KeaneyBlue - The URI Basketball Forum

College Sports Madness is doing a top 144 teams, with a new profile each day counting down to the season start. UNC-Asheville they have at #106, predicted to win their conference. Pretty well done piece for a site I don't think I'd heard of before.

http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/14955

Glad to see the holy cross game when the students are on campus. Don't need games on week days before thanksgiving.

If you thought scheduling a Big Ten school was already very difficult (which it is), it looks like it will become even more so starting in 2018-19 with two less OOC games (replaced with an additional two league games):

Just like the ACC announced
Two big, prestigious P5 Conferences going to 20 game schedules. Will the other 3 be far behind?

ramster wrote:Just like the ACC announced
Two big, prestigious P5 Conferences going to 20 game schedules. Will the other 3 be far behind?

Probably not. It makes scheduling OOC games against P5 schools even tougher. Series games vs the likes of teams like Nevada will for the most part become the best that URI will be able to do.

Would love to see Rhody schedule a home and home with a Gonzaga too. And don't say Gonzaga is too big. They did a home and home with St. Joe's in recent years.

Agree that would be awesome

steviep123 wrote:Would love to see Rhody schedule a home and home with a Gonzaga too. And don't say Gonzaga is too big. They did a home and home with St. Joe's in recent years.

The difference in Gonzaga playing St. John's means 1) the Zags played at MSG, which is a huge deal and 2) they got some national TV exposure out of it and 3) I believe it was part of the NIT Season Tip Off. If the Zags are going to do such a thing (i.e. schedule a team like URI), they need to have some compelling reasons ($$$$$).

PlayMikeMotenMore wrote:

steviep123 wrote:Would love to see Rhody schedule a home and home with a Gonzaga too. And don't say Gonzaga is too big. They did a home and home with St. Joe's in recent years.

The difference in Gonzaga playing St. John's means 1) the Zags played at MSG, which is a huge deal and 2) they got some national TV exposure out of it and 3) I believe it was part of the NIT Season Tip Off. If the Zags are going to do such a thing (i.e. schedule a team like URI), they need to have some compelling reasons ($$$$$).

He said St. Joe's, not St. John's. However, the @ St. Joe's game was 10 years ago (it was their only OOC road game in 07-08). They have generally only played 2-3 road games in OOC since, almost exclusively against P5 teams, mostly out west, with the exception of Xavier in 11-12. In some years they've played one road game; last year they played none and this year they play none.

I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for Gonzaga to come here.

Gonzaga is a smaller school with a total budget of 265 million.
....Their athletic budget is 20 million, including all scholarships.
....Their travel expenses for all sports is 2.4 million.

Inspite of their men's basketball success, their budget pales to that of a P5 school. Like ourselves, probably many considerations with each expenditure.

TruePoint wrote:

PlayMikeMotenMore wrote:

steviep123 wrote:Would love to see Rhody schedule a home and home with a Gonzaga too. And don't say Gonzaga is too big. They did a home and home with St. Joe's in recent years.

The difference in Gonzaga playing St. John's means 1) the Zags played at MSG, which is a huge deal and 2) they got some national TV exposure out of it and 3) I believe it was part of the NIT Season Tip Off. If the Zags are going to do such a thing (i.e. schedule a team like URI), they need to have some compelling reasons ($$$$$).

He said St. Joe's, not St. John's. However, the @ St. Joe's game was 10 years ago (it was their only OOC road game in 07-08). They have generally only played 2-3 road games in OOC since, almost exclusively against P5 teams, mostly out west, with the exception of Xavier in 11-12. In some years they've played one road game; last year they played none and this year they play none.

I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for Gonzaga to come here.

My fault. I was wrong on the St. John's reference. Sorry about that.

Update: As of today, eight A-10 members have announced their OOC schedules. With the exception of St. Bona all have the desired 13 game schedule, the Bonnies will play only 12 games. Besides URI, St. Joe's, Richmond, Fordham, GW and Davidson have yet to announce.

