Xavier: 2023 - 2033

[xudash]

I'm taking a look forward. Humor me, or call me nuts. We're at another critical juncture here, so it doesn't seem like a bad idea to assess where we stand and where we appear to be headed as a program at this point. Ten years is a long enough look, but it also kind of coincides with what will become disruptive activity when a next round of football realignment hits the scene, especially with an ATLANTIC Coast Conference that will be wrestling with its GOR, as well as with a couple of its new members that can practically look out the windows of their offices at the Pacific Ocean.

Believe it or not, what set me in motion to post this was learning of the following today: https://sports.yahoo.com/report-big-ten-big-east-155021960.html

IMHO, that's a big piece of the puzzle. Why? Because it evidences conference legitimacy on the part of the Big East. Especially when the event "partner" on the other side of the table is the B1G.

So, here we go, with every intent not to ramble on and on:

Xavier Leadership: A+ - Our newish Prez, from LaSalle of all places, gets it. And Christopher is a strong AD.

Xavier Head Coach: A+ - This doesn't require much comment, except to say that may he be with us a looong time.

Facilities: A+ - There is no other way to see it, especially given the recent investments in the Cintas Center.

Fan Base: A - The only reason it didn't get "+'d" is because of our school size. Passionate and growing.

Conference: A+ - 3 NC's since the reboot; multi-bid league; national respect and legitimacy. Show me the money.

Funding: ? - We await our next media agreement. Arbitrary, but I think it has to be north of $7mm/team.

Again, the Gavitt games extension negotiation set this off. It's relevant for at least a few behind the curtain reasons, not the least of which is conference legitimacy moving forward. More to the point, if they are negotiating it, then someone from Fox is in the room, helping them to frame it up for moving forward.

That implies that we still have our primary media partner. At least that is what that means to me. I'll take from $7 to $9 million per school with continued national broadcasts versus over $10 million per school on a backwater streaming deal. Why? The so called DEMOGRAPHIC CLIFF must be navigated. Xavier must continue to establish its national identify, which it has been doing very successfully since joining the Big East.

In other words, we WANT more funding for athletics to sustain our success, especially in basketball, but we NEED more applicants to feed the university machine. Xavier is making all the right moves to navigate this future. Thank God we are located in a successful city that continues to develop well from its deep history.

Extend the Gavitt Games. Execute a new media deal for times two the existing payout, while keeping the broadcasts national/available/visible. Get the cranes set up to build the new medical school. Don't be surprised if there is some way that is found to bring back football on a non-scholly basis. Keep the annual applicant pool humming to the tune of 15k+ applications per year, and with good kids.

X moves on handsomely on that basis, and without having overbuilt on its fixed assets, but with a truly beautiful campus.

[Masterofreality]

I'm taking a look forward. Humor me, or call me nuts. We're at another critical juncture here, so it doesn't seem like a bad idea to assess where we stand and where we appear to be headed as a program at this point. Ten years is a long enough look, but it also kind of coincides with what will become disruptive activity when a next round of football realignment hits the scene, especially with an ATLANTIC Coast Conference and its GOR, as well as with a couple of its new members, which can practically look out the windows of their offices to see the Pacific Ocean.

Believe it or not, what set my in motion to post this was learning of the following today: https://sports.yahoo.com/report-big-ten-big-east-155021960.html

IMHO, that's a big piece of the puzzle. Why? Because it evidences conference legitimacy on the part of the Big East. Especially when the event "partner" on the other side of the table is the B1G.

So, here we go, with every intent not to ramble on and on:

Xavier Leadership: A+ Our newish Prez, from LaSalle of all places, gets it. And Christopher is a strong leader.

Facilities: A+ There is no other way to see it, especially given the recent investments in the Cintas Center.

Again, the Gavitt games extension negotiation set this off. It's relevant for at least a few behind the curtain reasons, not the least of which is conference legitimacy moving forward. More to the point, if they are negotiating it, then someone from Fox is in the room, helping them to frame it up for moving forward.


That last point is highly significant Dash. Big ups for pointing that out.

As to the first 2 points. Xavier has always been waaaaay ahead of the curve in leadership starting with Father Hoff. Legitimate forward thinking leaders and they have continued with Dr. Coleen and Greg.
That includes being way ahead of the curve on facilities. All the way down the line including the golf program Xavier has some of the best despite its small size.
DePaul finally announced today a fundraising effort to build new practice, workout nutrition and athletic medical facilities. Despite being in the Big East for 30 years they are just now getting around to it. No matter what they build now it already will be inadequate to keep up.
Xavier is in a great spot.
Great post Dash!!

