Majerus to Saint Louis University?

[Aegyptus]

Here is an ESPN article about Majerus meeting with SLU officials in Saint Louis.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2845311

First, to all those haters that thought Creighton or Wichita State were not within Majerus' realm, well, ... ha. Obviously Majerus would have considered both of these schools as they are both clearly superior to the Saint Louis job. The real question was whether or not Creighton and Wichita would consider Majerus. So, when the next round of coaching openings comes up next year, we need to set our sights this high or higher when filling the top Valley positions.

Second, if Saint Louis gets Majerus doesn't Saint Louis look that much better for expansion? I think so...

[NewEra]

Here is an ESPN article about Majerus meeting with SLU officials in Saint Louis.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2845311

First, to all those haters that thought Creighton or Wichita State were not within Majerus' realm, well, ... ha. Obviously Majerus would have considered both of these schools as they are both clearly superior to the Saint Louis job. The real question was whether or not Creighton and Wichita would consider Majerus. So, when the next round of coaching openings comes up next year, we need to set our sights this high or higher when filling the top Valley positions.

Second, if Saint Louis gets Majerus doesn't Saint Louis look that much better for expansion? I think so...

First off Majerus will be dead in a year or two. Secondly Marshall is setting your sights higher than Majerus.

[gosmsgo]

If he cant even control his weight how the hell can he control anything else in life.

give me a break.

[barkeep1967]

If he cant even control his weight how the hell can he control anything else in life.

give me a break.


Check out his career stats and get a clue. If St.louis gets Majerus they are instantly a legitimate threat in the A-10. It would also hurt Valley Recruiting quite a bit. No more walking into the St.Louis are and getting who you want.

[goaces]

Living in St. Louis, I can tell you the drift I get from media and others is that there is little chance of RM coming to SLU. He has told the university president, however, that SLU needs to get out of the A-10 and into the MVC. RM wants complete control and top dollar from everthing to recruiting to what he pays his assistants, to accademic exemptions for basketball players. Unlikely that this administration will provide all these wishes.:valley: :aces: :no:

[TNMSUFAN]

It would be interesting to see if Majerus would continue the series with SIU and MO State. I don't know about SIU but SLU visits Hammons this upcoming season.

[Aegyptus]

Living in St. Louis, I can tell you the drift I get from media and others is that there is little chance of RM coming to SLU. He has told the university president, however, that SLU needs to get out of the A-10 and into the MVC. RM wants complete control and top dollar from everthing to recruiting to what he pays his assistants, to accademic exemptions for basketball players. Unlikely that this administration will provide all these wishes.:valley: :aces: :no:

WOW. That is interesting!!! Do you have that MVC demand to the university president (Biondi, I assume) on a good source? That is a major development because Elgin has already voiced his openness to adding SLU. That could be a huge deal. It seems more and more likely that SLU will change conferences to the Valley soon. Even if Majerus is not the guy, Biondi hearing that from a nationally respected source should move him to action.

The demands are high if those are indeed the demands, but what choice does SLU have here? There are really no other decent coaches on the market and they have to fill the 10,000 seat Chavitz Arena. Unless they do something drastic, it is not going to happen.

Here is Bryan Burwell's story on the issue here (http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/columnists.nsf/bryanburwell/story/0CBC407695FD4D08862572C7000F4E6A?OpenDocument).

[MikeKennedyRulz]

No thanks. I'll take Marshall over fatty mcfat fat anyday.

[barkeep1967]

No thanks. I'll take Marshall over fatty mcfat fat anyday.


You go ahead with that one. Over the long term you are probably right. Short term Marshall is not even in the same class as Majerus.


Majerus took Ball State to the sweet 16 and Utah to the national championship game.

How many tournament games has Marshall won again ?

[DUBulldog]

WOW. That is interesting!!! Do you have that MVC demand to the university president (Biondi, I assume) on a good source?

There's a link to it on the Creighton board (http://thebluejaycafe.com/BB/viewtopic.php?t=7641)

[Canevision]

You go ahead with that one. Over the long term you are probably right. Short term Marshall is not even in the same class as Majerus.


Majerus took Ball State to the sweet 16 and Utah to the national championship game.

How many tournament games has Marshall won again ?

Mike is a good poster, but in this debate, we have a winner...

[Nyghtewynd]

It would be interesting to see if Majerus would continue the series with SIU and MO State. I don't know about SIU but SLU visits Hammons this upcoming season.

That's funny...I keep hoping that MSU will discontinue the series with SLU. Either way, I'm happy if it happens.

[Aegyptus]

The source of the Majerus demand to SLU that SLU attempt to join the Valley comes from the STL Post Dispatch and Bernie Miklasz, a pretty reliable source.

Here are some of the thoughts of Bernie Miklasz in his "PressBox" forum:

You can call BS all that you want, but Majerus told Biondi SLU should be in the MVC....

You don't have to agree with his opinion, but if you're suggesting that I'm making it up ... well, actually, I don't give a flip.

The A-10 is inferior to the Valley right now, and so at least I know this about Majerus: he's in touch with reality.

--B

This is getting pretty serious. If Majerus takes this job (which I still highly doubt) then look for action soon. The responses in the Pressbox (which I assume is mostly SLU fans) seemed pretty positive on the move to the Valley.

[goaces]

WOW. That is interesting!!! Do you have that MVC demand to the university president (Biondi, I assume) on a good source? That is a major development because Elgin has already voiced his openness to adding SLU. That could be a huge deal. It seems more and more likely that SLU will change conferences to the Valley soon. Even if Majerus is not the guy, Biondi hearing that from a nationally respected source should move him to action.