Obadiah wrote:Update: As of today, eight A-10 members have announced their OOC schedules. With the exception of St. Bona all have the desired 13 game schedule, the Bonnies will play only 12 games. Besides URI, St. Joe's, Richmond, Fordham, GW and Davidson have yet to announce.

I have to assume the hold up is that they might still be trying to get that one last allowable game. Given there may be a game vs a non D1 school (Oakland City), it is important to play a full slate with as many D1 opponents as possible.

RF1 wrote:

Obadiah wrote:Update: As of today, eight A-10 members have announced their OOC schedules. With the exception of St. Bona all have the desired 13 game schedule, the Bonnies will play only 12 games. Besides URI, St. Joe's, Richmond, Fordham, GW and Davidson have yet to announce.

I have to assume the hold up is that they might still be trying to get that one last allowable game. Given there may be a game vs a non D1 school (Oakland City), it is important to play a full slate with as many D1 opponents as possible.

I remember one year, not too long ago, where we released the schedule, short one game, and then added one later on - in mid September I believe to give us the full allotment. I think it might have been Detroit that we added and it might have been a home and home.

Still lot's of teams without their OOC Schedules out there

It was Iona that was added after the schedule was released.

Nice idea

https://www.fanragsports.com/news/roths ... enge-2019/

ramster wrote:Nice idea

https://www.fanragsports.com/news/roths ... enge-2019/

Who would the A-10 play if it went this route? The P5 leagues and Big East would probably not cooperate with the A-10. The most similar league in strength has been the AAC but many of their members still live in the past thinking they are higher up in the pecking order than current reality. The only other leagues worth consideration might be the MWV or WCC.

I wonder what the hold up is on our unknown Preseason NIT game. The other three schools playing in Brooklyn have their two home NIT opponents named already.

RF1 wrote:

ramster wrote:Nice idea

https://www.fanragsports.com/news/roths ... enge-2019/

Who would the A-10 play if it went this route? The P5 leagues and Big East would probably not cooperate with the A-10. The most similar league in strength has been the AAC but many of their members still live in the past thinking they are higher up in the pecking order than current reality. The only other leagues worth consideration might be the MWV or WCC.

The AAC is the logical choice...some interesting matchups with their current configuration like Dayton vs Cincy, URI vs UConn, Temple vs St. Joe's, VCU vs SMU or Memphis. Would be a great idea for the league to guarantee some high caliber games, which is becoming more necessary with the P5 conferences adding more league games.

I agree AAC would be the best choice for that

I see we are scheduled to play UConn in football next August 30, 2018 [UConn football website]. Maybe it could happen in men's basketball as well? UConn has had a tough time filling the Civic Center. I'm not sure that they would have any incentive to play at the smaller Mohegan Sun Arena though.

bigappleram wrote: The AAC is the logical choice...some interesting matchups with their current configuration like Dayton vs Cincy, URI vs UConn, Temple vs St. Joe's, VCU vs SMU or Memphis. Would be a great idea for the league to guarantee some high caliber games, which is becoming more necessary with the P5 conferences adding more league games.

Jon Rothstein wrote an article about such a challenge between the leagues back in June:
https://www.fanragsports.com/cbb/rothst ... challenge/

Rothstein's tweet for above article and comments:


Many UConn fans panned the idea on their board:
https://the-boneyard.com/threads/rothst ... ge.112499/

Excerpts:
It would also further the AAC's image as a mid-major conference.

That is probably a smart idea but makes me want to vomit

The saddest part about this is it makes a lot of sense

kill me now please. I never wanted to believe it was over. Its over.

It makes no sense at all.

Sad!

No, no , no!

I'm in agreement with BB, the A10 is a horrific conference. We definitely do NOT want to partner up with them ever! Sorry brother but NO!!!


Most of the UConn fanbase is still living in the past and believe their program is still on par with its past. They refuse to accept that the AAC is quite similar to the A-10 in strength. They choose to ignore the fact that the leagues have traded places in the last few years with regards to which has the better RPI ranking and more NCAA bids. Many Uconn and AAC fans denigrate Duquesne and Fordham of the A-10 while ignoring the fact they have Tulane, USF, UCF, and ECU. They are oblivious to the reality that the A-10 has had 15 NCAA participants to 12 for the AAC since their league was formed.


