We've got to admit, competing in the 2014 Conference USA Tournament in El Paso, Texas seems like a long time coming and a long way away.
But Old Dominion cannot compete for a CAA Tournament title, a decision made by the CAA Council of Presidents on Tuesday. ODU is leaving the CAA after the upcoming season to join Conference USA for the 2013-14 season. Georgia State will also be ineligible to compete, as the Panthers are Sun Belt bound. And of course, VCU has left for the Atlantic 10.
The presidents ruled the same way when Richmond, East Carolina and American departed the conference in 2000-01.
None of these decisions was made with women's basketball in mind, but we can't help but feel for ODU seniors Mairi Buchan and Jackie Cook, who surely had visions of at least one CAA championship ring on their fingers. An at-large berth to the NCAA Tournament is in the cards for ODU, but a lame duck season isn't likely to do much for the ODU seniors or frankly, ODU attendance. Still no word on where the conference tournament will even be in what has been several months of turmoil for the CAA.
Have some thoughts on the topic? Should ODU have been allowed to compete? Tell us and we'll share them.
I think that it is important that the school Presidents were consistent with their prior (2000)decision regarding departing schools contending for CAA championships.
ReplyDeleteI am very skeptical that ODU would have had the talent in WBB to contend for a CAA championship in 2012-13, given the expected talent in the league, especially in the likes of Delaware and JMU. ODU has not really been a contender for the past 2-3 years and needs some top notch recruits to "return the program to its former strength". ODU may be more competitive in Conference USA which I perceive as not being as strong as the CAA is currently in WBB.
It will be a challenge for Barefoot to keep the players motivated when they can't contend for a conference tournament championship, particularly if ODU struggles in the early part of the season. Teams always contend they can find a new season in the postseason and taking away that chance will likely be difficult for the seniors, who have not been to an NCAA Tournament. An at-large berth will have to be the dangling carrot.
ReplyDeleteODU Athletic Director doesn't care what happens to WBB, Women's Field Hockey or the Men's wrestling. His only interest is football. I give Barefoot 3 years before he replaces her.
ReplyDeleteI agree that football (and perhaps to a lesser extent mens bastketball) seems to be the all-consuming factor in ODU's athletic program now. I too think the other sports will suffer, but we'll see....
ReplyDeleteConsider though that Selig hired Barefoot, so obviously he wants her to succeed. We're still waiting to see where field hockey and some of the sports will land in terms of conference affiliation.
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