The demands are high if those are indeed the demands, but what choice does SLU have here? There are really no other decent coaches on the market and they have to fill the 10,000 seat Chavitz Arena. Unless they do something drastic, it is not going to happen.

Here is Bryan Burwell's story on the issue here (http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/columnists.nsf/bryanburwell/story/0CBC407695FD4D08862572C7000F4E6A?OpenDocument).

First off, you really don't want to read too much into Bryan Burwell. He is the least respected sports figure in St. Louis.
On the subject of SLU, you probably already realize they were invited into the MVC before they opted for the A-10. Well, suffice to say that was a huge huge mistake. Everbody who follows hoops in this area knows what a knucklehead decision that was, however, SLU administration won't publicly admit to this. The MVC, as all fans of the Bilikens know, offer a superior league with natural rivals in every direction. Between the interest of the MVC in this market, and what SLU needs to fill up there new areana, this decision is basicly a no brainer. Both SLU and the MVC have a lot to offer each other. The key behind if SLU wants to change conferences will be 1) Will Fr. Biondi, who is a smart buisnessman, but not a "sports person" will "get it"? :valley: :aces: :valley: :clap: Unfortunately, he is a micromanager and does not appear to seek much input from other. 2) I am unsure if the Bilikens would have to pay a fine for the jump from the A10.
You are quite correct in knowing Doug Elgin's interest in SLU. The league office and other MVC presidents and AD's desire this as well. I'm just waiting and hoping that SLU makes the commitment and goes ahead and jumps to the Valley. SLU is a sleeping giant that would add to the stature of an already great league.

[SubGod22]

I'm with MKR. I wouldn't touch RM. Sure, he brings his name and can coach. But I'm not sure if it would be worth it. At least not at WSU. SLU on the other hand needs all the help they can get.

[yeager]

All you people wanting the MVC tournament in KC should be pulling for SLU to join the MVC. I can't imagine, if SLU were to join, that they would get the MVC tournament in their own backyard.

[Myopicraiderfan]

I just got through reading 9 pages of the post/dispatch forum. I have learned a couple things.

SLU does not like us(MVC).
They are delusional in thinking the A10 is still a national conference.
They are screwed up leadership wise.

Only take them if someone else leaves.

[Canevision]

I just got through reading 9 pages of the post/dispatch forum. I have learned a couple things.

SLU does not like us(MVC).
They are delusional in thinking the A10 is still a national conference.
They are screwed up leadership wise.

Only take them if someone else leaves.

Yes, SLU thinks they are world's better than they actually are, and they think the A10 is a solid conference.

I do enjoy the banter with them on STL though.

[Nyghtewynd]

Why exactly would we want a team that isn't going to finish in the top half of the conference? What good does that do us? Frankly, if we're going to continue this idiocy of letting SLU into the MVC, it had better be accompanied by (1) a MUCH better team coming with them, and (2) one or two schools leaving the conference.

[Aegyptus]

Why exactly would we want a team that isn't going to finish in the top half of the conference? What good does that do us? Frankly, if we're going to continue this idiocy of letting SLU into the MVC, it had better be accompanied by (1) a MUCH better team coming with them, and (2) one or two schools leaving the conference.

Of course, that is the subject that has not been broached on this board yet. If SLU comes in does it mean A) we are content with 11 teams, B) we find a 12th, or C) someone gets the ax and we stick with 10?

[MikeKennedyRulz]

You go ahead with that one. Over the long term you are probably right. Short term Marshall is not even in the same class as Majerus.


Majerus took Ball State to the sweet 16 and Utah to the national championship game.

How many tournament games has Marshall won again ?

If I wanted a bigtime coach that was out of work for a short term fix, I would have taken Eddie Sutton over Majerus. As it is, I am looking for WSU to build a program for the long-term, so Marshall is my man over Majerus.

[goaces]

It was not that along ago that "Spoonball" in St. Louis was producing a top 35 program and averaging 20,000 a game. Sure, they have not been as strong recently. But guess what....it wasn't that long ago that Crieghton was a bottom team in the Valley, as was Northern Iowa, and others. We have all been there at one time or another. SLU offers major market appeal in an area where the interest of the MVC is quite high. They offer rivals to teams like SIU and MSU which help fill up there gyms as well. The Bilikins would easily average 8,000 - 10,000 a game. On a larger scale this also means much greater advertising appeal for t.v. contracts. Folks, do the math. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out the advantages to having SLU in the MVC. Doug Elgin and other Valley AD's understand this emphatically.

Incidently, no matter what other prior posts have stated concering what the media may be saying concerning SLU and the MVC, I can tell you first hand from living in St. Louis. Nearly everyone outside of SLU's adminsitration wants to see the Bilikins leave the A-10. The haughty SLU president and AD don't want to admit they may a huge error in judgement when they snubbed the Valley several years ago. The hope for many is that the words that Rick Majerus told them that they need to get in the Valley has woke them up from there blinded and unwarranted arrogance. :valley: :aces: :bash:

[LincolnJay]

Not without someone else leaving.

Not without moving the postseason tourney to a neutral city.

[IndyTreeFan]

Not without someone else leaving.

Not without moving the postseason tourney to a neutral city.


Yeah, let's move the tournament to indianapolis. They know how to have a tournament here...:naughty:

[NewEra]

You go ahead with that one. Over the long term you are probably right. Short term Marshall is not even in the same class as Majerus.


Majerus took Ball State to the sweet 16 and Utah to the national championship game.

How many tournament games has Marshall won again ?