[XU_Lou]

I'm taking a look forward. Humor me, or call me nuts. We're at another critical juncture here, so it doesn't seem like a bad idea to assess where we stand and where we appear to be headed as a program at this point. Ten years is a long enough look, but it also kind of coincides with what will become disruptive activity when a next round of football realignment hits the scene, especially with an ATLANTIC Coast Conference that will be wrestling with its GOR, as well as with a couple of its new members that can practically look out the windows of their offices at the Pacific Ocean.

Believe it or not, what set me in motion to post this was learning of the following today: https://sports.yahoo.com/report-big-ten-big-east-155021960.html

IMHO, that's a big piece of the puzzle. Why? Because it evidences conference legitimacy on the part of the Big East. Especially when the event "partner" on the other side of the table is the B1G.

So, here we go, with every intent not to ramble on and on:

Xavier Leadership: A+ - Our newish Prez, from LaSalle of all places, gets it. And Christopher is a strong AD.

Xavier Head Coach: A+ - This doesn't require much comment, except to say that may he be with us a looong time.

Facilities: A+ - There is no other way to see it, especially given the recent investments in the Cintas Center.

Fan Base: A - The only reason it didn't get "+'d" is because of our school size. Passionate and growing.

Conference: A+ - 3 NC's since the reboot; multi-bid league; national respect and legitimacy. Show me the money.

Funding: ? - We await our next media agreement. Arbitrary, but I think it has to be north of $7mm/team.

Again, the Gavitt games extension negotiation set this off. It's relevant for at least a few behind the curtain reasons, not the least of which is conference legitimacy moving forward. More to the point, if they are negotiating it, then someone from Fox is in the room, helping them to frame it up for moving forward.

That implies that we still have our primary media partner. At least that is what that means to me. I'll take from $7 to $9 million per school with continued national broadcasts versus over $10 million per school on a backwater streaming deal. Why? The so called DEMOGRAPHIC CLIFF must be navigated. Xavier must continue to establish its national identify, which it has been doing very successfully since joining the Big East.

In other words, we WANT more funding for athletics to sustain our success, especially in basketball, but we NEED more applicants to feed the university machine. Xavier is making all the right moves to navigate this future. Thank God we are located in a successful city that continues to develop well from its deep history.

Extend the Gavitt Games. Execute a new media deal for times two the existing payout, while keeping the broadcasts national/available/visible. Get the cranes set up to build the new medical school. Don't be surprised if there is some way that is found to bring back football on a non-scholly basis. Keep the annual applicant pool humming to the tune of 15k+ applications per year, and with good kids.

X moves on handsomely on that basis, and without having overbuilt on its fixed assets, but with a truly beautiful campus.


Dash - I'm going to go ahead and declare you the XH poster of the year for your continued coverage on these topics. Always appreciate your info/analysis, and especially your optimism on the future of X hoops!

I agree with just about everything, if not everything above. I'll add that I think today's announcement about the 3 schools headed to the ACC bodes well for the BE. To me, it now seems less likely that they will come in and poach a couple of our schools - mainly UConn. Do you agree?

[xudash]

Lou - - I totally agree on the UCONN issue. We've had to sit around waiting for these developments to break over the last year or so to see where all of this was going to sort out, but it's becoming, or has now become very clear.

UCONN is "stuck" in the Big East, at least as far as their delusional football fans are concerned, while their basketball fans are elated that the Huskies will continue play in the Big East and in the BET at MSG - they'll continue to be a player in college hoops because they are where they belong for that sport. UCONN will feel a little better overall once the new BE media deal is announced, at least in my opinion. They'll find a way to slug it out as an independent in football for a while. Who knows what will happen with programs like UCONN, BC and Wake when the next big reset takes place.

The Florida v Utah game last night kind of convinced me that we may end up with three tiers:

1. The B1G and the SEC - the so called top shelf (i.e. does not necessarily mean that existing membership in those conferences will be honored).

2. Perhaps a next tier survivor conference that will still have access to the playoffs, while having to support themselves more via streaming (e.g. Utah, NCSU).

3. Programs that are going to have to make the hard decisions on funding due to lack of tradition, history and fan support (e.g. UCONN, BC (?), Wake (?).

