What is this blasphemous travesty?!?!?

[muskiefan82]

https://goxavier.com/news/2024/7/22/xavier-and-dayton-set-to-play-mens-basketball-exhibition-game-on-oct-20-at-ud-arena?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3Mp17fitVGRvoh20v DcEx-Ft9HIlb-1lm2BpVV8m0juaY4JG56r6cFPvg_aem_ZnXnDxSOM48BzDl2dJ kgiQ

This is horrible for MY mental health

[drudy23]

I don't care what anybody says, this rivalry should have never ended. Great rivalry, solid competition.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I don't care what anybody says, this rivalry should have never ended. Great rivalry, solid competition.

I agree.

[xubrew]

Charity exhibition game tickets will be offered as part of the Dayton season ticket package

I didn't think this was allowed for an open D1 charity exhibition. You're right!! This IS a blasphemous travesty!!

[xubrew]

I don't care what anybody says, this rivalry should have never ended. Great rivalry, solid competition.

Kansas and Missouri finally resumed their series after a charity exhibition. And, even though Texas and Texas A&M had a big brawl at their charity exhibition game, that series (at least in basketball) was resumed as well. These games used to be kind of hard to put together. Both schools had to do a lot to get the NCAA to sign off on it, and after working on it together, I think it kind of made both of them say "Yunno, we should resume the actual series."

I'm not sure if it will happen, but it wouldn't shock me if it did. Once schools realize that they actually DON'T have everything to lose by playing a game like this, and that it's actually a good game to play, and that they actually look kind of silly continuing by insisting they shouldn't play it, these games start to come back.

Pitt v WVU is back too.

I hope Houston and Texas continue to play (although they probably won't). That was a lot of fun for the short time it lasted.

Rivalries are good for the sport. Rivalry games are the only games other than NCAA Tournament games that appeal to the entire spectrum of a team's fanbase. The casual fans care as much as the diehards. Hell, some people that aren't really fans at all still get into it. The sport needs more of that and not less.

[GoMuskies]

Just glad this is in Dayton. If the game had been in Cincy, it MIGHT have given them one last chance to end the Jimmy Carter streak (not that it would really count) before Jimmy passes.

[GoMuskies]

Rivalries are good for the sport

Agree. That's why the actual aggrieved parties who are on similar competitive levels should get together for a home and home: Dayton and College of Charleston.

[xubrew]

Agree. That's why the actual aggrieved parties who are on similar competitive levels should get together for a home and home: Dayton and College of Charleston.

Neither Xavier or Dayton have the guts to play a home and home with CofC. At least not in recent years.

EDIT: Oh, sorry. CHARLESTON. New branding.

[bleedXblue]

It's weird, we already have the UC game and massive build up around that......adding UD in the preseason would be really hard IMHO. With where the game is going and almost every program padding their win total b/c of difficult conference play it certainly would make this a very difficult decision to make

[drudy23]

It's weird, we already have the UC game and massive build up around that......adding UD in the preseason would be really hard IMHO. With where the game is going and almost every program padding their win total b/c of difficult conference play it certainly would make this a very difficult decision to make

We played like 11 Top 10 games last year. We can handle it.

[GoMuskies]

We played like 11 Top 10 games last year. We can handle it.

And even though we sucked last year, it wasn't because of all the top 10 opponents.

[bjf123]

Anyone want to bet that it’s a sellout with SRO tickets sold?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[paulxu]

I didn't think this was allowed for an open D1 charity exhibition. You're right!! This IS a blasphemous travesty!!

The "net proceeds from ticket sales" go to the foundation to support suicide prevention programs.

Since it's at Dayton, I'm betting there are no "net proceeds" left after the swamp expenses.

[sirthought]

I'm glad it's an exhibition game. That's where this one belongs. Too many of the most recent matches were total snoozers and no reason to continue with that because of tradition.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I'm glad it's an exhibition game. That's where this one belongs. Too many of the most recent matches were total snoozers and no reason to continue with that because of tradition.

Huh?