So Lowery isn't even in the same class as Majerus?

[SycamoreFanatic]

Yeah Indy......great suggestion and it is where the selection committee will be residing. Just need to move the date to "selection weekend". It might be harder for them to justify their excuses for penalizing Valley teams when playing live right under their noses?

:valley: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

[AcePurpleFan]

Indy is not a bad idea... or Chicago. The Valley could rotate with the Big 10. When the Big 10 is in Chicago, the Valley is in Indy and vice versa.

[btisu22]

Indy is not a bad idea... or Chicago. The Valley could rotate with the Big 10. When the Big 10 is in Chicago, the Valley is in Indy and vice versa.
I'm thinking the western teams in the Valley would disagree with you guys on this one. If it isn't in StL, It's in Kansas City.

[dogdays]

Boys...
The Valley isnt going to move the tourney to Indy or anywhere else as long as Elgin is commissioner and the attendance is the highest in the country. This years final as we all know out drew every other championship game in the country(22,000 plus)....its not going anywhere.

[btisu22]

Boys...
The Valley isnt going to move the tourney to Indy or anywhere else as long as Elgin is commissioner and the attendance is the highest in the country. This years final as we all know out drew every other championship game in the country(22,000 plus)....its not going anywhere.
B.I.N.G.O.

[cpacmel]

Majerus to SLU is rumored to be a DONE deal. Press Conference this afternoon or tomorrow.

[DawgieStyle]

Majerus to SLU is rumored to be a DONE deal. Press Conference this afternoon or tomorrow.

Well if true, SLU just got a lot better...good hire despite what all you detractors say. If Majerus can control his health issues, this is a good move by SLU, that's a big if though. With out the benefit of hindsight, as it stands now, SLU just made the recruiting pool in the St. Louis area a lot more crowded for SIU.

[Saluki762]

Well if true, SLU just got a lot better...good hire despite what all you detractors say. If Majerus can control his health issues, this is a good move by SLU, that's a big if though. With out the benefit of hindsight, as it stands now, SLU just made the recruiting pool in the St. Louis area a lot more crowded for SIU.
As a SLU grad, I am happy about this. As a FAN of SIU I was hoping they didn't find a coach unil like June and then they would only hire a MAC assistant. STL recruiting became a bit tougher if this is true.

[Little Eddie]

Being a private/Jesuit school does St. Louis maybe have more stringent qualifications in terms of academics?? Not busting in SIU's academics but it may be easier to get into SIU than it is to get into SLU...again just thinking out loud. I could be wrong???

[goaces]

Being a private/Jesuit school does St. Louis maybe have more stringent qualifications in terms of academics?? Not busting in SIU's academics but it may be easier to get into SIU than it is to get into SLU...again just thinking out loud. I could be wrong???

Your question is a good one. My understanding as part of RM coming to SLU, is that the univeristy would have it's basketball players exempt of having the same accademic requirements as the rest of the student body. I, personally, detest that type of thing. I will still have to see RM named as head coach to beleive it. I don't think this will be as wise of a move as what others might think. :valley: :doh:

[goaces]

Majerus to SLU is rumored to be a DONE deal. Press Conference this afternoon or tomorrow.

What is your source on this rumor? Living in St. Louis, I listen and read anything that deals with colleg hoops. There is nothing I am finding anywhere on RM's rumored hiring.:helpsmilie:

[Nyghtewynd]

There isn't one thing about it in the Post-Dispatch either. At least not yet.

[Nyghtewynd]

Apparently kfns.com (a local sports radio station) is talking about it like it's a done deal.

[XSaluki]

The people of St. Louis can sleep at night knowing they are safe.


http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a327/xsaluki/godzillavsmajerus-1.jpg

[yeager]

Boys...
The Valley isnt going to move the tourney to Indy or anywhere else as long as Elgin is commissioner and the attendance is the highest in the country. This years final as we all know out drew every other championship game in the country(22,000 plus)....its not going anywhere.

These people are saying if SLU was to join the MVC the tournament would/should move......no way other teams will like the fact SLU is playing in their own backyard...IMO it would have to move.

[dogdays]

If SLU joins the Valley they will indeed have a bit of a home court advantage, though by then it will be just a court in their city. That said it will not be moved because SLU becomes a Valley member. Elgin likes it there and its staying there..

[LincolnJay]

If SLU joins the Valley they will indeed have a bit of a home court advantage, though by then it will be just a court in their city. That said it will not be moved because SLU becomes a Valley member. Elgin likes it there and its staying there..

F*** Elgin. If St Louis enters the MVC, the tourney will go to Chicago or KC or there will be a revolt in the conference.:ranting:

[okstarsfan]

These people are saying if SLU was to join the MVC the tournament would/should move......no way other teams will like the fact SLU is playing in their own backyard...IMO it would have to move.

I suspect that, at the very least, they would actually expect SLU to win at least one tourney before they move it.

[LincolnJay]

Billiken board blowing up:

http://www.billikens.com/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.pl

Who cares what ol' Fatty wants, the league is stable and hasn't been this good since Louisville, Cincy et al days. SLU needs to stay in the A10.

[StLouBlue]

The rumors that it is a done deal w/ Majerus is also on the billikens.com board. I don't think anything involving Majerus is ever a done deal, so I will believe it when I see him on the sidelines next year and really only then. I think Majerus is the type of hire that SLU had to make at this point. The season ticket base has been sliding downward for the last several years, pretty much since the Spoonball days. The admin has talked about being a top program but has never really taken the steps to get there. The talk about an on-campus arena was going on for around 15 years and even when planning and fundraising started took about 3-4 years longer than originally wanted. SLU needs a big splash to help turn the whole attitude of the program around in a very short time, which is what it seems the admin has now decided it wants.