BTW, because of its size and development, I objectively see UC being a survivor in #2, though mostly inconsequential at a national competitive level.

- - - - - - -

It just occurred to me that Xavier/BE is kind of like Switzerland in WWII with respect to football realignment. We're in a neutral position, and we're kind of safe in a mountain bunker, or maybe we're sipping some good wine and enjoying some fine fondue while sitting in Zermatt, looking over the Matterhorn while these football schools / conferences continue to pummel one another while jockeying for final positioning. Some of them are ending up in scorched earth positions like Germany. The PAC 12 just managed to play the role of Hiroshima (don't mean that in poor taste). Others - the biggest of the B1G and SEC - will end up being the ultimate victors.

When it is all said and done, soon for a temporary decade or so and then more permanently when the final media deals are "marked to market" with the best of the best in the next decade, the Big East should still be standing strongly with our 11, or possibly with an arrangement that sees it grow, but not by having to add dregs like Dayton.

I know I am a broken record here, but our next media deal is our great pivot point. Reupping the Gavitt Games is a signal that I am interpreting as a very good sign that things will move in a positive direction on that front.

[Masterofreality]

On a bit more of a Macro basis.
Xavier and the Big East is blessed to have Val Ackerman as Commissioner. She is Big Time in every respect, and respect comes back her way from Media partners and other League Commissioners.
The League could not have picked a better person to Phoenix from the ashes.

[sirthought]

These things could all be true. It's speculation at this point.

The Gavitt Games likely are being talked about with Fox, but it could possibly mean that they are trying to let the BE down easy by programming a legit event with big game potential on their networks, and that could be all it is at this point. It would be ideal if these games were on the big network to fire up the season. (But these games are also risky as teams won't have had time to work into top production.)

Fox is in a very different position of power as negotiations proceed. They will have many more Big 10 and Big 12 games filling their inventory in the coming years. Those are already on the books. Conferences with 14 and 16 schools, respectively, and a much larger fan base.

The Big East isn't as crucial to their product as before. Plus, there will surely be other callers trying to get the Big East. Just like FS1 overreached on the Big East when both were new, some other streaming outlet could try to make their mark with a conference that isn't large, but has a large stature and a niche of sports fans that could afford a subscription to watch. Either way, I think $8million per program is the ceiling, and it might not be that high. Still, a great amount of resource to work with considering what they do now.

Hopefully the exposure they get now maintains, but it's hard to say.

[xudash]

On a bit more of a Macro basis.
Xavier and the Big East is blessed to have Val Ackerman as Commissioner. She is Big Time in every respect, and respect comes back her way from Media partners and other League Commissioners.
The League could not have picked a better person to Phoenix from the ashes.

Great point, MOR.

Especially after we had to suffer through the likes of Linda Bruno.

Val will be key in guiding us to a new solid deal.

[Olsingledigit]

I'm taking a look forward. Humor me, or call me nuts. We're at another critical juncture here, so it doesn't seem like a bad idea to assess where we stand and where we appear to be headed as a program at this point. Ten years is a long enough look, but it also kind of coincides with what will become disruptive activity when a next round of football realignment hits the scene, especially with an ATLANTIC Coast Conference that will be wrestling with its GOR, as well as with a couple of its new members that can practically look out the windows of their offices at the Pacific Ocean.

Believe it or not, what set me in motion to post this was learning of the following today: https://sports.yahoo.com/report-big-ten-big-east-155021960.html

IMHO, that's a big piece of the puzzle. Why? Because it evidences conference legitimacy on the part of the Big East. Especially when the event "partner" on the other side of the table is the B1G.

So, here we go, with every intent not to ramble on and on:

Xavier Leadership: A+ - Our newish Prez, from LaSalle of all places, gets it. And Christopher is a strong AD.

Xavier Head Coach: A+ - This doesn't require much comment, except to say that may he be with us a looong time.

Facilities: A+ - There is no other way to see it, especially given the recent investments in the Cintas Center.

Fan Base: A - The only reason it didn't get "+'d" is because of our school size. Passionate and growing.

Conference: A+ - 3 NC's since the reboot; multi-bid league; national respect and legitimacy. Show me the money.

Funding: ? - We await our next media agreement. Arbitrary, but I think it has to be north of $7mm/team.