Xavier is 4-3 in the last 7. 4 of those 7 were won by single digits by the winning team. The other 3 games were a massive Xavier blowout and then an 11 and 15 point win by Dayton.

The average margin of victory for the winning team in those 4 close games was 2.5 points and one of them was an OT win by X.

The 3 games before those 7 Xavier won but all by 5 points or less.

Argue you don’t want them to play if you want but it surely can’t be because the games weren’t close.

[D-West & PO-Z]

7.9 points is the average margin of victory for the winning team in the last 10 games.

Take out the 29 point blow out (the only clear outlier) and the margin of victory was 5.5.

[Xville]

Good cause, but I don’t see the point in playing Dayton. It benefits X in no way, shape or form and we already have a rivalry game.

I’m in the camp of never wanting to play the game again. Let Dayton fade into obscurity.

[bleedXblue]

We played like 11 Top 10 games last year. We can handle it.

Exactly...like I said, we have enough tough games already. I see absolutely no benefit to it.

[xubrew]

Exactly...like I said, we have enough tough games already. I see absolutely no benefit to it.

Well, this particular game will draw the most interest of any exhibition game that Xavier has ever played in its history, and for the casual fans and/or the fans that are even less engaged than they are and only get interested in the rivalry games, one or two showcase games, and the NCAA Tournament, it will generate more interest from that group than most regular season games.

So, there's that. I'd say that's a benefit. Does Xavier NEED that? Not necessarily. But playing Dayton is more interesting to more people than just about anyone else Xavier can schedule. Maybe not to the diehard fans (which includes everyone here), but to the rest of the fan base it is. Or, at least it was. People who didn't even know that Xavier was playing on most of the nights they were playing did know when the Dayton game was.

Yes, the Shootout is a big rivalry, but it's at the Cintas Center once every two years. Having one big out of conference rivalry game at home every year engages the otherwise non-engaged part of the fanbase twice as often. That's not "Nothing." To say X doesn't "need" it is fair. It's been gone for over a decade and X has done just fine. To say there is no benefit at all is wrong. There definitely is.

[bleedXblue]

Well, this particular game will draw the most interest of any exhibition game that Xavier has ever played in its history, and for the casual fans and/or the fans that are even less engaged than they are and only get interested in the rivalry games, one or two showcase games, and the NCAA Tournament, it will generate more interest from that group than most regular season games.

So, there's that. I'd say that's a benefit. Does Xavier NEED that? Not necessarily. But playing Dayton is more interesting to more people than just about anyone else Xavier can schedule. Maybe not to the diehard fans (which includes everyone here), but to the rest of the fan base it is. Or, at least it was. People who didn't even know that Xavier was playing on most of the nights they were playing did know when the Dayton game was.

Yes, the Shootout is a big rivalry, but it's at the Cintas Center once every two years. Having one big out of conference rivalry game at home every year engages the otherwise non-engaged part of the fanbase twice as often. That's not "Nothing." To say X doesn't "need" it is fair. It's been gone for over a decade and X has done just fine. To say there is no benefit at all is wrong. There definitely is.

Fans would surely benefit from the game. Players and coaches maybe not so much.

[drudy23]

Fans would surely benefit from the game. Players and coaches maybe not so much.

Our non conference schedule ain't all that great this year (yes, I know that was purposeful because of the BE gauntlet). Adding Dayton wouldn't kill us, especially at home.

You still want some sexy non-conference home games. We have none this year.

[Xavier]

I agree the schedule kind of stinks. It’s a price you pay after last year. I’d be fine adding Dayton if we move towards this scheduling in the future. It’s at least a game you can get up for. A good test before big east play

We won’t see a similar schedule to last year any time soon. It was probably the toughest schedule X has ever had. But nothing beats high level cbb home games. I’d prefer tougher schedules even if it costs X a couple seed lines.

[Xville]

I think wake is supposed to be pretty good—-possible tourney team. I know they aren’t “sexy” but should be a good home test

[drudy23]

In the UC away years, bring in an interesting non-conference opponent (or two). That's all I'm saying.

Wake is....eh

[xubrew]

Fans would surely benefit from the game. Players and coaches maybe not so much.