Interestingly, Majerus, it sounds like, is making demands to SLU about a lot of the things that have held back the last few coaches and probably contributed to their struggles. One of the other things rumored is the SLU to the MVC issue. I kind of doubt there is much here, but of course a week ago I was doubting Majerus was really looking at SLU either. Of course until Majerus is here for when practice starts and even games I will still be wondering if he will back out.

The whole SLU to the A10 happened because SLU wants to be in a position to align with DePaul, Marquette, Georgetown, etc if the BE blows apart. SLU I think saw the A10 as the best stepping stone to that end. I think SLU viewed the MVC as a long term only step, basically giving up the hope of a Midwest/East coast Catholic league. I don't know if SLU has changed its mind of this or not, but I think it would be premature to change course after only 2 years in the A10. Of course, I also thought if they wanted Soderberg fired they should have done so right after the season and not waited until the end of April.

[DawgFan]

Majerus will not force SLU out of the A-10. That is not a deal breaker. It is $$$'s, charter flights and getting kids in that meet NCAA requirements (not SLU requirements).

[goaces]

All I have heard coming from the media is that RM told Biondi that he wanted SLU out of the A-10 and get into the MVC. That was a stipulation.

The reason why SLU originally went to the A-10 was two fold. 1) They thought they were better than the MVC. 2) They thought they were alligning with teams that could have a bigger market appeal...which they found out it didn't. Going to the A-10 was STRICTLY A MONETARY DECISION. It had nothing to do with alligning with Catholic institutions. The decison backfired bigtime. And where anyone got their info that SLU was waiting for the Big East to "blow up" is beyond my comprehension. :doh:

[E-Ville]

The Big East is way too strong to fold now. I say lets take in St. Louis and Western Kentucky and be done with it. More publicity for the valley.

[StLouBlue]

All I have heard coming from the media is that RM told Biondi that he wanted SLU out of the A-10 and get into the MVC. That was a stipulation.

The reason why SLU originally went to the A-10 was two fold. 1) They thought they were better than the MVC. 2) They thought they were alligning with teams that could have a bigger market appeal...which they found out it didn't. Going to the A-10 was STRICTLY A MONETARY DECISION. It had nothing to do with alligning with Catholic institutions. The decison backfired bigtime. And where anyone got their info that SLU was waiting for the Big East to "blow up" is beyond my comprehension. :doh:

I will agree with point 1. In that SLU was in CUSA and felt that the A10 would have been a smaller step down than the MVC at that time. Don't forget it was just a season before that that the A10 had a #1 seed with St Joes and had their 2 sweet sixteen teams, St Joes with Xavier. The A10 was having some success by their top schools that was hiding some of the ugliness going on with the bottom schools.

On your point 2., I will also partially agree. In that SLU wasn't just picking the conference based on sports but also on appealing to potential east coast students. It is my understanding the number of college students will be dropping in the coming years and SLU saw the A10 as a chance to expand where they recruit students, not just where they could play basketball. SLU already does very well in getting the midwest kids, so joining a midwest based conference wouldn't really change the students on campus.

As far as back-firing bigtime, I don't see it. The A10 has had a couple of down years, but does have some good young coaches in place and even most of the bottom feeders are showing some improvement. I don't know if the A10 gets back to the days of 4-5 bids, but I think multiple bids is probable. I am not saying everything is great in the A10, but it is also not nearly as bad as the St Louis media makes it sound also.

Finally, I am guessing you don't follow SLU all that much, because I think most SLU fans want to be in a conference with schools like Marquette, DePaul, Xavier, Georgetown etc. I also know there has been much speculation about the BE being too large in its current form to last, so by me saying SLU wants to see what happens when the BE blows up is by no means a stretch.

[goaces]

I will agree with point 1. In that SLU was in CUSA and felt that the A10 would have been a smaller step down than the MVC at that time. Don't forget it was just a season before that that the A10 had a #1 seed with St Joes and had their 2 sweet sixteen teams, St Joes with Xavier. The A10 was having some success by their top schools that was hiding some of the ugliness going on with the bottom schools.

On your point 2., I will also partially agree. In that SLU wasn't just picking the conference based on sports but also on appealing to potential east coast students. It is my understanding the number of college students will be dropping in the coming years and SLU saw the A10 as a chance to expand where they recruit students, not just where they could play basketball. SLU already does very well in getting the midwest kids, so joining a midwest based conference wouldn't really change the students on campus.

As far as back-firing bigtime, I don't see it. The A10 has had a couple of down years, but does have some good young coaches in place and even most of the bottom feeders are showing some improvement. I don't know if the A10 gets back to the days of 4-5 bids, but I think multiple bids is probable. I am not saying everything is great in the A10, but it is also not nearly as bad as the St Louis media makes it sound also.

Finally, I am guessing you don't follow SLU all that much, because I think most SLU fans want to be in a conference with schools like Marquette, DePaul, Xavier, Georgetown etc. I also know there has been much speculation about the BE being too large in its current form to last, so by me saying SLU wants to see what happens when the BE blows up is by no means a stretch.


I enjoy your opinions, but that is exactly what they are. What I have provided are facts based on what the primary parties involved are saying....not on what I am guessing to be true or what "I" might think. :valley:

[DUBulldog]

The Big East is way too strong to fold now. I say lets take in St. Louis and Western Kentucky and be done with it. More publicity for the valley.