Again, the Gavitt games extension negotiation set this off. It's relevant for at least a few behind the curtain reasons, not the least of which is conference legitimacy moving forward. More to the point, if they are negotiating it, then someone from Fox is in the room, helping them to frame it up for moving forward.

That implies that we still have our primary media partner. At least that is what that means to me. I'll take from $7 to $9 million per school with continued national broadcasts versus over $10 million per school on a backwater streaming deal. Why? The so called DEMOGRAPHIC CLIFF must be navigated. Xavier must continue to establish its national identify, which it has been doing very successfully since joining the Big East.

In other words, we WANT more funding for athletics to sustain our success, especially in basketball, but we NEED more applicants to feed the university machine. Xavier is making all the right moves to navigate this future. Thank God we are located in a successful city that continues to develop well from its deep history.

Extend the Gavitt Games. Execute a new media deal for times two the existing payout, while keeping the broadcasts national/available/visible. Get the cranes set up to build the new medical school. Don't be surprised if there is some way that is found to bring back football on a non-scholly basis. Keep the annual applicant pool humming to the tune of 15k+ applications per year, and with good kids.

X moves on handsomely on that basis, and without having overbuilt on its fixed assets, but with a truly beautiful campus.

The only potential black mark on all of this is the rumor that we might not be on WKRC/WLW this season. Unconfirmed.

[xukeith]

The only potential black mark on all of this is the rumor that we might not be on WKRC/WLW this season. Unconfirmed.

That could be very disappointing. Why might that happen?

[JTG]

That could be very disappointing. Why might that happen?

My guess, Bearcats don't want to share. Or maybe due to Cunningham's stunt with Huggins, X told the Big One to eff off. Truthfully I haven't listened to a game on radio for years, but do occasionally listen to post game.

[Masterofreality]

As long as the game is share broadcast on the Xavier app, I really don’t care. Just keep the TV deal.

[X-band '01]

My guess, Bearcats don't want to share. Or maybe due to Cunningham's stunt with Huggins, X told the Big One to eff off. Truthfully I haven't listened to a game on radio for years, but do occasionally listen to post game.

Xavier has done games on 55KRC for years, but it's not just because of UC. They also have Reds conflicts once you get to spring training season.

There's also the possibility of a better deal with either ESPN 1530 or Fox Sports 1360; I'd be fine with either station as long as there's some more consistency.

I certainly don't think it's a matter of Xavier going woke, but I'd love to see the pearl clutching from the board if that ever happens to be the case.

[XUGRAD80]

I usually turn the commentators on the TV off and listen on the radio. Joe and Byron concentrate on the game in front of them and not on telling stories about other games and coaches. Some of the TV guys are just brutal to listen to. The exception being Johnson and Raff. I do hope that they stay on WLW as much as they can because of its strong signal and thus its reach to markets outside of Cincinnati that 55 can’t reach. I’d say that getting X games on WLW, and reaching a much wider audience than WVXU could reach, was an important part of bringing X BB into the mainstream. It kind of gave them some credibility that they had lacked before. I’d hate to see that go away completely.

[nuts4xu]

The only potential black mark on all of this is the rumor that we might not be on WKRC/WLW this season. Unconfirmed.

Has there been any legitimate discussion about this?

I find it extremely difficult to believe Xavier would cut ties with a 50,000 watt blow torch like WLW because of Bob Huggins or Willie Cunningham.

People who think this should happen need a thicker skin. It is better for Xavier to be on WLW whenever possible, and their sister stations when there is a conflict.

[nuts4xu]

I'm taking a look forward. Humor me, or call me nuts.

While you may be crazy...I am NUTS. So I will humor you...

[Muskie]

Has there been any legitimate discussion about this?

I find it extremely difficult to believe Xavier would cut ties with a 50,000 watt blow torch like WLW because of Bob Huggins or Willie Cunningham.

People who think this should happen need a thicker skin. It is better for Xavier to be on WLW whenever possible, and their sister stations when there is a conflict.

Agreed. I can't see X going off WLW.

[sirthought]

Just brainstorming ways this could go. Couple questions for the gallery:

Have you ever heard of a conference signing up with a national media outlet on radio?

I have never paid attention to this. Maybe if Big East is trying to stick with Fox Sports they will do a deal with them for radio. More national ads. We do have a Fox Sports radio station, 1360, which is owned by iHeart Media. Not the same reach, but if other Fox Sports Radio stations carry the Big East games it could be an overall plus.