Players want to play in games that the fans are excited to see. Coaches don't always want to coach in those games, and admins don't always want to schedule those games, but just about all the players LOVE these types of games. If it were up to the players, a lot of used-to-be/would-be rivalries that aren't played would pretty much all be played.

[Xville]

In the UC away years, bring in an interesting non-conference opponent (or two). That's all I'm saying.

Wake is....eh

I thought the home non-con two years ago was perfect. Indiana and wvu. Wvu turned out to be crap, but still a high profile game against huggy bear.

[xudash]

In what universe is Dayton considered a “sexy” OOC opportunity. That is laughable.

Pre-season exhibition game for charity in support of Grant’s charity? No problem. Class move on Xavier’s part.

Providing VD a few ounces of status by lining up H/H series that count? Can’t see that happening as things presently exist.

[xubrew]

In what universe is Dayton considered a “sexy” OOC opportunity. That is laughable.

Pre-season exhibition game for charity in support of Grant’s charity? No problem. Class move on Xavier’s part.

Providing VD a few ounces of status by lining up H/H series that count? Can’t see that happening as things presently exist.

To the diehard and serious fans it probably isn't sexy at all.

To the casual fans/non-fans-other-than-rivalries-showcases-and-NCAAs, it was and it would be again.

It's probably what a song like Enter Sandman is to Metallica. The diehard fans that have every import and bootleg and go to 20 shows a year are sick of it and kind of wish they wouldn't play it anymore. They want to hear the deep tracks and early stuff more than the radio hits. To the other people that don't know the band that well, they want to hear it. That may be one of the few songs they actually know and really like. So, who are you playing for?? If you want to grow your fan base and engage as many people as you can, play UD. If you feel you've got enough diehard fans to where those are the only ones you really need to worry about pleasing (which both X and Metallica probably do), then don't.

You can't say that playing Dayton wouldn't interest more people than just about anyone else X could play out of conference. It would. it may not interest YOU. It may not interest most of the people here. But it would create more buzz among the non-diehards than just about any other game they could regularly play. That in and of itself isn't necessarily a reason to play it, but let's at least acknowledge that reality.

[xudash]

Let’s not acknowledge that reality. We are both expressing opinions here, not stating hard facts.

You honestly believe that Dayton would attract more buzz than UK or DUKE were we able to line them up?

We recently had Ohio State in the building. That game boat races any game that we could play against Dayton.

I respect that you see the value in an old rivalry game. No problem.

I focus on VD being far back in our rear view mirror and keeping them there.

[xubrew]

Let’s not acknowledge that reality. We are both expressing opinions here, not stating hard facts.

You honestly believe that Dayton would attract more buzz than UK or DUKE were we able to line them up?

We recently had Ohio State in the building. That game boat races any game that we could play against Dayton.

I respect that you see the value in an old rivalry game. No problem.

I focus on VD being far back in our rear view mirror and keeping them there.

No, and I never said that.

Do YOU honestly believe these are teams Xavier could REGULARLY play on equal terms? And, if this were an actual option, then why isn't it already happening?

It's not just seeing value in an old rivalry. It's seeing an opportunity to engage and excite people that, out of the 30ish games Xavier plays every year, don't really care all that much about 28 of them. I think college basketball as a whole needs more games like that. In order to create more fans, they need to engage people that are not currently fans. The more that happens, then the more likely it is people that aren't currently fans will become fans. There are easily a hundred examples of a team not wanting to play a game that would interest people that otherwise wouldn't be interested. That's mostly where I'm coming from. It's knowing that people cared about that game that didn't care about most of the rest of the others.

[nuts4xu]

I am ok with playing dayton in an exhibtion game for a good cause.

But I hate everything about their program. I hate their dump of an arena, their window licking fans, the po-dunk town they play in, I mean every single fucking thing. EVERYTHING.

I don't fear playing them, I merely don't care to. You will never sell me on the benefits of playing dayton and I am surprised we agreed to this scrimmage.

It's been great not sharing the same air as dayton fans the past decade or so since we played them twice a year.

