the conferences as you suggest, based on perception, even if it is in reality in some years.

[bigdiggins]

As long as the Big10 - Big East challenge exists and Fox Sports has broadcast rights Fox Sports will not be pushing expansion. This was the compromise.