AM radio is fighting to hold on. Could XU be taking the tiff with WLW as an opportunity to shop around the FM dial?

There might be an iHeart competitor, like Hubbard or Cumulus, just looking to step in. Especially if they use one of the digital second stations.

I don't have AM in my 2022 EV vehicle. EV auto manufactures are trying to ditch it because electric engines interfere with the sound of AM stations. But Ford wants to drop it from gas cars too. WLW does have a FM repeater station, which sounds a million times better than the AM, but isn't nearly as strong of a signal across the region. Still, FM sounds better listening to the game! And WLW people pretty much suck top to bottom. Who needs that?

I used to work in radio. It never would have occurred to me to think this when my career began, but AM radio is marching to its slow death. WLW is strong in Cincinnati, but overall listeners are moving away from AM.

[muskiefan82]

This is why I stream 1530 or 700 through iheart radio instead of using the actual radio. It's so much clearer

[X-band '01]

The one downside of streaming radio is there's more of a delay if you're trying to sync up with the television. But that can be worked around if you're savvy enough with the TV/DVR.

[sirthought]

The one downside of streaming radio is there's more of a delay if you're trying to sync up with the television. But that can be worked around if you're savvy enough with the TV/DVR.

I don't think dealing with a timing pain in the ass is savvy. I do enjoy Byron and Joe more. Tried it. Not worth it.

[GoMuskies]

I certainly don't think it's a matter of Xavier going woke, but I'd love to see the pearl clutching from the board if that ever happens to be the case.

I think Xavier got significantly less woke when Fr. Graham ended his reign of terror.

[JTG]

I think Xavier got significantly less woke when Fr. Graham ended his reign of terror.

Reign of terror ? Kind of over the top don't you think?

[Strange Brew]

I think Xavier got significantly less woke when Fr. Graham ended his reign of terror.

That's 5 reflection sessions for you. :)

[Masterofreality]

I think Xavier got significantly less woke when Fr. Graham ended his reign of terror.

And it is significant that it took a very effective woman President to do it.
Thanks Vince my classmate!

[zippin']

This is certainly more pipe dream than reality, but I do have some fun idea of Xavier restarting football and then the BE becoming some kind of football confence again with UCONN, Xavier, and then some combination of Duke, Syracuse, Boston College, Wake, etc after the next round of conference shake ups. This won't happen, but it's fun to think about (for me at least).

In regards to much more likely possibilities, I do wonder if it would be better for Xavier/the BE if everything just "reset" and football broke away to be its own entity, or if it didn't and the BE just remained in non-football no man's land. The former seems like it could be better as more traditional conferences would be restored while the latter would make me more nervous as the power 2 could just decide they don't care about BE basketball.

[UCGRAD4X]

This is certainly more pipe dream than reality, but I do have some fun idea of Xavier restarting football and then the BE becoming some kind of football confence again with UCONN, Xavier, and then some combination of Duke, Syracuse, Boston College, Wake, etc after the next round of conference shake ups. This won't happen, but it's fun to think about (for me at least).

In regards to much more likely possibilities, I do wonder if it would be better for Xavier/the BE if everything just "reset" and football broke away to be its own entity, or if it didn't and the BE just remained in non-football no man's land. The former seems like it could be better as more traditional conferences would be restored while the latter would make me more nervous as the power 2 could just decide they don't care about BE basketball.

I don't think P2 care about the BE now.

[zippin']

I don't think P2 care about the BE now.

They care enough to want to renegotiate the Gavitt Games I guess. Fox is involved, sure, but if the B10 really had no interest I doubt Fox would fight them too hard on it.

[UCGRAD4X]

They care enough to want to renegotiate the Gavitt Games I guess. Fox is involved, sure, but if the B10 really had no interest I doubt Fox would fight them too hard on it.

Fair enough. I just wonder, once the expansion schedule starts, if it will be more important to the BE than B10.

[JTG]

Fair enough. I just wonder, once the expansion schedule starts, if it will be more important to the BE than B10.

Of course it will always be more important to the Big East. The BIG has all the money and exposure they will ever need. The BE, not quite as much.

[sirthought]

The Enquirer gives some attention to Kachi Nzeh.

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/2023/09/21/xavier-basketball-kachi-nzeh-story-family-brother/70909824007/

[principal]

The Enquirer gives some attention to Kachi Nzeh.

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/2023/09/21/xavier-basketball-kachi-nzeh-story-family-brother/70909824007/

Could you give us the basic gist?