I hope their program withers up and dies a slow painful, heartbreaking death.

[xubrew]

I am ok with playing dayton in an exhibtion game for a good cause.

But I hate everything about their program. I hate their dump of an arena, their window licking fans, the po-dunk town they play in, I mean every single fucking thing. EVERYTHING.

I don't fear playing them, I merely don't care to. You will never sell me on the benefits of playing dayton and I am surprised we agreed to this scrimmage.

It's been great not sharing the same air as dayton fans the past decade or so since we played them twice a year.

I hope their program withers up and dies a slow painful, heartbreaking death.

See, this is GREAT stuff!! Running toward the hate creates MUCH better theater than running away from it!!

I think this is something college basketball needs more of. Too many teams run away from the hate. It would be better, and more exciting, and more engaging to more people if teams ran toward the hate instead!

[xudash]

To the diehard and serious fans it probably isn't sexy at all.

To the casual fans/non-fans-other-than-rivalries-showcases-and-NCAAs, it was and it would be again.

It's probably what a song like Enter Sandman is to Metallica. The diehard fans that have every import and bootleg and go to 20 shows a year are sick of it and kind of wish they wouldn't play it anymore. They want to hear the deep tracks and early stuff more than the radio hits. To the other people that don't know the band that well, they want to hear it. That may be one of the few songs they actually know and really like. So, who are you playing for?? If you want to grow your fan base and engage as many people as you can, play UD. If you feel you've got enough diehard fans to where those are the only ones you really need to worry about pleasing (which both X and Metallica probably do), then don't.

You can't say that playing Dayton wouldn't interest more people than just about anyone else X could play out of conference. It would. it may not interest YOU. It may not interest most of the people here. But it would create more buzz among the non-diehards than just about any other game they could regularly play. That in and of itself isn't necessarily a reason to play it, but let's at least acknowledge that reality.

Sorry. I just don’t. And I believe you are overstating the number of casual fans that would moth their way to this toxic flame.

They are where they should be: in mid-major hell with the privilege of playing LossSalle and Fordham.

[paulxu]

Do YOU honestly believe these are teams Xavier could REGULARLY play on equal terms? And, if this were an actual option, then why isn't it already happening?

Because they think of us the same way I think of Dayton.

[xubrew]

Because they think of us the same way I think of Dayton.

I don't think Duke or Kentucky really think of Xavier in any way. They don't think of us at all.

[GoMuskies]

I don't think Duke or Kentucky really think of Xavier in any way. They don't think of us at all.

OK, Draper.

[Xville]

Sorry. I just don’t. And I believe you are overstating the number of casual fans that would moth their way to this toxic flame.

They are where they should be: in mid-major hell with the privilege of playing LossSalle and Fordham.

Agree here.

Who is this casual fan that all of a sudden is going to get all amped up to go watch Dayton, and really what’s that do for Xavier? There’s no need for this game. Cintas sells out almost every game, we are in a big boy conference. We already have a rivalry game.

Let Dayton lie in their sewage

[xubrew]

OK, Draper.

I live deep within Big Blue country. When I tell people I went to Xavier, they seem to kind of know who that is and may have seen a game at some point over the last ten years or so. Many UK fans have the remarkable ability to recall, in detail, seemingly random games from as far back as the 1980s. But Xavier hasn't played them since 1968. They really don't think about us.

[GoMuskies]

I'm a casual fan when we play Our Lady of Perpetual Sorrows, and I'd be more likely to watch us play Dayton. But we've got to play the occasional patsy.

Sure, we sell out, but there are a number of games where most people in the building aren't really that interested in the product, because it's boring. None of this is to endorse a Dayton home and home, but 'brew's not wrong that replacing some garbage opponent that everyone knows we're going to thrash with Dayton would be a lot more interesting.

[paulxu]

I don't think Duke or Kentucky really think of Xavier in any way. They don't think of us at all.

I don't think about Dayton at all, unless someone starts a thread about some charity game.

We should focus on getting OSU, KY and Ind; even if just at their house. Close enough for season tx holders to make the trip.

