Re: ATLANTIC TEN CONFERENCE A-10 Accolades Piling Up as Practice Begins The 2012-13 men's basketball season tip-off is just a month away and with practice starting Friday, the Atlantic 10 and its member teams have been racking up accolades in the last week. From inclusion in preseason top 25 teams to earning player accolades, the buzz about the strength of the A-10, its quality teams and the potential of those teams is at an all-time high. Jerry Palm's preseason NCAA Tournament bracket has five Atlantic 10 teams in: Butler, UMass, Saint Louis, Temple, VCU: http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/bracketology The St. Louis Post-Dispatch has a preview of the league that focuses on the strength of the A-10. http://www.stltoday.com/sports/coll...c-880f-e8e42a73d795.html#.UHVgRmLEYDE.twitter Dick Vitale has put two teams, Butler (33) and VCU (38) in his preseason Top 40: http://espn.go.com/espn/dickvitale/story/_/id/8477900/dick-vitale-preseason-top-40-2012-13 CBSSports.com named three players to its Top 100 players list: Temple's Khalif Wyatt was picked 61st, Rotnei Clarke of Butler was picked 63rd, and Chaz Williams was picked 78th. http://www.cbssports.com/collegebas...etball-previews/cbssportscoms-top-100-players CoxSports' season preview from Atlantic 10 Media Day: http://coxsportsonline.com/archives/6786 VCU is in Sporting News' Preseason Top 25 http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-ba...kings-top-25-2012-13-photos-decourcy/slide/25 ESPN's Eammon Brennan says that both Temple and Butler's non-conference schedules are among the 10 most challenging this season: http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/65150/the-10-best-nonconference-schedules Blue Ribbon College Yearbook named Saint Louis to its Preseason Top 25 team. The Billikens checked in at 11th in the preseason poll. College Chalktalk did an in-depth breakdown of the Preseason All-Conference teams: http://collegechalktalk.com/?p=2246
Top non-conference contests for the 2012-13 campaign Top non-conference contests for the 2012-13 campaign By Jeff Goodman | College Basketball Insider 2012-13 Top Non-Conference Games 1) Dec. 29 - Kentucky at Louisville 2) Nov. 27 - North Carolina at Indiana (ACC-Big Ten) 3) Nov. 13 - Kentucky vs. Duke, Champions Classic (Atlanta) 4) Nov. 13 - Kansas vs. Michigan State, Champions Classic (Atlanta) 5) Dec. 22 - Kansas at Ohio State 6) Nov. 28 - Ohio State at Duke (ACC-Big Ten) 7) Dec. 15 - Louisville at Memphis 8) Dec. 28 - Missouri at UCLA 9) Dec. 1 - San Diego State vs. UCLA in Wooden Classic 10) Nov. 9 - Syracuse vs. San Diego State in Battle of Midway 11) Dec. 29 - UNLV at North Carolina 12) Nov. 27 - N.C. State at Michigan 13) Dec. 15 - Florida at Arizona 14) Dec. 1 - Baylor at Kentucky 15) Nov. 9 - Ohio State vs. Marquette at Carrier Classic in Charleston 16) Dec. 28 - Baylor at Gonzaga 17) Nov. 14 - Wisconsin at Florida 18) Dec. 5 - Florida at Florida State 19) Nov. 29 - Kentucky at Notre Dame (SEC-Big East) 20) Dec. 15 - Indiana vs. Butler in Indianapolis 21) Dec. 8 - Wisconsin at Marquette 22) Jan. 4 - Memphis at Tennessee 23) Dec. 15 - Alabama at VCU 24) Jan. 19 - Gonzaga at Butler 25) Dec. 22 - Texas at Michigan State 26) Dec. 22 - Florida vs. Kansas State in Kansas City 27) Dec. 19 - North Carolina at Texas 28) Dec. 31 - Gonzaga at Oklahoma State 29) Dec. 8 - Texas vs. UCLA in Houston 30) Dec. 15 - Kansas State at Gonzaga in Seattle 31) Jan. 5 - Temple at Kansas 32) Dec. 8 - Duke vs. Temple in Newark (Izod Center) 33) Nov. 28 - Michigan State at Miami 34) Nov. 27 - Minnesota at Florida State 35) Nov. 29 - Marquette at Florida (SEC-Big East) 36) Dec. 22 - Temple vs. Syracuse in the Gotham Classic (NY) 37) Dec. 15 - West Virginia vs. Michigan in Brooklyn 38) Dec. 4 - Texas vs. Georgetown in the Jimmy V Classic (NYC) 39) Dec. 4 - N.C. State vs. UConn in the Jimmy V Classic (NYC) 40) Dec. 9 - Kentucky vs. Maryland in Brooklyn 41) Dec. 29 - Xavier at Tennessee 42) Dec. 5 - South Florida at Oklahoma State 43) Dec. 1 - Alabama at Cincinnati 44) Nov. 25 - San Diego State at USC 45) Dec. 5 - Ohio at Memphis 46) Dec. 18 - Stanford at N.C. State 47) Dec. 9 - UNLV at California 48) Dec. 2 - Wisconsin at California 49) Nov. 28 - Saint Louis at Washington 50) Nov. 30 - Tennessee at Georgetown 51) Dec. 1 - St. Joe's at Creighton 52) Dec. 31 - St. Joe's at Drexel 53) Nov. 30 - Syracuse at Arkansas 54) Nov. 11 - Loyola Marymount at SMU * TBD - Cincinnati vs. Xavier - No date has been set yet http://www.cbssports.com/collegebas...-conference-contests-for-the-2012-13-campaign