Western Kentucky is moving up to 1-A in football, so they're pretty much out of any discussions of MVC expansion.

[DB for POY]

Knowing some of the kids that went to SLU from my high school, I know their requirements are not that strict. I would say a little more strict than SIU but not by much.

[StLouBlue]

I enjoy your opinions, but that is exactly what they are. What I have provided are facts based on what the primary parties involved are saying....not on what I am guessing to be true or what "I" might think. :valley:
Fair enough, the SLU to A10 was something decided over 3 years ago and I don't have the time or desire to lookup everything from back then. It was talked about on the old Valley talk board, on the Billiken board and the A10 board. Do some checking and read through some threads and you will see that I am posting what I remember, but based off articles and statements made. I am not just listening to St Louis talk radio the last 3 months and Bernie M or Burwell articles since then either. Believe what you like though.

By the way, I would guess most people on the Billiken board still would rather be in the A10, but certainly respect the MVC a lot more than 3 years ago.

[StLouBlue]

The Big East is way too strong to fold now. I say lets take in St. Louis and Western Kentucky and be done with it. More publicity for the valley.
I agree the BE isn't going anywhere anytime soon with their TV contract. The reason I mentioned it was because at the time the BE came together most thought it would only last a few years and the whole conference shuffle would happen again. This is why SLU wasn't really looking for a long term conference, but more of a holdover type conference and the A10 fit the bill. Of course there were a lot more reasons but that was certainly one of reasons that SLU went to the A10.

[BearsCountry]

The Big East is way too strong to fold now. I say lets take in St. Louis and Western Kentucky and be done with it. More publicity for the valley.

They need a 9th football school and will split bc of it.

[Aegyptus]

Katz has Majerus thinking about it. Normally, I put no stake in Katz's rumors, but since Majerus works for ESPN, it is possible Katz has better information on this one. Notice, Katz makes no mention of the MVC demand and references SLU as an A-10 school.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2849403


Either way, this has been one interesting story and has forced the MVC expansion talks to get serious, which is probably a good thing. I think this is going to force the expansion issue to the surface, whether it is SLU or someone else.

What do you think the chances are that right now Elgin is starting to make a list of possible 12ths and is starting to contact schools to guage their interest? It seems premature, but wouldn't Elgin want to offer a good package to SLU if negotiations do begin? Being able to say I have targeted/contacted XYZ school could help a lot.

At minimum, Biondi has to have contacted other presidents and/or AD's to talk about the issue ... don't you think? If the Valley stipulation/preference really is on the table, Biondi would be an idiot to go it alone. I think he would try to bring a team with him.

I don't know, there are so many possible behing the scenes conversations probably happening right now. I just wish I knew what they were and what is being talked about.

[DoubleJayAlum]

Look, we know for a fact that there have been talks about SLu wanting to join the MVC and Elgin indicating that he was interested. The articles were copied and pasted on this site.

Assuming SLU were to be admitted, I'd like Butler to be the other, if it is necessary to admit another. Butler presents a big metro area which helps for TV contracts and does not have pesky Div 1 football. They are also a basketball school traditionally.

[Aegyptus]

Look, we know for a fact that there have been talks about SLu wanting to join the MVC and Elgin indicating that he was interested. The articles were copied and pasted on this site.

Assuming SLU were to be admitted, I'd like Butler to be the other, if it is necessary to admit another. Butler presents a big metro area which helps for TV contracts and does not have pesky Div 1 football. They are also a basketball school traditionally.

I would have to agree with Butler as a top priority. My only other top priority would be bringing in another A-10 team (Xavier, Dayton). But, after that, how can you beat Butler? It has so many positives.

The biggest negative to me, however, is still that Butler is a very small school. It is not Evansville small, but it is small. I know Butler alumni, and they are very passionate, but there are not enough of them. Plus, what is the long term future of Butler as an institution? Can they ever be anything better than what they are right now? The other private schools in the league (except for Evansville, sorry Aces) have good potential moving forward (that is not to say they are not good instituions now). I just don't see that same potential for Butler because they will forever be surrounded by Purdue and Indiana within an hour. It makes it hard to fork up $25,000/year for an education when you can get a better education an hour away for half the price.

For the Creighton/Wichita fans, this would be a good add because, with the addition of SLU, Kansas City Here We Come.

[BearsCountry]

does not have pesky Div 1 football.

They have D1 football ala like Drake.

[DrJennings]

I don't really think the Valley would be a step down in competition for SLU.
The following is SLU's record this yea against MVC teams in their respective sports:

Baseball (2-8)

M Basketball (1-1)

W Basketball (1-0)

M Cross Country (1-14)

W Cross Country (6-10)

M. Track & Field (0-7)

W. Track & Field (0-10)

Volleyball (0-2)

Softball (2-5)

M Soccer (1-0)

W Soccer (1-0)

M Swimming (1-0)

W Swimming (1-0)

M Tennis (0-2)

W Tennis (1-1)

[BearsCountry]

F*** Elgin. If St Louis enters the MVC, the tourney will go to Chicago or KC or there will be a revolt in the conference.:ranting:

I really dont think it would make a difference. I would rather have it in KC, but heck MSU brought more fans than SLU and were louder than them in their own home game.

[Nyghtewynd]

Translation: other than soccer, they weren't very competitive in much of anything without their people running the gameclock. So is the STL metro area the ONLY advantage to the conference for SLU to join? I don't think I've heard one other reasonable explanation yet to the contrary.

[NewEra]

You can't just be adding a boatload of crappy baseball schools.

Add Butler for basketball reasons, Screw SLU.