[xubrew]

I don't think about Dayton at all, unless someone starts a thread about some charity game.

We should focus on getting OSU, KY and Ind; even if just at their house. Close enough for season tx holders to make the trip.

If we could work something out, then sure! I think Chris Holtmann wanted to play teams like Xavier home and home when he was at Ohio State. Of course now there is the small matter of him not being there any more.

Kentucky USED to seek out neutral floor showcase games, so it may not have been to crazy to think we could set something up in a home/neutral situation with the neutral being split tickets at US Bank. But, then again, they always have a ton of options, so... And now that Mark Pope is coaching, I don't know. They did restart the series with San Diego STate while he was at BYU, but for the most part that guy really likes going to the bakery and ordering cupcakes.

I'd love to play Indiana. I feel they are grossly overvalued as a program, they certainly love themselves some them, and am still annoyed that we didn't beat them the last time we played them. The current issue with them is that Mike Woodson is beginning to put together what I call a "job security schedule." Which, ultimately won't help him because all that really does is put even more pressure for them to win in conference while at the same time not preparing them for conference play. I always say that too many cupcakes can make you fat, and IU is in danger of becoming morbidly obese... https://iuhoosiers.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule.

But...yeah! I'd love to play any of these teams! All three of them would be even better! I'd like to play Louisville too. They've been quite sucktacular in recent years, but I still think it would be a fun series.

[drudy23]

I thought the home non-con two years ago was perfect. Indiana and wvu. Wvu turned out to be crap, but still a high profile game against huggy bear.

Agree.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Fans generally want games that are going to bring some juice. WVU vs Huggs, a big non conf opponent, or a rival (UC).

A Dayton series would bring juice. Whether its because you hate them, or miss the old rivalry, or like playing local teams, or are dying to keep the home streak alive, whatever the reason may be, it would bring "juice".

If you need any more evidence, check out the amount of replies to this thread in the deep depths of the offseason.

[xukeith]

I don't think X needs a game with more drama in regular season.
If it were a regular OOC game, X would not be gaining much from it.
UD's superbowl is a losing situation for X. Plenty to lose. Not much to gain.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I don't think X needs a game with more drama in regular season.
If it were a regular OOC game, X would not be gaining much from it.
UD's superbowl is a losing situation for X. Plenty to lose. Not much to gain.

Dayton's avg NET ranking over the las 5 years is 49.2.

With that avg they would be a Quad 2 win at home and a Quad 1 win on the road.

2 of the 5 years they would have been a Quad 1 win even at home.

I don't think there is nothing to gain from playing them.

Xavier certainly doesn't need the game but if the schools decided to resume it, it would not hurt Xavier.

[paulxu]

I would think Dayton's challenge is to build a case each year for an at large berth.
The A10 seemingly has devolved into a one bid league; you need a really good resume if you don't win the conference tournament.

[Xville]

Dayton's avg NET ranking over the las 5 years is 49.2.

With that avg they would be a Quad 2 win at home and a Quad 1 win on the road.

2 of the 5 years they would have been a Quad 1 win even at home.

I don't think there is nothing to gain from playing them.

Xavier certainly doesn't need the game but if the schools decided to resume it, it would not hurt Xavier.

I care less what it would do for Xavier, and more what it would do for Dayton. I don’t want to help that shit hole in any way shape or form. Fuck em , let them rot in the a10

[GoMuskies]

I care less what it would do for Xavier, and more what it would do for Dayton. I don’t want to help that shit hole in any way shape or form. Fuck em , let them rot in the a10

Well, sure, but tell us how you REALLY feel about Dayton.

[xudash]

Dayton's avg NET ranking over the las 5 years is 49.2.

With that avg they would be a Quad 2 win at home and a Quad 1 win on the road.

2 of the 5 years they would have been a Quad 1 win even at home.

I don't think there is nothing to gain from playing them.

Xavier certainly doesn't need the game but if the schools decided to resume it, it would not hurt Xavier.

Dayton is comfortably in the rearview mirror for me as I've mentioned before. I don't think about them anymore. When they're brought to my attention, as is the case with the news of this charity game, then I'll dive in with comments about it.