Re: Top non-conference contests for the 2012-13 campaign http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qF7-V...layer_embedded CINCINNATI - The University of Cincinnati and Xavier University announced their Crosstown rivalry in men's basketball will continue in 2012, but with some changes, including a new name and venue. The Skyline Chili Crosstown Classic benefiting the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center will provide a new direction for the annual rivalry. The 2012 game date has been set for Dec. 19 at U.S. Bank Arena The changes will be implemented on a trial basis for up to two years with annual reassessment. Changes to the game include: •A name change - A new name, Skyline Chili Crosstown Classic, has been selected to emphasize a new direction for the game and its new emphasis on the city and its riverfront. Both institutions are pleased Skyline Chili will continue as the primary sponsor. After the two-year trial period, should the game continue, the new name will remain. •A new logo incorporating the new name and the new direction. •A neutral site - the U.S. Bank Arena, located on the city's waterfront. •The addition of a new beneficiary of the game - The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, located along the riverfront, will receive a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales from the game. __________________
Re: Top non-conference contests for the 2012-13 campaign http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8K9HmraRwXk&feature=player_embedded
Re: ATLANTIC TEN CONFERENCE EXPANSION College Basketball's Lockdown Defensive Teams for 2012-13 After Kentucky spent 2011-12 proving the old adage that “defense wins championships,” it’s only fitting to give some preseason credit to the teams that will make opposing offenses miserable next year. Whether they’re swatting away shots like the record-setting national champs, pressuring the ball or just forcing opponents into low-percentage shots, these squads will be dangerous foes even if their own offenses are having an off night. One team that’s made its living on defense for the last few seasons—and will continue doing so next year—is Shaka Smart’s Virginia Commonwealth squad. VCU plays as tough a pressure defense as any team in the country, and their ability to force turnovers will be vital as they try for a third straight trip to March Madness in their first season in the Atlantic 10. 1. Louisville 2. Wisconsin 3. VCU 4. Kansas 5. Kentucky 6. Saint Louis 7. Ohio 8. South Florida 9. Harvard 10. Saint Joseph's 11. Drexel 12. Memphis 13. Stephen F. Austin 14. UMass 15. Delaware State http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...660-cbbs-lockdown-defensive-teams-for-2012-13
Re: ATLANTIC TEN CONFERENCE EXPANSION 1. Hello, Butler and VCU: The Atlantic 10 gladly took Butler (Horizon) and VCU (CAA) a year early and pulled off the coup of the realignment season. These two weren't going to be allowed to play in the respective conference tournaments so the choice was obvious -- bolt to the A-10. The league can make a strong case to be a top-seven conference in the country -- and the Bulldogs and Rams immediately leap to the top of the conference power structure. They will compete for the regular-season and conference tournament titles. Book it. 2. Headed to Brooklyn: The A-10 had a hard time finding a home for its conference tournament. The perfect location would've been the Palestra in Philadelphia, but it's simply too small. So the league headed to a big-time media market when it chose the brand-new Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets. The league's Big Apple debut might result in a record number of bids for this stacked conference. 3. Saint Louis as a favorite: This is exactly why Rick Majerus returned to college coaching. He loves to coach. He relishes teaching. But let's not fool ourselves -- he wants to win. And he did it as well as any coach in the country at Utah. The Billikens are the favorite because they have the most experience and now have NCAA tournament experience. They expect to win. Xavier and Temple have dominated this league and I would never count out either in the title chase. But the favorite this season is in St. Louis. http://espn.go.com/ncb/notebook/_/page/summershootaround120727/atlantic-10
