The Quiet Phase - Conference Relationship Building Now

[stevebu91]

We are in the quiet phase right now...It is the most important phase of the conference affiliation process and will lead to BU's athletic brand for years.... Determining the Catholic 7s makeup and related (potential) domino conferences for interested colleges.

Now I say quiet meaning only on the outside, but be assured that contacts and affiliations are being drawn through Presidents/ADs throughout the A-10, MVC, C7, Horizon, and the West Coast high mid majors. This is mere conjecture, but I would put money that the behind the scenes communication is substantive.

Butler already put out its feeler that it wants in....I don't think they really needed to do that. The C7 probably have their informal list drawn and have contacted the institutions they desire to pick up. Then comes the dominoes. If I am guessing, this is the chance for Glasser and Cross to go after a remainder A10 (plus a few Horizon privates + Drake) privates affiliation. It will have an East Coast flavor. Just solely a guess with no inside info on my part and, yes, I have been wrong many many many times before.

[SFP]

I would have to believe the conversations around this have been taking place for quite some time. The question is for me has our leadership been active in this regard prior to the C7's disclosure. I'm really hoping we have been trying to align ourselves for the last 1-2 years. This was not if but when type of scenario. The C7's action to me was, its about time.

[stevebu91]

Yes, I believe the loose conference thought and talk was built months ago among the ADs. However, the serious discussions are now. Its time for the schools to determine if their ADs were just filled with hot air at that time. The C7's decision will be very good for those asked and will lead to a strong decision by BU. My continued hope is for a private bball conference made up of like schools with similar athletic facilities, history, and a similar academic and admissions profiles. Reach as high as you can.

[Headless Bobcat]

In my opinion, we'd be extremely lucky to get an invite to the A-10. But my hunch is they'll raid the Colonial before even considering Bradley. Better fit for their East coast footprint.

When the dust settles, we'll still be in the Valley and someone like Oral Roberts will replace Creighton.

Dream big, my friends. But prepare to be underwhelmed.

[Rusty 54]

With CU gone, I think the best case scenario for Bradley is going for broke in the next few years in the Valley. If the A-10 gets raided, what is left wouldn't be worth joining. BU needs to be in a position in a few years to join the Catholic 7+ league when the Valley football schools split off to join the MAC. Put together a run of 3 or 4 NCAA appearances in 5 years and that might get us an invitation.

[stevebu91]

Preparing to be underwhelmed should not be an acceptable strategy for our university. That is no way to run a university academically or athletically. I personally don't run my businesses to be underwhelmed. BU helped teach me strong business practices. I do hope your wrong. I do have faith in this legacy building opportinity for our leaders

[SFP]

Preparing to be underwhelmed should not be an acceptable strategy for our university. That is no way to run a university academically or athletically. I personally don't run my businesses to be underwhelmed. BU helped teach me strong business practices. I do hope your wrong. I do have faith in this legacy building opportinity for our leaders

Could not agree more. I like the idea of building a league with academics as part of its core. It has worked well for The Big Ten and The Ivy League.

[Headless Bobcat]

Preparing to be underwhelmed should not be an acceptable strategy for our university. That is no way to run a university academically or athletically. I personally don't run my businesses to be underwhelmed. BU helped teach me strong business practices. I do hope your wrong. I do have faith in this legacy building opportinity for our leaders

My apologies. I had no idea you ran the university.

I was simply referring to the FAN BASE having unrealistic sky-high expectations. I'm confident the administration will push for the best deal they can. But they are not miracle workers.
So don't go calling for their heads if we end up back in the Valley.

Listening to people on this board dream about an invite to play with the c7 makes me chuckle. Looking at Bradley through homer colored glasses.

I too would love to be in a conference of academic private schools. But I just have a feeling that the best deal available to us will to stay put.

[stevebu91]

Oh goodness, I wouldn't want to replace President Glasser. I need another business though that is profitable. Being underwhelmed when you have skin in the game is an unsuitable practice. ha ha!

Glasser has done an excellent job building infrastructure, program reputation, endowment, and academia. Cross is building his base. He has always answered my emails and talked shop with me when asked. He has a game plan athletically for this university. I trust that he will do what is BEST FOR THE UNIVERSITY.

Collectively, BU has continuing significant challenges ahead of it. Enrollment, successful BU name marketing to potential students and athletes, rehabbing dorms (to the best of our abilities) that fit this generation's requirements, funding all sports programs, improving/buildouts into adjacent neighborhoods (as properties are available), and academic facility expansion.

WE WILL GET TO OUR DESIRED GOAL. I don't think Glasser or Cross would accept anything less.