American Athletic Conference

[Bluzrover]

At this point, the whole thing seems be being fumbled a little bit. Either it is a done deal or it isn't. So either announce it and figure out the details later or publicly state that this is a long way from a done deal. I realize only Shocker fans and AAC fans have been hanging onto every possible development, but at this point, if it doesn't happen, it will be embarrassing for both our program and the AAC. I realize in today's day and age, leaks are a major issue, but the situation has gotten past leaks about talks more into leaks about it being a done deal.

After writing this, I'm not sure I agree with myself entirely, but there have been enough leaks, it is time for the AAC to make some sort of public statement, at least updating on the status of the situation for the sake of its own image. If votes are still being lined up, make a statement stating such.

Honestly, I think there are other schools and conferences that are closely watching this development. The AAC should end up being one of the top basketball conferences which translates to TV contracts and dollars. And then there is the problem of what to do with the detritus that is the MVC. As it is, this has been one of the worst-kept secrets in college sports and it's been agonizing to watch but I'm excited for what it does for our program.

[Dshocker]

Cincy Fan Here: Link to ESPN Blub http://www.espn.com/espn/now?nowId=21-0641342047298523160-4

SI Article https://www.si.com/college-basketball/2017/04/05/wichita-state-american-athletic-conference-aac-vote?xid=socialflow_twitter_si

Gracias.

[Jes'Me]

Burned some bridges didn't they?

#ChokingChickens

They seem to have missed the bit about burning them BEHIND you, however.

[ShockerPrez]

If I had my way it would be like how the NFL does their off division opponents.

Twice in division (10 games) at least 1 game against opposing team (6 games), alternating home/away each year. Then an additional game against the team based on previous years finish. 18 total games.

1st and 2nd place of division 1 plays 1st and 2nd of division 2. 3rd and 4th play and 5th and 6th play each other.

1st year, do it however, but 2nd year you have standings to go by.

[burkat]

I don't think there is anything to worry about. Everything now is just formality. As public as this has been, neither the AAC or WSU want this to be a Big 12 style cluster**** and come out of this with egg on their face. The AAC Board of Directors meeting wouldn't be scheduled if the votes weren't already there. At this point, they've discussed this enough know for sure that WSU has the 75% support it needs to be admitted. If there was any doubt or a clear indication that it doesn't have the support, the formal vote wouldn't even be scheduled. I believe the AAC has already informed WSU they will be admitted and that WSU just needs to formally apply for membership so the AAC presidents can formally approve (hence, Friday). Even if there are still a few AAC schools dissenting or on the fence, I think it will be announced that the vote is unanimous to show strength and unity within the conference.

[jdmee]

Or do they group it based on travel partners?

West

A. Tulsa / WSU
B. SMU / UH
C. Tulane / Memphis

East

A. UConn / Cincy
B. Temple / ECU
C. UCF / USF

WSU would play Home/Away vs West for 10 games.
East 8 games based on.
East A Year 1 Home/Away, Year 2 Away, Year 3 Home
East B Year 1 Home, Year 2 Home/Away, Year 3 Away
East C Year 1 Away, Year 2 Home, Year 3 Home/Away

[ShockingButTrue]

I have to say that if this doesn't go through it will be a bigger upset than Trump over Clinton. Let's hope the "sources" we are hearing from are more reliable that the political pollsters and pundits.

Is this guy involved? If he is we're in trouble.

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[Heinro]

I researched the past AAC scheduling to see how it was determined, didn't find much direction, but in case anyone would like to know some of the info is below. I've put the important quotes above the articles. I'm still expecting division play so I doubt it would be exactly the same as it was with 11.

2014-2015 schedule:

"We are very pleased with the schedule format we have put together for the 2014-15 season," said AAC Commissioner Mike Aresco at The American's annual meetings. "We took into consideration rivalries, marquee match-ups and geographical and travel considerations. The move of our Championship to a Thursday-Sunday format offers our traveling fans more convenience while affording us significantly better coverage on ESPN platforms and a championship window that has historically produced better ratings."

http://www.uconnhuskies.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/052814aab.html

March 2015 article:

"The conference slate consists of 18 games. With AAC Men's Basketball membership at 11, the current set up is that a team plays 8 opponents twice, and two other teams just once. I do not believe there is currently any rhyme or reason to which two teams you only play once. Last year UConn's one-time opponents were Houston and UCF."

http://www.theuconnblog.com/2015/5/6/8271565/aac-basketball-scheduling-wildcard-hot-take-move-to-an-unbalanced

2016-2017 schedule (just for reference):

http://theamerican.org/news/2016/6/6/MBB_0606162637.aspx

Edit- I can't seem to get that one link to work.

[Wichita Muskie]

The only two conferences in all of college basketball with divisions are the MAC and OVC. Not the company I think the AAC wants to keep. I would not expect divisions.

[1979Shocker]

I thought nine votes were needed. Does Navy not get a say or something?

https://thesunflower.com/16712/sports/sources-american-athletic-conference-preparing-for-wichita-states-arrival/

Wichita State Athletic Director Darron Boatright told The Sunflower Tuesday night that no invitation has been extended from the AAC. Nine of 12 votes from AAC members are required for the Shockers to make a move. Until an invitation has been made, Wichita State has no role in the decisions and therefore cannot confirm the leave.

[Heinro]

I keep forgetting about this thread. Basically same discussion as the Realignment thread. Not a fan.

[SHOCKvalue]

The only two conferences in all of college basketball with divisions are the MAC and OVC. Not the company I think the AAC wants to keep. I would not expect divisions.

Just off the top of my head, the B10 and SEC have divisions, and the B12 used to when they actually had 12 members.

[1972Shocker]

Just off the top of my head, the B10 and SEC have divisions, and the B12 used to when they actually had 12 members.

I think the SEC has divisions in Football but not Basketball. They have 14 teams. Play an 18 game schedule. Not sure how they do their unbalanced schedule.

I think the same is true of the Big 10.

OTOH if the AAC does doe a divisional setup for basketball I am not sure it follows that there is equivalence with the MAC and OVC other than all these leagues have 12 basketball teams and play a divisional setup.

[SHOCKvalue]

Semantics, I guess.

You either do a true round robin or you don't. If you want to call it divisions or pods or partners it doesn't some much matter effectively.

[ShockCrazy]

I think the SEC has divisions in Football but not Basketball. They have 14 teams. Play an 18 game schedule. Not sure how they do their unbalanced schedule.

I think the same is true of the Big 10.

I thought the same, but just discovered they apparently only apply to football. SEC plays an 18 game schedule with 14 members(not sure why they don't bump to a division structure with 19 games but who knows), and there seems to be no rhyme or reason to the match-ups that are played twice. UK played A&M from the west twice but SC from the east once.