Re: ATLANTIC TEN CONFERENCE EXPANSION A-10 Men's Basketball Schedule Features Record TV Package, Marquee Matchups NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - The Atlantic 10 Conference announced its 2012-13 men's basketball conference schedule Thursday. The docket includes a league-record 56 nationally televised games and 19 regionally televised games as part of the league's agreements with its media partners for a total of 75 games as part of the Atlantic 10 package. 2012-13 Men's Basketball Schedule: http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/atl10/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/2012-13/schedule/schedule.pdf For the fourth straight year, CBS Sports will broadcast the Atlantic 10 Men's Basketball Championship title game as part of its Selection Sunday coverage. The network will also air the VCU at Temple regular season game on March 10. In addition, CBS Sports Network will nationally air 32 regular season A-10 matchups, doubling the number of games from last year, and the semifinals of the Atlantic 10 Championship. "Securing a record number of national television broadcasts is the best way to showcase the Atlantic 10," Commissioner Bernadette V. McGlade stated. "We are poised to have one of the best seasons in A-10 men's basketball history and this television package will allow us to showcase our teams. ESPN and CBS Sports have been outstanding media partners." ESPN will air 14 additional A-10 regular season games on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU. This includes a rivalry game in Xavier at Dayton, Gonzaga at Butler on ESPN's College Gameday and a rematch of the 2011 Final Four matchup between Butler and VCU on March 2. In all, ESPN will air seven Conference games and seven non-conference games as part of the Atlantic 10 package. The 75 televised games will highlight a league coming off of a record eight postseason bids last year. The 2012-13 A-10 features 16 members, including newcomers Butler and VCU, providing new rivalries and further strengthening the A-10 position as the best basketball-centric league in Division I. The additions allow for new matchups between natural rivals Butler and Saint Louis (Jan. 31, Feb. 22) and VCU and Richmond (Jan. 24, March 6). Long-standing rivalries also highlight the television schedule, including both Dayton-Xavier games, and the Temple-Saint Joseph's game. In all, 52 of the 68 regular season television matchups are Atlantic 10 Conference games, meaning nearly half of the league's 128-game schedule will be televised nationally or regionally. http://www.atlantic10.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/090612aab.html
Re: ATLANTIC TEN CONFERENCE EXPANSION MUST SEE TV The A-10 released it’s conference schedule this week, meaning schedules are set and most of the year’s regular season TV games are locked in. Looking through the schedules, here are my top TV matchups involving A-10 teams (who aren’t leaving for other conferences) this season. http://www.a10talk.com/2012/09/top-20-a-10-tv-games-this-season/
Re: ATLANTIC TEN CONFERENCE EXPANSION THE 2012-13 BASKETBALL PRESEASON PROSPECTUS http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/atl10/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/2012-13/prospectus/prospectus.pdf
Re: ATLANTIC TEN CONFERENCE EXPANSION Unlimited Possibilities for A-10 Basketball Barclays Center Opening Provides Endless Opportunities for Conference When the announcement of a five-year partnership was made in September of 2011, Atlantic 10 Commissioner Bernadette V. McGlade said: "The opportunity to partner with the Barclays Center and bring the Atlantic 10 Basketball Championship to New York has unlimited possibilities. Our teams will compete in the newest, state-of-the-art facility within the Atlantic 10 footprint and the number-one media market in the country." “Unlimited possibilities” means A-10 teams have the opportunity to play on the largest stage in the world like never before. It means the conference has the chance to grow the annual championship into a must-go event and not just a four-day tournament. http://www.atlantic10.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/092612aab.html
Re: ATLANTIC TEN CONFERENCE EXPANSION A-10 signs 8 year TV deal with ESPN, CBS Sports Network, and NBC Sports Network in 2013-2014 "Our commitment to basketball at the highest level has allowed us to leverage our national exposure in the best way possible for the Atlantic 10," stated Bernadette V. McGlade, A-10 Commissioner. "Partnering with ESPN, CBS Sports Network and NBC Sports Network for the next eight years is truly a historic moment for the A-10 and its member institutions." The agreements provide over 192 total basketball exposures, including 146 men's basketball appearances. This includes coverage of the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals of both the men's and women's basketball championships. "The Atlantic 10 Conference looks forward to working with three of the very best media companies in the world," said Dr. Steven Knapp, George Washington University President and Chair of the A-10 Council of Presidents. "The conference is committed to academic and athletic excellence, and this media rights agreement will allow us to deliver our message nationwide while showcasing the best in Division I sports competition." AGREEMENTS FACTS Terms Eight-year agreement. 