To Mike Aresco: Get on a flight to SLC

[Water Pony]

Dear Mike,

You need to be in Salt Lake City/Provo this week. The possibility of convincing BYU to join is worth every possible effort. The Big East with BYU would revitalize our appeal and improve our media value. A perfect combination would include Air Force too, but the Falcons have always be honest on their committment to MWC, especially CSU and NM.

In any case, this would be the best antidote to all the current confusion and reduce the anxiety of Cincinnati and CT.

BTW, this article gives financial reasons why Cougars should be receptive. And, I like their BB too. (Perhaps we can pull Gonzaga into the mix, along with a Creighton?)

http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootbal ... ution-plan

[mustangxc]

No need for basketball only schools, that is precisely what has hamstrung the Big East. Offer BYU an out clause such that if UCONN and/or Cincinnati bolt, BYU does not have to pay a buyout fee.

[Water Pony]

No need for basketball only schools, that is precisely what has hamstrung the Big East. Offer BYU an out clause such that if UCONN and/or Cincinnati bolt, BYU does not have to pay a buyout fee.

I like the out clause. The reason for Gonzaga is a traveling partner for BYU BB. And, having BB members-only has worked for the BE. That wasn't what chased Pitt, Syracuse, WVA, Louisville, etc. away. It was FB revenue. Consider Memphis, Cincinnati, Temple and UConn as the BE BB core with SMU and Houston adding geographical strength. BYU, Gonzaga, Creighton, etc. would add to a wonderful BB league and add national media appeal from these programs.

[AusTxPony]

What about SDSU? Wouldn't they stay if BYU joined? Would they be all sports?

[SMUstang]

They might, but there are no guarantees. Having their basketball in the Big West instead of the MWC is a serious problem. And with a much smaller payout per school, especially for football only schools, I doubt if they would stay.

[smumustang1980]

We don't need any more basketball only schools. We need a solid football conference because that's where the money is.

[AusTxPony]

I hope they do stay for football only and we pick up Fresno and BYU (dream big). SDSU in the Big West sorta guarantees them an NCAA Tournament invite every year doesn't it? And they could schedule New Big East for OOC BBall games. Hope they think this through.