Prin

[XUGRAD80]

Could you give us the basic gist?

Prin

He’s been playing organized BB for only 3 years, used to be a 400meter track athlete. Uses his speed to get up and down the floor quickly. Is learning to run with control and get to the right spots at the right time. Will be concentrating on rebounding and defense as his offense continues to develop and improve. Coaches believe that he will develop into a great player at X.

[xudash]

He’s been playing organized BB for only 3 years, used to be a 400meter track athlete. Uses his speed to get up and down the floor quickly. Is learning to run with control and get to the right spots at the right time. Will be concentrating on rebounding and defense as his offense continues to develop and improve. Coaches believe that he will develop into a great player at X.

I will add that his parents are very focused on his education. They prioritize his education over sports, FYI.

Also, he is a humble young man who wants to improve and is very focused on taking direction.

Overall, he strikes me as being a young man who is extremely gifted athletically, and who should become a real special talent in short order.

[MHettel]

I will add that his parents are very focused on his education. They prioritize his education over sports, FYI.

Also, he is a humble young man who wants to improve and is very focused on taking direction.

Overall, he strikes me as being a young man who is extremely gifted athletically, and who should become a real special talent in short order.

What???!!!!

What kind of thinking is that? Don’t they know about NIL and the new transfer rules?

What kind of fucking long term thinking is that?

[xudash]

What???!!!!

What kind of thinking is that? Don’t they know about NIL and the new transfer rules?

What kind of fucking long term thinking is that?

Crazy, isn’t it.

[principal]

He’s been playing organized BB for only 3 years, used to be a 400meter track athlete. Uses his speed to get up and down the floor quickly. Is learning to run with control and get to the right spots at the right time. Will be concentrating on rebounding and defense as his offense continues to develop and improve. Coaches believe that he will develop into a great player at X.

Thank you!

[XU_Lou]

Well, if the BE has any thoughts or hopes of getting the Zags (not saying good or bad decision), time may be running out:


Brett McMurphy
@Brett_McMurphy
·
12h
Big 12 seriously considering adding Gonzaga in 2024 or '25, sources told
@ActionNetworkHQ. 1st report by @SethDavisHoops
. Decision may occur in 2 weeks, which would be “major coup” for Big 12. GU may accept less revenue (like SMU to ACC), source said.⤵️


https://twitter.com/Brett_McMurphy/status/1711394426575024503

[JTG]

B12 can offer more money than the BE, and the Zag are in their footprint

[MHettel]

B12 can offer more money than the BE, and the Zag are in their footprint

The zags are not in the B12 footprint. The big 12 is REALLY not in the zags footprint.

If this happens, I’ll be annoyed. I said a long time ago that the BE should gobble up as many BBall only properties that are out there. Gonzaga to the B12 opens up the flFBall conferences to grab BBall properties for in fill.

We didn’t play offense when we had the chance. Better hope the BE plays good defense

[xudash]

The zags are not in the B12 footprint. The big 12 is REALLY not in the zags footprint.

If this happens, I’ll be annoyed. I said a long time ago that the BE should gobble up as many BBall only properties that are out there. Gonzaga to the B12 opens up the flFBall conferences to grab BBall properties for in fill.

We didn’t play offense when we had the chance. Better hope the BE plays good defense

The only possible explanation that I have is that, had we wanted them that badly, it would’ve already happened by now, and probably at the time that UCONN came back.

Otherwise, and I haven’t looked at any links yet about all of this, but is it true that they are willing to accept $2 million per year? That’s a bad look for them, and it also shows that the Big 12 has to pinch every penny for the football side.

[sirthought]

The thing is none of these schools are just basketball. It involves a lot of travel and coordination around school work that the travel disrupts.

If the Big 12 wants them I don't think the Big East loses anything. I also don't think the Big 12 will move that soon before they really get settled with the incoming programs.

The Big East is built on fine institutions that have a great history. They need to really improve how good they are across the board to attract better TV ratings, but really the size of the schools and alumni base will always mean an uphill struggle with larger schools. But they don't have to expand to keep up what's been excellent competition and legacy.