2013-14 athletic season through 2021-22 athletic season. Finances Not Disclosed Provides a significant increase in the Conference’s television rights Platforms ESPN, CBS Sports Network, NBC Sports Network Additional Commitments through NBC Sports Network’s Regional Sports Networks Basketball Regular Season Programming 146 men’s basketball exposures and 46 women’s basketball exposures. ESPN/ESPN2/ESPNU: 14 regular season men’s basketball games; Two women’s basketball games CBS Sports Network: 25 national men’s basketball games; Eight women’s basketball games NBC Sports Network: 25 national men’s basketball games; Six women’s basketball games Basketball Championship Programming ESPN for men’s and women’s championship finals CBS Sports Network for men’s and women’s championship semifinals NBC Sports Network for men’s and women’s championship quarterfinals Olympic Sports Programming Provisions of the new agreements provide for national exposure for a variety of Olympic sports events http://www.atlantic10.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/100212aaa.html ESPN/ESPN2/ESPNU (15 MBB/3 WBB): The Worldwide Leader will carry 14 regular season men’s basketball games, plus the league championship game. The last three years, ESPN has held the rights to the A-10 Men’s Basketball Championship Game, but chose to sublicense it CBS. It is unclear if ESPN will continue in this manner or if it will broadcast the game. CBS Sports Network (27 MBB/10 WBB): CBS Sports Network will air 25 regular season men’s and eight women’s games, plus the A-10 Tournament Semifinals. Former Virginia Coach Pete Gillen, working for the network during a tournament in Cancun in 2007, once said he wanted to put Joey Rodriguez on a bagel, or something like that. I have no idea what it means, but I hope there’s more of that in our future. NBC Sports Network (25*/6*WBB): The artist formerly known as Versus will broadcast 25 men’s and six women’s games on national TV. NBC will also air the A-10 Tournament Quarterfinals on regional networks. For VCU, this means Comcast, which merged with NBC last year. NBC has the option of airing the quarterfinal games nationally on NBC Sports Network. http://aroundthehorns.wordpress.com/2012/10/02/tv-pact-great-for-vcu-a-10/
Re: ATLANTIC TEN CONFERENCE EXPANSION Predicting the 2013 men's NCAA tournament By Jerry Palm | Bracketology Expert The A-10 would be tied with the SEC in that scenario and only behind the Big East (8), ACC (6), Big 12 (6), and Big 10 (7). VCU wins the auto-bid, gets a 6-seed. Saint Louis gets an at-large and a 7-seed. Temple gets an at-large and a 9-seed. Butler gets an at-large and an 11-seed. UMass gets a play-in spot in the First Four and a 12-seed. http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/bracketology
Re: ATLANTIC TEN CONFERENCE EXPANSION Andy Katz's podcast from A-10 media day with Shaka Smart, Chris Mack, Fran Dunphy, Phil Martelli, and Brad Stevens http://espn.go.com/espnradio/play?id=8462539
Re: ATLANTIC TEN CONFERENCE EXPANSION Atlantic 10 race will run through Philly Andy Katz - Senior Writer, ESPN.com Saint Joseph's is the preseason pick to win the title, with five starters returning, potentially completing Phil Martelli's long, arduous climb back to the top after his glorious run to the Elite Eight in 2004. Elsewhere in the City of Brotherly Love, La Salle was the overwhelming selection by the league's coaches when asked by ESPN.com which team will be a legitimate sleeper to be in the hunt deep into February. Oh, and no one wants Temple to leave. The Owls, who have been at the heart of the conference since its inception, are off to the Big East next season. Charlotte is leaving, too, as the 49ers head to Conference USA. But Charlotte is no Temple. http://espn.go.com/mens-college-bas...-race-run-philadelphia-men-college-basketball