Add ORU for baseball reasons, of late thier basketball would be descent as well.

[Dawgbit]

From the AP:

4/26/07

"The current sticking point in the negotiations is a demand by Majerus that he receive an 80% discount on any pasta dish, on any entree ending in the letter "i" on the menu at Charlie Gitto's restaurants, both downtown, and on The Hill, in St. Louis. SLU officials have pointed out that the financial ramifications of this stipulation, in terms of potential financial liability to SLU, overshadow the rumored $900,000 base salary that Majerus is being offered. It is being reported that they are quite reluctant to go beyond subsidizing 35% of the food tab. Restaurateur Charlie Gitto was unavailable for comment."

[goaces]

Fair enough, the SLU to A10 was something decided over 3 years ago and I don't have the time or desire to lookup everything from back then. It was talked about on the old Valley talk board, on the Billiken board and the A10 board. Do some checking and read through some threads and you will see that I am posting what I remember, but based off articles and statements made. I am not just listening to St Louis talk radio the last 3 months and Bernie M or Burwell articles since then either. Believe what you like though.

By the way, I would guess most people on the Billiken board still would rather be in the A10, but certainly respect the MVC a lot more than 3 years ago.
I don't think you are understanding, StLoublu, I am not "believing what I like". I am stating what the primary parties themselves have said. I, too, could speak to the days when SLU was in the now defunct MCC, ( a collection of Catholic and private schools), and there reasons for jumping to the outlaw Conference USA. But aside from all of that, it may (or may not) be helpful to you to remember that Fr. Biondi is a buisnessman first and foremost...and usually a very good one at that. However, as this translates to his affairs in the Athletic Department he has been less than stellar (aside from rasing funds for the new areana). For better and worse, he is lead by wherever he thinks offers himself and the university the greatest financial gain.

[Aegyptus]

Still in a holding pattern according to the Post-Dispatch (http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/slu/story/1AFDA07C1D19E3DA862572C90011146F?OpenDocument).

Normally, I would consider this a bad thing for a coaching prospect. But, Majerus iis no ordinary prospect. The longer this goes the more serious I think this gets because it means that SLU is trying to meet all his demands. Remember one of those demands/requests is that SLU look to join the Valley, so the longer this goes the more likely it is that conversations are taking place between Biondi's staff, Elgin's staff, and Majerus. The longer this goes, I think the more likely it is that the Valley issue really is on the table and can be a walk away term for Majerus.

Typically, I don't like to boast, but we need to give some props to SIU here for their game against Butler. Majerus called that game and if you listened at all you could clearly tell how Majerus enjoyed the game, the atmoshpere, the style of play, the competition level, etc... I am sure his opinion of the Valley and SLU's place in it have been formed over a number of years, but that game against Butler had to solidify that and be partly responsible for this demand on SLU. Anyway, props to the Salukis on that game. It is paying larger dividends than just the 4 seed.

As to SLU's advantages, yes, media market is near the top of the list. But, also (2) they have a new arena being built, (3) they are a good academic school with a good law school and a very highly rated medical school, a good business school, and lots of other good academic programs. Also, (4) they have a decent enrollment for a private school with a large alumni base, (5) they would be another Catholic school for Creighton to partner with, (6) they are at the heart of the Missouri Valley Conference location wise. Further, (7) their sports programs are down, but have been traditionally good. They would immediately be in the upper tier of the Valley simply because of the amount of money they are willing to spend to get better. (8) A new rival for SIU and MSU. PLUS, (9) there is some advantage simply to the fact that a team would leave the A-10 to come to the Valley. It is a long term move toward the legitimation of the Valley.

Besides the fact that their team has been down in the past couple of years, I really do not see any drawbacks to this move.

[goaces]

:valley: I would have to agree with Butler as a top priority. My only other top priority would be bringing in another A-10 team (Xavier, Dayton). But, after that, how can you beat Butler? It has so many positives.

The biggest negative to me, however, is still that Butler is a very small school. It is not Evansville small, but it is small. I know Butler alumni, and they are very passionate, but there are not enough of them. Plus, what is the long term future of Butler as an institution? Can they ever be anything better than what they are right now? The other private schools in the league (except for Evansville, sorry Aces) have good potential moving forward (that is not to say they are not good instituions now). I just don't see that same potential for Butler because they will forever be surrounded by Purdue and Indiana within an hour. It makes it hard to fork up $25,000/year for an education when you can get a better education an hour away for half the price.

The MVC would love to have Butler, but things have going so well for them lately a jump is probably unlikely. However, many of their fans know that it they want to continue to move up the ladder they will have to change conference affliations. And yes, Butler has always been in the shadows of IU and Purdue. That will never change. But after a couple of sweetsixteen appearances in the last four years there image has greatly been enhanced. Hinklefiled house is a great place to go, and Butler is a solid institution with a faithful following. But I really don't think Barry Collier, the AD, is going to change conferences at this time. :valley:

For the Creighton/Wichita fans, this would be a good add because, with the addition of SLU, Kansas City Here We Come.

[Aegyptus]

Apparently, at least 1 local radio station in St. Louis is reporting this as a done deal. Tim McKernon is the reporter that is claiming it is 100% official. He never seemed an outstanding reporter to me, but I don't see why he would lie or jump the gun on this.

Link (http://www.stltoday.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=451081&sid=a56c1f2a78a926b2df60444f9071135a)

We'll have to see if other reports back it up today.

This is not as intense as a Valley coaching search, but it is not far off ... say 3-4 years?