[paulxu]

All of a sudden we're out. Wonder if that's because of Zach's injury.

https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/page/bracketology/ncaa-bracketology-2024-march-madness-men-field-predictions

[noteggs]

Jon Rothstein’s five questions with Sean

https://x.com/jonrothstein/status/1712090683379732893?s=42&t=U5TyKr_wshJKowj_nNzfHg

Also has them ranked 28 in his preseason poll…

https://x.com/jonrothstein/status/1711380996762075462?s=42&t=U5TyKr_wshJKowj_nNzfHg

[SCMuskie]

Article in The Athletic today on breakout players to watch for this season:



Desmond Claude, Xavier sophomore wing

Claude looks the part of a future pro. Good size (6-5), athletic, smooth handle, slasher and a clever finisher around the basket. The only part of his game that was really missing as a freshman was his shot (29.3 percent from 3), and the stroke looks better than the results. It’s not unusual for a freshman to struggle shooting the ball. That could come around. Claude really came on strong at the end of last season. He scored in double figures five times all season and four of those came in the final eight games. Xavier lost its five leading scorers, so the opportunity is there for Claude to become a star. Sean Miller was busy in the transfer portal, adding four transfers including accomplished scorers Dayvion McKnight and Quincy Olivari. But don’t be surprised if Claude emerges as Xavier’s go-to guy and leading scorer.

[Xville]

Article in The Athletic today on breakout players to watch for this season:

You could have told me that article was about Colby after his sophomore year, and I would have believed you. Claude is basically the exact same player with probably a bit more athleticism. If Claude improves his shot as Colby did, we can all expect him to be gone after this year.

[xudash]

Some additional context:

https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2023/10/30/college-basketball.aspx?publicationSource=sbj&issue=28dd39d67a1b47fe9e7872bb738342ac

I am a broken record with this, but it really is about - IT REALLY IS ALL ABOUT - our next media agreement.

Some quick opinions on my part:

1. People clamouring for expansion (of the BE) don't get it: the BE doesn't need to offer MORE content.

2. If expansion occurs, it probably only occurs because a deal is reached with Gonzaga somehow.

3. Related to all this: the round robin is a source of strength for the conference.

4. Notwithstanding the large football deals, I'm hopeful that 3 NC's and the mix of coaches will produce a nice bump in our per school payouts.

Overall, we are blessed to have such strong leadership. Ackerman, the Presidents, the AD's and the coaches all get it - the BE is a unique brand.

[GoMuskies]

Regarding expansion, in my mind only two and a half names have ever made sense: UConn (done), Gonzaga and Notre Dame (only count them as a half since it's never gonna happen). Outside of that no one offers us enough to change up the good thing we've already got. I mean, I guess if the whole thing blew up and Dook was looking for a home, but that's not realistic.

[chico]

Ackerman was at the preseason Q&A a few weeks ago for Miller, and specifically said she knows how important the round robin format is to the league and it's not going anywhere. Agree with Go that there is a short list of teams that could potentially join, but if the BE does expand it would only make sense to add only one team.

[UCGRAD4X]

Regarding expansion, in my mind only two and a half names have ever made sense: UConn (done), Gonzaga and Notre Dame (only count them as a half since it's never gonna happen). Outside of that no one offers us enough to change up the good thing we've already got. I mean, I guess if the whole thing blew up and Dook was looking for a home, but that's not realistic.

If Dookies were to be looking for a home, so would the Irish.

[xudash]

https://www.nj.com/sports/2023/10/big-east-will-begin-talks-with-fox-this-winter-on-media-rights-extension-were-optimistic-well-stay-in-business.html?outputType=amp

More good info - nothing earth shattering, but it points to solid positioning.

$8mm per team per annum or bust!

[bleedXblue]

Any news on the radio commitment for this year? Didnt really see anything

[bjf123]

Any news on the radio commitment for this year? Didnt really see anything

In a thread somewhere, someone said it would be just like last year, 700 WLW if no conflict with UC or the Bengals, and 550 WKRC if there is a conflict. You can probably also stream them using the iHeart app.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Masterofreality]

In a thread somewhere, someone said it would be just like last year, 700 WLW if no conflict with UC or the Bengals, and 550 WKRC if there is a conflict. You can probably also stream them using the iHeart app.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Or just on the Xavier athletics app

[Uncle Joe]

What's up with this board anymore? No comments on:

* Jonathan Powell commitment

* Kam Craft may red shirt this year

[paulxu]

http://www.xavierhoops.com/showthread.php?35724-2024-Recruits&p=769331#post769331

[Uncle Joe]

Is that thread hidden? It's not showing up in the "recent threads".