I have no problem whatsoever with this charity event. In fact, it is a class move on Xavier's part to participate in it. And I am sorry for Anthony Grant and his family for what they've had to live through with the loss of their daughter and the circumstances behind that loss.

Beyond that, it's this simple, at least for me: this isn't about basketball, per se. Xavier is in the Big East. Dayton is not in the Big East. Dayton is a mid-major stuck in the A10. They deserve their fate because of their lack of success - the kind of success that would otherwise warrant their inclusion at the big boy table.

We hold our Big East membership over their heads institutionally. They would do the same to us were the situation reversed. I can assure you it drives them absolutely mad that they are in this position, especially vis-a-vis Xavier. If I really wanted to waste some of my life, I'm sure I could go onto their message board to find post after post about how important it is for them to make it into the Big East for the future.

That won't be happening. They're stuck. We are going to keep them stuck there. And we aren't going to do something really stupid like scheduling regular season basketball games with them. Let them enjoy - literally enjoy - their delusion of being a top dog in the Atlantic 10 Conference.

The last time they faced Xavier they got blown off the floor in a 29-point loss on a neutral court in Orlando. Imagine that program trying to make it through even one Big East regular season. They are where they belong with LaSalle and Fordham.

[Leghorn]

Dayton is comfortably in the rearview mirror for me as I've mentioned before. I don't think about them anymore. When they're brought to my attention, as is the case with the news of this charity game, then I'll dive in with comments about it.

I have no problem whatsoever with this charity event. In fact, it is a class move on Xavier's part to participate in it. And I am sorry for Anthony Grant and his family for what they've had to live through with the loss of their daughter and the circumstances behind that loss.

Beyond that, it's this simple, at least for me: this isn't about basketball, per se. Xavier is in the Big East. Dayton is not in the Big East. Dayton is a mid-major stuck in the A10. They deserve their fate because of their lack of success - the kind of success that would otherwise warrant their inclusion at the big boy table.

We hold our Big East membership over their heads institutionally. They would do the same to us were the situation reversed. I can assure you it drives them absolutely mad that they are in this position, especially vis-a-vis Xavier. If I really wanted to waste some of my life, I'm sure I could go onto their message board to find post after post about how important it is for them to make it into the Big East for the future.

That won't be happening. They're stuck. We are going to keep them stuck there. And we aren't going to do something really stupid like scheduling regular season basketball games with them. Let them enjoy - literally enjoy - their delusion of being a top dog in the Atlantic 10 Conference.

The last time they faced Xavier they got blown off the floor in a 29-point loss on a neutral court in Orlando. Imagine that program trying to make it through even one Big East regular season. They are where they belong with LaSalle and Fordham.

I like your enthusiasm and agree completely.

[muskiefan82]

I'm just going to have to accept this and recognize that X agreeing to play Dayton at all is the greatest charity move ever.

[nuts4xu]

I'm just going to have to accept this and recognize that X agreeing to play Dayton at all is the greatest charity move ever.

Charity move for a poverty program.

It is 9:21AM on Thursday July 25th, 2024 and dayton still sucks!!

[xubrew]

Dayton is comfortably in the rearview mirror for me as I've mentioned before. I don't think about them anymore. When they're brought to my attention, as is the case with the news of this charity game, then I'll dive in with comments about it.

I have no problem whatsoever with this charity event. In fact, it is a class move on Xavier's part to participate in it. And I am sorry for Anthony Grant and his family for what they've had to live through with the loss of their daughter and the circumstances behind that loss.

Beyond that, it's this simple, at least for me: this isn't about basketball, per se. Xavier is in the Big East. Dayton is not in the Big East. Dayton is a mid-major stuck in the A10. They deserve their fate because of their lack of success - the kind of success that would otherwise warrant their inclusion at the big boy table.

We hold our Big East membership over their heads institutionally. They would do the same to us were the situation reversed. I can assure you it drives them absolutely mad that they are in this position, especially vis-a-vis Xavier. If I really wanted to waste some of my life, I'm sure I could go onto their message board to find post after post about how important it is for them to make it into the Big East for the future.