[TNMSUFAN]

Sorry if this has been mentioned already but I haven't read everything concerning SLU

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/slu/story/1AFDA07C1D19E3DA862572C90011146F?OpenDocument

Majerus, in case he does take the job, has been talking to candidates for his staff and would be expected to hire Porter Moser, who was fired this year after four seasons as head coach at Illinois State, as an assistant.

[cufan]

Majerus is an egomaniac. He loves holding up a school and having his name in the media. He will play out the St. Louis deal as long as he can until its time to do something or get off the pot, and then he will bail. He will not coach at St. Louis.

[bcrawf]

I think that Majerus will get the job and that SLU begins play in the Valley in 08-09.

This is the perfect situation for an egomaniac, he will be loved and revered no matter what he does on the court. They will tip toe around him so much and treat him like royalty there.

I am all for it. KC is a much better drive from CF than StL is...

[dogdays]

Im telling you guys..the tournament is not moving...SLU or no SLU...its staying in STL for the forseeable future...

[MoValley John]

It's Official!
Majerus is still fat.

[yeager]

Im telling you guys..the tournament is not moving...SLU or no SLU...its staying in STL for the forseeable future...

I understand from your standpoint, being a SIU fan, that if it moved it would hurt SIU the most...but NO WAY the tournament can be held in their own city.....you don't think KC can draw a crowd???

[Aegyptus]

I understand from your standpoint, being a SIU fan, that if it moved it would hurt SIU the most...but NO WAY the tournament can be held in their own city.....you don't think KC can draw a crowd???

As an SIU fan, I have to agree. It has to move if SLU joins. They might play out the current contract (although I think one just expired), meaning another 3-4 years, but after that, I think it is in Kansas City, no doubt about it. The only thing that could stop it is if the Big 12 suddenly realizes that Kansas City is a great venue for them instead. But, save the Big 12 not getting in the way, if SLU joins, 5 years from now the tourney is in KC.

I know StL is a great draw, but I think it is possible that Kansas City could actually draw more fans and Saint Louis because some of the more important and large schools in the Valley are closer to Kansas City (Wichita, Creighton, Missouri State, etc.). It would really hurt the Indiana schools the most. Kansas City is not that bad of a drive from Carbondale, so get over it. I would much prefer to have SLU and/or Butler in the league and have to drive 6 hours to the tourney than to not have SLU/Butler and only have to drive 2.

[Nyghtewynd]

As to SLU's advantages, yes, media market is near the top of the list. But, also (2) they have a new arena being built

So what? Drake's had a new building for a long time, and it didn't seem to help them...

(3) they are a good academic school with a good law school and a very highly rated medical school, a good business school, and lots of other good academic programs.

Don't care. At best they're the second-best school in academics in St. Louis. Besides, until Knowledge Bowl becomes an MVC sport, it's not that important.

(4) they have a decent enrollment for a private school with a large alumni base
Again, not important.

(5) they would be another Catholic school for Creighton to partner with

Again, if CU is so concerned about being with other Catholic schools, that's on them.

(6) they are at the heart of the Missouri Valley Conference location wise.

Fair enough, but this is *only* important if the MVC decides that (a) they want to expand, and (b) it would benefit the conference as a whole.

Further, (7) their sports programs are down, but have been traditionally good. They would immediately be in the upper tier of the Valley simply because of the amount of money they are willing to spend to get better.

No chance. Again, No. Chance. This year, they won 20 games and they would have been playing in the play-in round at the MVC tournament. Unless you're talking about soccer, I can't think of anything SLU would win in the conference right now, and they've had "the amount of money" for years and it hasn't made any difference since one kid graduated.

(8) A new rival for SIU and MSU.

A punching bag, not a rival.

PLUS, (9) there is some advantage simply to the fact that a team would leave the A-10 to come to the Valley. It is a long term move toward the legitimation of the Valley.

If they bring Xavier with them, then we'll talk. A SLU/Xavier deal to bring the conference to 12 teams might be worth it.

[goaces]

Majerus is an egomaniac. He loves holding up a school and having his name in the media. He will play out the St. Louis deal as long as he can until its time to do something or get off the pot, and then he will bail. He will not coach at St. Louis.

There is more truth in this statement than what the average basketball fan knows. :valley: :aces: :valley: :yes:

[btisu22]

Is Majerus a baseball fan? If so that could reel him in....It is baseball heaven after all!:naughty:
That would make him a huge baseball fan! Anything he does is huge.

This is to be a not so serious post....just getting a Cards dig in there!

[underdawg2]

The Billikens will NOT be playing the MVC Tournament in their new home arena--It will be a at Edwards Jones---same town but not same arena.
We'll still out draw them, being only 90 miles away is like a home game:valley:

[jaypharmalum]

Although Elgin may want SLU, I'm not convinced that the SLU boosters of substance want to leave the A-10. Frankly, I don't want SLU.

Even with Majerus pimping for a change to the MVC, things like that don't happen quickly and I would anticipate no changes imminently.

[Saluki762]

The Billikens will NOT be playing the MVC Tournament in their new home arena--It will be a at Edwards Jones---same town but not same arena.
We'll still out draw them, being only 90 miles away is like a home game:valley:
Not to nitpick too much but the day they play the tourney in the ED is the day Illinois and Indiana leave the big 10 to join the Valley. Until then I think they will keep it in the Keil/Savvis/ScottTrade/WhateverWeWantToCallItThisYear Center.

[Angrybluejaydan]

Press conference at noon tommorrow.

I got a source who just spoke to a buddy who is a lakehouse neighbor and a big SLU booster. He said that Majerus does want a move to the MVC, but that part is easier said than done due to recently signed television contracts with the A-10. Big penalties involved. $$$$$$$$ escape costs.

