Inviting Schools to the CAA

[Pat Riot]

Theoretically, if Elon and Furman are added, my guess would be that it is to entice CofC and Davidson. I'm sure it helps that they both play football, but you have to think Charleston and Davidson would want bring their rivals with them. Without Furman and Elon, the conference probably does not get Charleston or Davidson.

[masonevolution]

I also think this shows how much of BS is the whole "CAA and CAA Football are separate entities". If they really were, we wouldn't be looking at those schools, focusing instead on basketball schools to add.

[patriotfan49]

ODU was for sure a bed sh**er in the NCAAs but CofC is not really a tourney threat either.

I think the biggest loss for us will not be competing with VCU since they were the better team of the two who left and the more accomplished program in the national spotlight. ODU we can get over with a solid replacement, but VCU is going to be much more difficult.

[GMUGemini]

I also think this shows how much of BS is the whole "CAA and CAA Football are separate entities". If they really were, we wouldn't be looking at those schools, focusing instead on basketball schools to add.

Well, to be fair, there are only really three basketball schools you'd REALLY want to look at on the east coast and who currently play in weaker leagues: Charleston, Davidson, and Siena (at least those are the only three I'd REALLY want). If we have to add Elon and Furman to get Davidson I say it's worth it. If we're going to 14, we can follow the A-10 model for scheduling that protects the top RPI teams from too many RPI killing games against the weaker schools.

[polepino]

With whomever we invite to the CAA, what are the chances of any of the new schools starting up play in conference this upcoming year? I see VCU bolted and paid the larger price financially to start playing in the A-10 this upcoming year. Any chance that the CAA uses the money left behind by VCU and ODU to 'buy' these new schools into playing right away? Or is it all going to put the new schools in 'lame duck' seasons in their respective conferences?

[haxormax]

Oh god no.

CAA going after Appalachian State?!

More of this?

[masonhoopsfan]

Appy would be a nice add but it makes no sense if they are trying to go FBS. Why bring in a school that would only be around for 5-6 years and then would bolt? Talk about a stop-gap measure.

[KA]

Appy would be a nice add but it makes no sense if they are trying to go FBS. Why bring in a school that would only be around for 5-6 years and then would bolt? Talk about a stop-gap measure.

Points to consider:

1) As someone said, wanting to go FBS and getting invited there are 2 different things. App State has a name in football....yet got bypassed by CUSA and the The SunBelt for 2 up starts. Yeah it may be "media market" induces, but still, they may be re-thinking their reality for the time being.

2) Let's say they come to the CAA for 3-6 years. They upgrade their conference football schedule with the best FCS conference, and showcase on NBC that much more for a later move. In return, the CAA gets another name football program for the short term to keep the "king of the FCS title" and making the JMU, Delaware, etc happy.

3) Despite the exit fee issues, in business, everything is negotiable. We fans don't know what is transpiring behind closed doors and what concessions the CAA might make to get App St in so they can get C of C, Davidson, etc. If I ran the CAA I would be working very hard to get them, even short term.

Who knows. All we can do is wait and see.....

[GMUGemini]

If my targets are CofC and Davidson for basketball and Davidson said they wouldn't come unless we grabbed another NC school I certainly would rather it be App State than Elon and/or Furman.

[polepino]

Would Winthrop be a bad add? I mean I know they've kind of lost their shine within the past few years but in the 2000's they seemed to be doing pretty well basketball wise.