https://twitter.com/mattbrownep/status/1478874254431113217?s=21
https://www.extrapointsmb.com/breaking-mvc-expected-to-add-murray-state-uic/
Multiple sources also tell me that the Missouri Valley Conference is likely to also add UIC, although on a different timetable. MVC officials are planning on visiting Chicago this weekend for a final site visit, and industry sources expect UIC to eventually be offered an invitation after the visits, barring anything unexpected.
From the Norlander article:
The league has also communicated to members that the conference will be moving to a 20-game league scheduling beginning in 2022-23.
I like it: whether some on here like it or not, Murray and SIU are more alike than dissimilar as proud programs with passionate fan bases from rural areas. The Valley badly needs another passionate fan base, and SIU-Murray will be a heated rivalry. UIC is a means to an end of needing a Chicago presence post-Loyola, maybe with some upside.
In an ideal world, those two would replace some combo of Evansville/Valpo/Indiana State so there's not so much dead weight in a 12-team league, but alas.
While I think the Belmont/Murray/UIC combo makes some sense and is pretty much the best the league can do in this landscape, for the Valley to truly excel, a few among the traditional MVC programs such as SIU, Bradley, Illinois State, Northern Iowa and Missouri State need to find another gear ASAP. And hopefully Drake can keep the uptick going.
I'm hoping the MVC stays at 12 now with Murray and UIC added. Think those are the two sensible adds. You get the top mid-major and passionate fanbase with Murray and the big market with UIC. No need to add UT-Arlington or UMKC or Nebraska-Omaha.
This is indeed great news. Hopefully SIU-Murray will develop into a nice rivalry. It certainly makes sense from a geography perspective.
One thing I found kind of funny. I've read a lot of people hyping the Murray fanbase. I was surprised when I checked their last 3 home games, then, and saw attendance of 3630, 3791, and 3515. Not as impressive as I expected for a rabid fanbase of a program that has 3 championships and 2 NCAA appearances in the last 4 years.
Here are Southern's numbers, for reference: 4026, 3952, and 4030.
Southern would probably get at least 70% more than Murray's numbers if it had the same recent resume.
This is indeed great news. Hopefully SIU-Murray will develop into a nice rivalry. It certainly makes sense from a geography perspective.
One thing I found kind of funny. I've read a lot of people hyping the Murray fanbase. I was surprised when I checked their last 3 home games, then, and saw attendance of 3630, 3791, and 3515. Not as impressive as I expected for a rabid fanbase of a program that has 3 championships and 2 NCAA appearances in the last 4 years.
Here are Southern's numbers, for reference: 4026, 3952, and 4030.
Southern would probably get at least 70% more than Murray's numbers if it had the same recent resume.
I think attendance around college basketball is down this year, or at least it feels like it. Think people are still weary with COVID or found that watching games at home isn't bad. Murray State's fanbase has filled up Evansville in years past and think they'll be a good addition to Arch Madness. We lost a lot of fans after Creighton and Wichita left in St Louis, especially with the struggles of SIU & Illinois State.
Looks like UT Arlington is heading to the WAC
I like it: whether some on here like it or not, Murray and SIU are more alike than dissimilar as proud programs with passionate fan bases from rural areas. The Valley badly needs another passionate fan base, and SIU-Murray will be a heated rivalry. UIC is a means to an end of needing a Chicago presence post-Loyola, maybe with some upside.
In an ideal world, those two would replace some combo of Evansville/Valpo/Indiana State so there's not so much dead weight in a 12-team league, but alas.
While I think the Belmont/Murray/UIC combo makes some sense and is pretty much the best the league can do in this landscape, for the Valley to truly excel, a few among the traditional MVC programs such as SIU, Bradley, Illinois State, Northern Iowa and Missouri State need to find another gear ASAP. And hopefully Drake can keep the uptick going.
Indiana State's a keeper. Tradition, quality in other sports such as track and baseball, in the heart of basketball country, and with a new coach with an excellent track record, I expect them to improve bball.
Thought and still do that Valpo was a mistake. Evansville has been medicocre for years.
I like it: whether some on here like it or not, Murray and SIU are more alike than dissimilar as proud programs with passionate fan bases from rural areas. The Valley badly needs another passionate fan base, and SIU-Murray will be a heated rivalry. UIC is a means to an end of needing a Chicago presence post-Loyola, maybe with some upside.
In an ideal world, those two would replace some combo of Evansville/Valpo/Indiana State so there's not so much dead weight in a 12-team league, but alas.
While I think the Belmont/Murray/UIC combo makes some sense and is pretty much the best the league can do in this landscape, for the Valley to truly excel, a few among the traditional MVC programs such as SIU, Bradley, Illinois State, Northern Iowa and Missouri State need to find another gear ASAP. And hopefully Drake can keep the uptick going.
