Andy Katz of ESPN is reporting that UConn will open against Boston College in the 2K Sports Classic at Madison Square Garden in November.
That would mark the first time UConn plays the Eagles since BC left the Big East in 2005 (UConn holds a 54-35 all-time edge). But it doesn't figure to be the last time the teams meet on the hardwood.
According to multiple sources, UConn and BC have been in discussions about meeting in non-conference games in coming years. Warde Manuel and new BC athletic director Brad Bates both know each other from their Mid-American Conference days (Manuel at Buffalo, Bates at Miami of Ohio), and there have been conversations about the Huskies and Eagles meeting not only in men's hoops but in football, as well (though basketball seems more likely to happen at this point).
And there's also this: a source at UConn has indicated that the Huskies have had some casual talks with Kansas, not next season but perhaps a year or two after that.
I wish BC could understand that the UConn rivalry would only improve attendance, recruiting and interest in a NorthEast College Education! There has been much "bad blood" btwn schools as it is BC that had much to do with UConn being turned down from the ACC. The ACC wanted UConn prior to Pitt, UofL and Cuse. The rivalry can only help BC,since their entrance into the ACC their sports program has been a "no show" and their bully tactics have only added to their sports programs demise. They can't keep UConn out of the ACC forever, and their will be up-coming opportunities for UConn to gain entrance into the ACC (a perfect fit full of rivalries)! This year is not the end of the "conference shuffle" and these 2 schools should work together to bring the sporting world back to New England!
ReplyDeleteThe ACC definitely did not want UCONN more than Syracuse. Heck, they wanted Syracuse way back in the early 2000's but they were replaced in the expansion plans by Virginia Tech due to political considerations. Pitt is a better asset to the ACC as well and Louisville has one of the top athletic programs in the country. UCONN is probably next if Notre Dame ever joined up for football. I don't think BC's feelings had any impact one way or another. Nonetheless, BC and UCONN should play. They both benefit.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be a great rivalry for Northeastern college sports. I had no idea that much bad blood exists between the two schools. I do think that UConn would be next in line if Notre Dame ever joined in football.
ReplyDelete#GoACC!
http://theklowntimes.net/2013/04/22/grant-of-rights-deal-great-for-acc-cincinnati-and-uconn-biggest-losers/
3 schools in football that UConn should arrange long term deals...Rutgers, BC and Penn State. In MBB develop long term deals with St Johns, Georgetown, Syracuse and BC. As a UConn fan, I'd be very happy with those schools on our schedule
ReplyDeleteIn reply to ACC wanted 'cuse b4 UCONN...the ACC wanted both...and it was BC that kept UCONN out. Source~ (courant.com /UCONN/BC/ACC Oct,9th 2011)
ReplyDeleteWhy would the ACC buy BC argument of no New England Competition? This is a league built on NC-NCSU-Duke-WF all sharing one state.
ReplyDelete