There was a thread here right after Rothstein's article and tweet.
http://keaneyblue.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=6911

We live in the past too.

UCONN just doesn't look good on the gridiron or the hardwood. People on this board rush to protect them but they are on the decline.

Asked someone in ticketing when the schedule is going to be released. He said mid-September.

UConn may have one or two years left to separate themselves. But if they don't they will slide back to mid major status which would be sad. As far as the AAC goes they are weak at the bottom but no A10 team has the pedigree of UConn Cinci or even Memphis. Plus Wichita State now. Matching up with the AAC still has upside for the A10

In the conference re-shuffling over the past 10 years UConn has become the school which has lost the most stature.

They needed football and basketball to take them to the ACC or the Big10 and it didn't....the AAC needs a couple of more top notch football and basketball schools before they can challenge the Power 5 conferences....and I don't think those schools are out there

The AAC's advantage over the A10 is their level of football.....basketball is close to a wash.....both conferences are weak at the bottom and comparable at the top and middle.

The AAC wants to improve their stature and thinks that they won't do that playing the A10 in basketball.

But it would help the A10 at least a little.....one problem though would be the travel costs involved playing the AAC since that conference is spread out quite a bit, and some of their schools are well over 1000 miles away.

And UConn...is not helping their football look right now at all... trailing Holy Cross 20-7...at home....

My guess is they will struggle early but improve as the season goes on.....the staff should be an upgrade over the previous one....the question is, can they recruit well enough? Being in the AAC is not doing them any favors.....maybe we can spring an upset next August.

Rhody v Wichita would be great !!!

A10 schedule released tomorrow per twitter

Looks like their whole schedule will be out tomorrow.

Bird‏ @TheBirdmanJrJr · 8m8 minutes ago
Hearing that @RhodyMBB will release their non-conference schedule tomorrow, on top of @A10MBB schedule drop. #GoRhody

GW just announced their 13 game OOC schedule. They open with an exhibition match against. Fairmont State. They play Xavier in the Las Vegas Invitational and then either K-State or Arizona State. Other notable opponents are Florida State (away), Penn State (away), Miami (home) and Temple (home). Will also host games versus Harvard and Princeton.

We will finally find out if they filled out the last allowable game and whether a school coming off a win in the NCAA Tournament is actually going to play a tiny christian non D1 school (Oakland City).

Obadiah wrote:GW just announced their 13 game OOC schedule. They open with an exhibition match against. Fairmont State. They play Xavier in the Las Vegas Invitational and then either K-State or Arizona State. Other notable opponents are Florida State (away), Penn State (away), Miami (home) and Temple (home). Will also host games versus Harvard and Princeton.

Wow. Best OOC in the country???

I'm hearing they will release what they have scheduled to date, not necessarily where the schedule will finish. Still working out details to complete the schedule.

Rhodymob05 wrote:

Obadiah wrote:GW just announced their 13 game OOC schedule. They open with an exhibition match against. Fairmont State. They play Xavier in the Las Vegas Invitational and then either K-State or Arizona State. Other notable opponents are Florida State (away), Penn State (away), Miami (home) and Temple (home). Will also host games versus Harvard and Princeton.

Wow. Best OOC in the country???

Better than ours, that's for sure.

rambone 78 wrote:

Rhodymob05 wrote:

Obadiah wrote:GW just announced their 13 game OOC schedule. They open with an exhibition match against. Fairmont State. They play Xavier in the Las Vegas Invitational and then either K-State or Arizona State. Other notable opponents are Florida State (away), Penn State (away), Miami (home) and Temple (home). Will also host games versus Harvard and Princeton.

Wow. Best OOC in the country???

Better than ours, that's for sure.

Sexier names for sure, better RPI OOC SOS? We'll see. Ours will be strong.

