News & Commentary
College Presidents Skirt Big East Expansion Issues
The issue of conference expansion came up during a meeting of college presidents during the Big East basketball tournament in New York, according to University of Louisville President James Ramsey. This is the first public indication that the presidents have acknowledged a possible crisis for the conference.
Ramsey said something to the effect that it was time the presidents stopped ignoring the elephant in the room. “It’s an area of concern for all of us,” he said. “We need to be prepared.”
And they talked about the issue, in what had to be one of the most generic discussions in conference history. There’s no indication of a committee being formed or consultants being hired to consider the league’s options.
Converging these interests into a common agenda would appear to be an insurmountable challenge.
Who would make up a Big East committee on expansion issues? The presidents of Syracuse, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, even Connecticut, are salivating about being included in a Big Ten expansion. How could any discussion involving them be productive?
Louisville, Cincinnati and South Florida aren’t in any position to have much of an impact on discussions. The only leverage they have is the investment they’re making in their athletic facilities. U of L is among the most profitable basketball programs in the nation. Cincinnati has a great following when its teams are winning. South Florida, in Tampa, is in the 14th largest media market.
None of which is apparently a big deal when it comes to Big Ten versus non-Big Ten considerations.
Converging these interests into a common agenda would appear to be an insurmountable challenge. The Big East is locked into a position of having to respond to whatever the Big Ten decides what it’s going to do — and that won’t be known until summer.
Don’t expect the Big East college presidents to have serious discussions before then.
Louisville Stadium, Arena Tickets Moving
The news, from WDRB-41, is that ticket sales are going well for Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium and the new Downtown Arena, and that Mark Jurich, the son of Tom, is apparently Associate Director of Development.
Ethel Finds Redemption, Louisville Rips Mississippi
J. J. Ethel, an unlikely hero, punching the key hit in the University of Louisville baseball team’s 6-1 win over Mississippi.
J. J. Ethel
The junior catcher striking out his four times at bat, enough to make one find the most obscure spot in the dugout.
Top of the 12th, score knotted 1-1, two runners on, Ethel smashes a double down the left field line, driving in two runs.
The rest is gravy, and the nightmare is shortlived for J.J. Ethel.
Big East Tourney Format Likely To Change
The format for the Big East basketball tournament, which currently gives the top four seeds double byes, appears likely to change next season. May have something to do with three of the top four being defeated in their first game this year.
Jim Boeheim, Syracuse coach, told the New York Daily News, “I think the double-bye is awful. It’s a huge advantage to be playing instead of waiting.’’
Associate Big East Commissioner Dave Gavitt responded: “We tend to listen to our coaches. When they want something to change, it changes. If they think a change would be a better path going into the NCAA tournament, then I’m sure we’ll look at it.’’
According to ESPN, the most likely scenario would be a first-round similar to the NCAA tournament: 1 vs. 16, 2 vs. 15, 3 vs. 14 and 4 vs. 13 on Tuesday. The winners would take Wednesday off while seeds 5-12 played and then the quarterfinals would roll on Thursday. Link.
Louisville Women May Play Again At Freedom Hall
Lady Cards Accept Invitation To Women’s Basketball Invitational
By Sonja Sykes
The University of Louisville women’s basketball team has accepted an invitation to compete in the new 16-team Women’s Basketball Invitational. The full field and tournament pairings will be announced Monday. 
Teams not making the NCAA Tournament or WNIT are eligible. First-round match ups will be on Wednesday and Thursday next week. The tournament features an east coast, west coast bracket format, with higher seeded teams hosting home games, and retaining most of the revenue.
Coach Jeff Walz is hopeful Louisville (14-17) can secure a first round game at Freedom Hall. He noted that junior guard LaToya Johnson and freshman guard Nikki Burton could be available for the game. Both have recovered sufficiently from injuries to possibly play if cleared by the U of L medical staff.
