TicketsI'm keeping the rumor-mongering to a minimum here. It isn't my place to spread rumors. I just try to give you the information at hand and tell you what people are saying.
Here are the basics in case you've been living under a the Bearcat statue:
--- TCU has been extended an invitation to join the Big 12 as the replacement for Texas A&M. There's a better chance I turn down a date with Mila Kunis than TCU turns down the Big 12.
--- As we learned Tuesday, Missouri voted to explore its options for another conference. They have not been voting on the latest decisions about TCU and other key issues based on their legal advice. While a move to the SEC is not a foregone conclusion, its a very real possibility.
--- The Big 12 (currently at 10 members including TCU and a waffling Missouri) could add 0-3 more schools (possibly more) depending on how it wants the conference to look. That decision as well is one of the debates among their decision-makers. It's likely the most critical in determining the fate of UC and the Big East. BYU, Louisville, West Virginia and Cincinnati are near the top of their wish list, according to CBSsports.com, should they choose to expand further.
--- The Big East, now at six football-playing members, is holding an expansion conference call today to discuss the next moves. Reports indicate East Carolina and UCF could be added as soon as today.
--- Mick Cronin spoke up to Yahoo! Sports and made it abundantly clear he wants to stay in the Big East. Watching the dissolution of one of the great college basketball conferences of all time is, for me, the saddest element of the entire situation.
Though, from a basketball standpoint, if UC could find its way, the hoops grouping would still be strong.
"While we lost two of our traditional schools, we still have 14 very strong members from a basketball standpoint," Cronin said. "Eliminate Pitt and Syracuse, and we still have nine teams that were in the NCAA tournament last year. By my count, that's five more than the ACC, which is the conference everybody seems to want to play in."
His intentions are clear and understandable considering the high-profile nature of BE hoops."We want to remain in the Big East," Cronin said. "At some point you've got to add members, that's pretty clear. It isn't rocket science. If the service academies come in for football only, they bring great value to your television contract, they bring great value academically and they bring great followings. In the Big East, we already have tremendous media markets. We just have to be a viable football conference."
--- Ah, staying a viable football conference. There's the rub. Interim AD Bob Arkeilpane put out a statement saying that UC is "fully engaged" in the situation. Here's more of what he said.
--- Obviously, the landscape is hazy right now.
--- The year 2013-2014 season will be a decider of whether UC/Big East/whoever-12 are dubbed winners in this. That is when the BCS will evaluate who the automatic qualifiers are. As long as UC ends up in an AQ league -- or a part of whatever the postseason system ends up as -- the rest is all a matter of dollars and cents.
--- If you want more inside chatter on where everything stands, here is a nice, succinct first nine minutes of a podcast with CBSsports.com insider Brett McMurphy. He's been on top of the realignment story, particularly from the Big East perspective, since Day 1.
--- P.S. All of this could change tomorrow. Enjoy.
MOVING ON.....
--- Freshman Shaq Thomas will redshirt this season. He will be eligible to practice with the team at the end of the fall semester. His initial eligibility waiver has been approved. That was in question before.
Here are Cronin's comments:
"We are very happy that Shaq has been cleared to attend the University of Cincinnati," Cronin said. "He is a wonderful young man as well as a great player. Obviously, we wish he could play this season, but the circumstances dictate he must focus on academics. I know Shaq plans on using this year to work on improving each day. It is nice to know we will have one of the best freshmen in the country playing for us next season."
Thomas comes to UC after playing two seasons at NIA Prep in Newark, N.J., where he averaged 28 points and eight assists during the 2010-11 campaign. He was tabbed a four-star prospect by Rivals.com and Scout.com and listed as the 81st-best player nationally by Rivals.com.
Cronin and the Cats can only hope Thomas' situation ends up the same as Sean Kilpatrick's redshirt. SK spent the year becoming a much better player and was an instant impact guy last year.
--- The Basketball 101 program was last night at UC. Here are some sights and sounds, thanks to Tommy G and his crew. And some photos from The Enquirer.
--- BTW, the UC hoops caravan with Cronin will be at Salem Gardens Oct. 17 from 6-8 p.m. in case you are looking for some face time with the coach. You should definitely ask him about his non-conference schedule, he'll love that. (*Sarcasm font)
--- While UC won't be holding an official "Midnight Madness" because it falls on homecoming weekend and they don't want to take away from the other events, there will be a practice open to the public the next week. A bit of a belated Midnight Madness, if you will.
It will be Oct. 21 from 6-8 at 5/3. There will be a 20-minute scrimmage. Students will be selected for a 3-point shooting contest, you know, all that good stuff. Should be fun.
Some randomness....
--- Forget conference realignment, big news of the day yesterday was that the Friday Night Lights movie is definitely happening, according to Connie Britton. Happy day.
--- Chest bump fail.
--- Sports Pickle with an honest NBA.com redesign. "Preseason canceled. You upset? I 0 comments"
--- Think I might give Ides of March a shot tonight. Got to support The Cloon. Have a good weekend everybody.