Re: ATLANTIC TEN CONFERENCE EXPANSION Atlantic 10 preview: Addition of VCU, Butler makes strong league even more formidable Yahoo! Sports is breaking down each league for the upcoming college basketball season working backward from No. 31 to No. 1. Here's a look at our No. 8 league, the Atlantic 10. If the ACC is basketball's biggest conference realignment winner because of the additions of Syracuse, Pittsburgh and Notre Dame, then the revamped Atlantic 10 certainly isn't too far behind. This season, the league welcomes newcomers VCU and Butler, two of the nation's glamor mid-major programs the past few years. Add those two to an already improving league that won't lose Temple to the Big East for one more season, and the result is a particularly formidable Atlantic 10 that lacks a truly elite team but appears to have at least a half dozen NCAA tournament contenders Trying to pick a preseason Atlantic 10 favorite is a fool's errand this year because any of consensus the top six teams could make a legitimate case. http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaab...ler-strengthens-already-150816513--ncaab.html
Re: ATLANTIC TEN CONFERENCE EXPANSION Atlantic 10 preview: Ranking the 15 most intriguing non-league games The Dagger's two-day Atlantic 10 preview continues with a look at the conference's 15 most intriguing non-conference matchups next season. 1. Butler vs. Indiana, Dec. 15 (Indianapolis) Comment: Since the formation of the Crossroads Classic pitting Indiana's top four teams against one-another, this has been the matchup many have wanted to see. Can a Butler team that has toppled so many high-profile programs take down a Hoosiers squad that may enter the season No. 1 in the nation? We'll find out in two months. 2. Xavier vs. Cincinnati, Nov. 19 Comment: Even though Xavier appears headed for a rebuilding season this year, the first post-brawl matchup between the Musketeers and Bearcats will still be fascinating to watch. Expect both teams to be on their best behavior, and expect Cincinnati to avenge last year's drubbing. 3. Temple vs. Duke, Dec. 8 (East Rutherford, N.J.) Comment: In last year's matchup, Temple upset Duke 78-73 behind 22 points from guard Khalif Wyatt and 17 from forward Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson. The Blue Devils better find some answers for those two because the Owls have both of those guys back. 4. Gonzaga at Butler, Jan. 19 Comment: ESPN College GameDay will visit Hinkle Fieldhouse for this matchup between two of the nation's premier non-BCS programs. Gonzaga is loaded this season with a pair of sharp-shooting sophomore guards in Kevin Pangos and Gary Bell and one of the nation's deepest frontcourts. 5. Saint Louis at Washington, Nov. 28 Comment: Saint Louis embarrassed Washington last season in Lorenzo Romar's return to the Arch City, building a 20-point first-half lead and never letting the Huskies come close to getting back into it. The loss of Terrence Ross and Tony Wroten suggests Washington won't contend in the Pac-12 this season, but the Huskies still have firepower and they're far better at home than on the road. 6. VCU at Battle 4 Atlantis (Nov. 22-24) Comment: VCU is guaranteed three challenging games in the nation's best preseason tournament this season. First up for the Rams is Memphis, another up-tempo team that will try to run with Shaka Smart's team. Duke, Louisville, Missouri, Minnesota, Stanford and Northern Iowa round out the loaded field. 7. Temple vs. Syracuse, Dec. 22 (New York City) Comment: Who plays Duke, Kansas and Syracuse out of conference in the same season? Temple, that's who. The Owls will have to overcome a partisan Syracuse crowd and shoot well against the Orange's trademark zone to have a chance at the upset. 8. UMass at Harvard, Nov. 13 Comment: Unless Boston College surprises or one of these two teams disappoints, this is a matchup to determine the state of Massachusetts' best team. Harvard may be an underdog because of the season-long suspensions of senior captains Kyle Casey and Brandyn Curry, but the Crimson have enough young talent to still pose a challenge for the Minutemen. 9. Alabama at VCU, Dec. 15 Comment: When Anthony Grant coached at VCU from 2006 to 2009, his contract stipulated that the school that someday hired him away would have to schedule a home-and-home series against the Rams as penance. As a result, Alabama hosted VCU last November, a 72-64 Crimson Tide win, and will visit the Rams in Richmond this season. 10. Saint Joseph's at Drexel, Dec. 31 Comment: The best team in Philadelphia this season? Believe it or not, it may not be a member of the Big Five. CAA favorite Drexel will look to strengthen its case against a Saint Joseph's team that appears to be the most talented Phil Martelli has had since the days of Jameer Nelson and Delonte West. 11. Richmond at Kansas, Dec. 18 Comment: Richmond has forged a giant-killing reputation thanks to its history of NCAA tournament upsets against marquee programs. The Spiders probably have too many frontcourt questions to contend in this year's loaded A-10, but they'll still be dangerous when they take aim at a Kansas team that knocked them out of the NCAA tournament in the Sweet 16 two years ago. 12. Butler at Xavier, Nov. 13 Comment: This is not a misprint. Butler at Xavier is really a non-conference game even though both programs will be in the Atlantic 10 this year. The programs scheduled the game as part of ESPN's 24-hour marathon before Butler joined the league and decided to play anyway rather than find new opponents. 