Where there's smoke....

[Moliva]

While I do think Richmond fits the profile over all, I think them coming out of nowhere recently is more a result of ESPN propoganda. The 5 teams that seem like locks to me from what I've heard are:

Xavier
Dayton
Butler
Creighton
Saint Louis

I'm not saying that Richmond is going to be included but what would ESPN gain through spreading this 'propaganda'?

[Edrick]

Dayton is not a "lock", its probably 3-1 they don't make it.

Richmond has better odds.

[xu5595]

Andy Katz is the last person I would expect to report any breaking story. This "report" isn't anymore newsworthy than his previous darts he has thrown at the wall.

[flyerlax06]

My point is that I don't trust anything ESPN says or does because they are now no longer in bed with the Big East. So for me, I've been hearing nothing at all about Richmond but have heard that 3 of the 5 I mentioned are a done deal and Richmond was brought up only as a possible replacement for candidates as the last 2 spots. Obviously nothing I'm saying is written in stone and my sources are my sources (I'll take a leap and say they aren't the same as Andy Katz's sources). Just my opinion. That's all.

[xu95]

My point is that I don't trust anything ESPN says or does because they are now no longer in bed with the Big East. So for me, I've been hearing nothing at all about Richmond but have heard that 3 of the 5 I mentioned are a done deal and Richmond was brought up only as a possible replacement for candidates as the last 2 spots. Obviously nothing I'm saying is written in stone and my sources are my sources (I'll take a leap and say they aren't the same as Andy Katz's sources). Just my opinion. That's all.

At this point I think the only two schools that can be considered "locks" are Xavier and Butler.

[Milloy]

I have heard that VCU's inclusion is directly related to Gonzaga. Some parties want to keep it simple with like-minded, private institutions and wants to go with: Butler, Xavier, Creighton, Dayton, St.Louis and another faction seems to want the best basketball programs available (conjecture on my part) and want Butler, Xavier, Creighton, Gonzaga, VCU. The latter group is the most palatable to me, but doesn't really make much sense if geography is a key factor. Though, it would solve East/West division issues.

I have also heard that a 10 team league is off the table (though that has already been widely reported). FWIW.

Aside: Those of us from the Providence board have been talking about how knowledgable and respectful all you guys have been so far. A far cry from dealing with fans of big, football-first schools. Kudos!

[Moliva]

Aside: Those of us from the Providence board have been talking about how knowledgable and respectful all you guys have been so far.

:Scratches VCU from list:

(Sorry Natty and Galen, I couldn't resist)

[nyc9291]

Aside: Those of us from the Providence board have been talking about how knowledgable and respectful all you guys have been so far. A far cry from dealing with fans of big, football-first schools. Kudos!

I totally agree. It's a lot better than the Big East / C7 bbs site too. Hopefully everyone can keep this level of civility once we are opponents on the court.

[MixingBowlSpider]

Aside: Those of us from the Providence board have been talking about how knowledgable and respectful all you guys have been so far. A far cry from dealing with fans of big, football-first schools. Kudos!

I totally agree. It's a lot better than the Big East / C7 bbs site too. Hopefully everyone can keep this level of civility once we are opponents on the court.

If you bring in both Dayton and Xavier, then you're gonna need heavy-handed moderation to maintain the civility. Same might be true if both Richmond and VCU get in--we're pulling our punches somewhat as we're trying to make a good first impression.

[butlerguy03]

Yeah, just get Butler and Indiana fans in the same message board - the civility ends.