The announcer of the MoSt Bradley game on adding Murray State. "I don't like it...I love it."
With Belmont, Murray, and UIC, the MVC takes a nice leap forward. Now if SIU, ISU, Bradley can up their programs, the MVC is sitting pretty!
Thank God UMKC and UTA are out.
I like it: whether some on here like it or not, Murray and SIU are more alike than dissimilar as proud programs with passionate fan bases from rural areas. The Valley badly needs another passionate fan base, and SIU-Murray will be a heated rivalry. UIC is a means to an end of needing a Chicago presence post-Loyola, maybe with some upside.
In an ideal world, those two would replace some combo of Evansville/Valpo/Indiana State so there's not so much dead weight in a 12-team league, but alas.
While I think the Belmont/Murray/UIC combo makes some sense and is pretty much the best the league can do in this landscape, for the Valley to truly excel, a few among the traditional MVC programs such as SIU, Bradley, Illinois State, Northern Iowa and Missouri State need to find another gear ASAP. And hopefully Drake can keep the uptick going.
The announcer of the MoSt Bradley game on adding Murray State. "I don't like it...I love it."
With Belmont, Murray, and UIC, the MVC takes a nice leap forward. Now if SIU, ISU, Bradley can up their programs, the MVC is sitting pretty!
Thank God UMKC and UTA are out.
Who said they were out ?
I like it: whether some on here like it or not, Murray and SIU are more alike than dissimilar as proud programs with passionate fan bases from rural areas. The Valley badly needs another passionate fan base, and SIU-Murray will be a heated rivalry. UIC is a means to an end of needing a Chicago presence post-Loyola, maybe with some upside.
In an ideal world, those two would replace some combo of Evansville/Valpo/Indiana State so there's not so much dead weight in a 12-team league, but alas.
While I think the Belmont/Murray/UIC combo makes some sense and is pretty much the best the league can do in this landscape, for the Valley to truly excel, a few among the traditional MVC programs such as SIU, Bradley, Illinois State, Northern Iowa and Missouri State need to find another gear ASAP. And hopefully Drake can keep the uptick going.
The announcer of the MoSt Bradley game on adding Murray State. "I don't like it...I love it."
With Belmont, Murray, and UIC, the MVC takes a nice leap forward. Now if SIU, ISU, Bradley can up their programs, the MVC is sitting pretty!
Thank God UMKC and UTA are out.
Who said they were out ?
Reports are that UT Arlington is going to the WAC, which means the Valley likely passed. Guess UMKC is a possibility still and maybe Nebraska-Omaha but seems like it's Murray State and UIC to give them 12. I'd look out for a school like St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN in the future.
the conference will be moving to a 20-game league scheduling beginning in 2022-23
Not a fan of this. As Valley schools have shown in abundance, they will just remove the D1 teams from their schedule and keep the non D1s.
Has anybody heard anything about the MVFC? I have looked and not seen anything about Murray going to it. Are they simply in the MVC and not the MVFC?
I'm not sayin' -- I'm just sayin'!
I like it: whether some on here like it or not, Murray and SIU are more alike than dissimilar as proud programs with passionate fan bases from rural areas. The Valley badly needs another passionate fan base, and SIU-Murray will be a heated rivalry. UIC is a means to an end of needing a Chicago presence post-Loyola, maybe with some upside.
In an ideal world, those two would replace some combo of Evansville/Valpo/Indiana State so there's not so much dead weight in a 12-team league, but alas.
While I think the Belmont/Murray/UIC combo makes some sense and is pretty much the best the league can do in this landscape, for the Valley to truly excel, a few among the traditional MVC programs such as SIU, Bradley, Illinois State, Northern Iowa and Missouri State need to find another gear ASAP. And hopefully Drake can keep the uptick going.
The announcer of the MoSt Bradley game on adding Murray State. "I don't like it...I love it."
With Belmont, Murray, and UIC, the MVC takes a nice leap forward. Now if SIU, ISU, Bradley can up their programs, the MVC is sitting pretty!
Thank God UMKC and UTA are out.
Who said they were out ?
UTA to the Wacky and haven't heard squat about UMKC.
Not sure UIC is a done deal, but should be if they commit to upgrading. Commuter school yes-- but in the big city. I'm old enough to remember when it was Navy Pier or Circle. Now it's just a boatload of concrete with 28,000 commuter students. My cousins drove from Des Plaines to Circle every day for years to get their degrees! Nuts!
Sincerely hope they stop at 12 teams!
The Murray Thuggies will be in the Valley. Pass the popcorn please.
The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty.
James Madison