Last week, St. Joseph's released their OOC schedule and the Hawks will play only 11 games. The Hawks will travel to California to play in the Wooden Legacy where they will meet Washington State and Harvard or St. Mary's and one other team. The schedule includes the usual Big Five rivals. They will also play St. John's at Mohegan Sun in the Holiday Showcase.

rambone 78 wrote:

Rhodymob05 wrote:

Obadiah wrote:GW just announced their 13 game OOC schedule. They open with an exhibition match against. Fairmont State. They play Xavier in the Las Vegas Invitational and then either K-State or Arizona State. Other notable opponents are Florida State (away), Penn State (away), Miami (home) and Temple (home). Will also host games versus Harvard and Princeton.

Wow. Best OOC in the country???

Better than ours, that's for sure.

Not by choice, I know our staff tried to schedule some tough games. Florida State, South Carolina, and Minnesota all turned us down for games at their place.

rambone 78 wrote:

Rhodymob05 wrote:

Obadiah wrote:GW just announced their 13 game OOC schedule. They open with an exhibition match against. Fairmont State. They play Xavier in the Las Vegas Invitational and then either K-State or Arizona State. Other notable opponents are Florida State (away), Penn State (away), Miami (home) and Temple (home). Will also host games versus Harvard and Princeton.

Wow. Best OOC in the country???

Better than ours, that's for sure.

PC
Seton Hall
Alabama
UVA or Vanderbilt
Nevada
Iona

4 of those 6 are Top 30ish teams. Not sure how anyone could ding the schedule DH put together.

bigappleram wrote:

rambone 78 wrote:

Rhodymob05 wrote:
Wow. Best OOC in the country???

Better than ours, that's for sure.

PC
Seton Hall
Alabama
UVA or Vanderbilt
Nevada
Iona

4 of those 6 are Top 30ish teams. Not sure how anyone could ding the schedule DH put together.

Dan knows what he's doing obviously. The OOC SOS will be extremely high this year, not many cupcakes and a bunch of solid top 100 type RPI mid's on the schedule. If we continue this success, sexier names will want to schedule home and homes. It's already paying dividend with Alabama signing on this year, more to come hopefully.

bigappleram wrote: Not sure how anyone could ding the schedule DH put together.

But everyone will try anyway!

That's why we can't have nice things.

Moving the goal posts is Bone's MO. Best OOC schedule in the last decade plus in terms of chances for quality wins.

bigappleram wrote:That's why we can't have nice things.

Moving the goal posts is Bone's MO. Best OOC schedule in the last decade plus in terms of chances for quality wins.

Hey let's give this fan base the benefit of the doubt for once. I think the vast majority of fans on here understand the strategy within this schedule. It's core mission is simple really, schedule the best projected RPI programs you can. The sexier names have more leverage so while we are still accending up in national awareness/perception, we schedule what we can to have a strong RPI. It's as simple as that.

Sheesh.....you guys are ridiculous. All I was saying was our OOC didn't measure up to GW's.....theirs is a very good one.

Ours is good too, just not as good. Never said it was bad....but some of you just can't wait to make something out of nothing.

College Sports Madness Top 144
URI Opponents to date (09/06/17 #65-144):

#65 VCU
http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/15087

#72 St Joe's
http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/15074

#84 Davidson
http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/15039

#96 Iona
http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/15002

#106 UNC-Asheville
http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/14955

#108 George Mason
http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/14949

#125 LaSalle
http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/14887

A10 comes out at 2 today. 50 conference games televised this year.

RhowdyRam02 wrote:A10 comes out at 2 today. 50 conference games televised this year.

URI game at SBU will be a Friday night on ESPN2 according to a Bonaventure blog. SBU return afternoon game (probably a weekend?) in Kingston will be on ESPNU. One would think URI, coming off an A-10 Tournament Championship and NCAA Tourney win, will get more national tv games this season than most recent past years. With Cox no longer doing games, this is a good thing for the program. Hopefully, URI has a local partner (such as MyRITV or MeTV) for the games this season not picked up by national carriers.

The Bona Blog
http://thebonablog.com/2017/09/06/break ... ling-news/