Attempting to get some perspective on how the University of Louisville fits in the conference expansion picture, the observer contacted a member of the university’s Board of Overseers Wednesday. He’s also served on the board of the U of L Athletic Association, is a staunch fan, highly opinionated and keenly interested in the issue.
The Louisville businessman admitted he’s excited about all the speculation, including mentions of possible tie-ins to the SEC, the Big 12 and the ACC or of a strengthened Big East.
“It’s all highly speculative at the moment and a lot of things can and will happen,” he said. “Tom Jurich doesn’t talk to anybody about the topic. If he’s had any contact with other conferences, we would never know because he’s not about to disclose any information.”
“But there’s nobody I’d rather have representing the University of Louisville at this critical moment. He is very good when it comes to these kinds of situations. He has strongly positioned U of L to take advantage of emerging opportunities.”
The overseer believes the Big East may be a good position to benefit if the college conference landscape continues to change. Especially if the Big 12 Conference is dismantled. “We could have some tremendous rivalries with schools like Kansas, Kansas State, Missouri or Iowa State,” he said. “They’re within reasonable driving distances and our fans could get excited about playing them.”
But he wouldn’t be surprised at anything that happens. “There are some fascinating scenarios,” he said. “We’re fortunate to have Tom Jurich representing us.”
It will be interesting to see what happens. If the 64 team 4 super conference model becomes a reality, two conferences will have to go away. The Big 12 appears to be doomed. If all this realignment occurs the Big East will probably be next. The Big East would not be strong enough to survive.
I don’t see the SEC as a real possibility. Kentucky will most definitely block UofL, and it only takes 4 schools to block. UK will try to get other schools to block, and they will succeed. Granted UofL has the most profitable bball program in the country, the SEC is trying to avoid any more in-state rivals. Mizzou will be next to join.
Doubtful that the ACC or SEC come after Louisville. The BIG 12 is on life support. Let’s gather the survivors and build an even bigger BIG EAST.
I wouldn’t be so certain about that. The Associated Press has quoted an SEC source that said Louisville makes the most sense. What Tom Jurich has done here is phenomenal and outsiders have taken notice. The facilities and potential are second to none.
UofL fits the SEC very well in many areas but has no chance of being invited because it fails completely in what is considered the very top criteria. We would not bring a new TV market.
Sadly that is the single most important factor for a new conference member, not just with the SEC but with virtually any conference.
Agreed! In Jurich, I trust!
TJ does have a way of communicating in a quiet, very subtle way. He’s maintaining public silence right now for good reason.