That won't be happening. They're stuck. We are going to keep them stuck there. And we aren't going to do something really stupid like scheduling regular season basketball games with them. Let them enjoy - literally enjoy - their delusion of being a top dog in the Atlantic 10 Conference.

The last time they faced Xavier they got blown off the floor in a 29-point loss on a neutral court in Orlando. Imagine that program trying to make it through even one Big East regular season. They are where they belong with LaSalle and Fordham.

When I look at Dayton, I don't think there is a program that underachieves as much as they do given how set up they are for success. Any coach that's even average should be able to win there. Brian Gregory went to multiple NCAA Tournaments and even made the second round. BRIAN GREGORY!!!! I rest my case!!

Considering their resources and revenue, and comparing that to the rest of the teams in their league, they should be dominating. Not consistently being one of the better teams, but being the best team virtually every year like X was. They play 18 conference games and I think 6 home buy games. That's 24 of the 31 regular season games they play. A fucking magic 8 ball should be able to coach that team and win 22 games a year. Any season where they don't win 25 games should be looked at as not meeting expectations, and any season where they fail to win 22 should be viewed as a failure and a change should be made. Everyone thought Archie Miller was incredible. He really wasn't. He was just decent enough to win at a level that any decent coach should be able to win at when they're at a program that has so many advantages over their competition.

Yet, they don't win nearly as much as they should. They aren't necessarily outperformed by Fordham and LaSalle, but they are being outperformed by programs like VCU who don't have nearly the fanbase, the resources, or the cash that UD puts into basketball. Richmond won more A10 games than Dayton did last year. RICHMOND!!!!

Not being in the Big East should not be what drives them crazy. Only being able to win more than 25 games once in the last decade despite all the advantages they have should be what drives them crazy. I actually think obsessing over Xavier is kind of bad for them. Start dominating VCU (and everyone else that has far less than they do) first. Start being what programs like Nevada were when Mussleman was there and what Wichita State was when they were in the MVC. Out of the 364 (I think now) D1 programs, almost none of them are set up for success more than UD is and have as big of an advantage over their competition as UD does in terms of resources, yet they can't win. They need to start worrying about that.

[xubrew]

Grand Canyon. They're perhaps more set up for success than Dayton is. But, here's the thing. Grand Canyon is doing something that Dayton appears to not be doing. They are winning like that should be!! And this year...HOLY SHIT!! they may not start off in the top 25, but I think they'll be there for most of the season. They're freakin' good!

And...I know I'm in the minority, but I'd like to see X and GCU play. I think it'd be a great game. Great games and feuds. That's what I like to see. X v UD may not be a rivalry, but it was (and in a lot of ways still is) a feud. If I'm being honest with myself, that's really the only reason I want it to come back. And, it's hardly the only series that isn't played that I wish was played. I like that kind of stuff. I like it for all the reasons most of you don't. It's ironic, but I like the idea of more hate in college hoops more than I hate that idea.

But, GCU would be a lot of fun too. And, at least on paper, they're probably a better team to play than UD and would be the better choice if X were going to put a non-power program on the schedule (which I know they won't).

[bleedXblue]

Its amazing how quickly CBB went from load up the non conference schedule to get ready for league play to now schedule 2-3 good games and load up on a bunch of home patsies. At least thats what it feels like.

[xubrew]

Its amazing how quickly CBB went from load up the non conference schedule to get ready for league play to now schedule 2-3 good games and load up on a bunch of home patsies. At least thats what it feels like.

You're right. And, it's supposedly to game the NET. But, here's the thing...

I think we had three teams with top 30 NETS that weren't selected last year. The committee has repeatedly said that the NET is nothing more than a sorting tool. They've also repeatedly said that teams need to play a good OOC schedule. Last year, they took teams that played on the road and beat a team inside the bubble away from home over teams that didn't (including a few BE teams that were left out). It couldn't have been any more clear.

Yet, people tend to load up with home patsies. Shouldn't colleges be...yunno...smarter or something??