13. Butler at Maui Invitational, Nov. 19-21 Comment: Butler will be as battle-tested as anyone in the preseason thanks to a brutal non-league schedule meant to vault the Bulldogs into at-large contention in the Horizon League rather than the tougher Atlantic 10. Up first for Butler in Maui is Marquette, followed perhaps by North Carolina in the semifinals. 14. Saint Joseph's at Villanova, Dec. 11 Comment: The Holy War may be a mismatch this season, but in a new twist, it won't be because Villanova is the favorite. Although the Wildcats are the home team, they have a lot to prove after a disastrous 2011-12 season and the unexpected departures of starting guards Maalik Wayns and Dominic Cheek and forward Markus Kennedy. 15A. Dayton at Charleston Classic, Nov. 15-18 Comment: How much has Dayton improved? Could the Flyers be an Atlantic 10 sleeper? This early-season tournament should provide a barometer. A Dayton team led by point guard Kevin Dillard and a deep frontcourt could face Baylor in the semifinals if it springs a mild upset against Colorado in the opening round. 15B VCU at Old Dominion, Dec. 7 Comment: A reader correctly noted this was omitted from the list, so it's being added here. What has traditionally been one of the CAA's premier rivalry games is now a compelling non-league matchup between one team that has already left the CAA and another that is Conference USA bound in 2013.
Re: ATLANTIC TEN CONFERENCE EXPANSION Jeff Sagarin NCAA Basketball Ratings Atlantic 10 (#7 Conference) 36 Saint Louis 40 VCU 43 Saint Joseph's 44 Temple 59 Butler 72 Xavier 73 Massachusetts 81 Dayton 87 La Salle 95 Richmond 106 St. Bonaventure 132 Charlotte 147 George Washington 172 Rhode Island 182 Duquesne 199 Fordham http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/sagarin/bkc1213.htm
Re: ATLANTIC TEN CONFERENCE EXPANSION Presidents of the Atlantic 10 conference have scheduled a meeting for next Thursday with the intent of solidifying commitments from its membership, The Post has learned According to a person with direct knowledge of the meeting, the A-10, aware of the impending Big East split, is concerned that St. Louis, Dayton and Xavier have “one foot out the door.” Read more: Atlantic 10 calls meeting in fear that teams could bolt in wake of Big East split - NYPOST.com http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/colle...lit_fear_SEbPDk4OGcgHjhwuNROIPO#ixzz2F4R7Tiw2
Re: ATLANTIC TEN CONFERENCE EXPANSION After all, it was the latest wave of conference realignment that caused the Big East to go hunting for Temple, and thus caused the A-10 to go out and get Butler and Virginia Commonwealth. When the Horizon League and Colonial Athletic Association told both teams they wouldn't be allowed to participate in their respective 2013 conference tournaments, they jumped a year early -- in time to join a 16-team league that still featured the frequently favored Owls. Before the season, that possibility was tantalizing. After two months of nonconference play, VCU looks like the league's clear favorite, and Butler one of its top contenders. Temple and St. Louis are, for all intents and purposes, co-favorites. It's safe to say the overall league hasn't quite panned out the way we expected -- Saint Joe's has struggled, Xavier is young, and a handful of mid-table sleeper teams have missed early nonconference opportunities -- but the fact remains that this brief 16-team edition of the Atlantic 10 could provide one of its most entertaining seasons in league history. Wins to brag about: VCU over Memphis; VCU over Belmont; St. Louis over New Mexico; Butler over Marquette; Butler over North Carolina; Butler over Indiana; Saint Joseph's over Notre Dame; Dayton at Alabama; Charlotte at Davidson; Xavier over Butler; UMass over Ohio Losses that sting: Santa Clara at St. Louis; Washington over St. Louis; Canisius at Temple; Fairfield at Saint Joseph's; Central Connecticut at La Salle; Weber State at Dayton; George Mason over Richmond; Pacific over Xavier; Vanderbilt at Xavier; Wofford at Xavier; Wake Forest over Xavier http://espn.go.com/mens-college-bas.../atlantic-10-season-primer-college-basketball