[Aegyptus]

Yeah, Frank Cusimano, who has been on this story from the beginning, is now reporting that hotel rooms have been booked and there is a press conference tomorrow. No other media picking it up as of yet, but a couple of StL reporters and a friend at the lakehouse ... it is looking good for SLU, although with Majerus, you never know.

If there is a press conference tomorrow, there will be no mention of the MVC demand (unless a reporter asks it directly, which somebody, please, please do). Likely, we will not know anything for a couple of months, but I assume negotiations with Elgin will begin in earnest. Even if there is a penalty for leaving the A-10, who cares. It did not seem to stop Belein from leaving West Virginia and it will not stop SLU if Majerus is their coach pushing it in the media. Also, if Majerus says they should move, the rich alumni will cave. SLU has never had a national reputation coach like this before, so I imagine the alumni will support whatever he thinks.

Well, the expansion extravaganza will have to be limited to the 12th Valley team as it looks like SLU at this point is at least 50/50. The only two things that are in the way are Biondi not being embarrassed and $$$$$. Neither of these are serious enough to stop it from happening.

[bcrawf]

Remember, SLU is moving out of the Downtown building to an on campus facility.

[howboutdembears]

i dont see the big fuss of keeping the tourny in STL... It will not be in SLU's arena, so who cares if it is in the same town... Norman is like 15 minutes outside of OKC, doesnt stop the Big 12 from having the tourney in OKC every few years... heck, memphis gets to host at home in the CUSA. I just dont see what the big fuss is, chances are, most of the big schools will still out draw them.

[SycamoreFanatic]

I agree with "howboutdembears". Same town but not "home-court"; no problem! Also think if the Valley considers SLU for addition, there should be a twelfth at the same time...............really should consider courting Butler & pickup another large media area?

:valley: :sycamores: :clap: :clap:

[BearsCountry]

Yeah I agree as well SLU being the same town wont really be that big of a deal with the conference tournament. If we go to #12 I really dont know who to add either Butler or Oral Roberts.

[DoubleJayAlum]

I agree with "howboutdembears". Same town but not "home-court"; no problem! Also think if the Valley considers SLU for addition, there should be a twelfth at the same time...............really should consider courting Butler & pickup another large media area?

:valley: :sycamores: :clap: :clap:

While I like the idea of adding Butler, adding only one team creates an interesting option - a 20 game league schedule, with home and homes against everyone. I haven't decided yet what my feeling on this would be, but it certainly is an option...

[BearsCountry]

While I like the idea of adding Butler, adding only one team creates an interesting option - a 20 game league schedule, with home and homes against everyone. I haven't decided yet what my feeling on this would be, but it certainly is an option...

Would be easier to schedule on the OOC games.

[MoValley John]

Is there a bus or a plane big enough to take Majerus' fat arse on road trips?

Nevermind, found one.

[Panthera Pardus]

Is he already in the plane? I noticed its flying rather low..

[Clawinball]

I heard something about him doing dingdong and twinkies commercials ? Don't know for sure.:grin: :bears:

[Myopicraiderfan]

This seems alot like the Valvano situation WSU was in years ago. Majerus will be interested but when all the smoke clears Majerus will have an extension at ESPN, SLU goes to plan B, and stays in the A10.

[Ozell]

Please don't say that. Valvano was hours from boarding a plane to Wichita when his doctor called and said he needed to come in. Hopefully different circumstances play in here.

[underdawg2]

Not to nitpick too much but the day they play the tourney in the ED is the day Illinois and Indiana leave the big 10 to join the Valley. Until then I think they will keep it in the Keil/Savvis/ScottTrade/WhateverWeWantToCallItThisYear Center.


Sorry--you're right--I keep forgetting the new names
:doh:

[howboutdembears]

It's official, he will sign tomorrow and be announced monday at a presser.

[Aegyptus]

Yep. "5 years at close to a million a year"

Here is the Post-Dispatch Article: Here (http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/slu/story/0F774D68A47BC1F7862572CA0076C67E?OpenDocument)

Here is the ESPN - Katz article: Here (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2851583)

And the AP: Here (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/story/6747700)

No mention of the MVC. Although, because all the local sportswriters also think SLU should join the MVC, I don't look for that to be swept under the rug. I would expect a question on that topic on Monday.

[Aegyptus]

Five years and a million (or close) does not seem to be a big contract if you ask me. I think he could have got more somewhere else. Heck, I think Creighton would have paid him more if Altman did not come back.

So, the question is ... what the heck took so long? I know he wanted lower academic standards for players and chartered flights, etc..., but does that take a week to negotiate?

A possibility is that he really could not decide if he wanted to leave ESPN, but a also think it is a possibility that some phone calls were made between SLU and Elgin to give Majerus some assurances that both parties were interested in moving SLU to the MVC. That would take at least a day or two because Elgin would have to work some back channels with the present AD's to gauge their interest. Even though they have given him the go ahead before apparently, he would still want to check, I assume. That would at least take a couple of days. Perhaps that was the reason for the delay.

[troutangler]

Don't let them in the Valley. That is just stupid. The number of teams is fine right now as it is, and adding them would just screw up the schedule. Fatjerus can wallow in the A-10 for a while. If someone drops out, then consider it, but leave it alone for now.

[DawgFan]

SLU may one day be in the MVC, it will not be while Rick Majerus is coaching 'em. Great short term hire for the Bills.

[MoValley John]

Do they have good wings in StL?

[Nyghtewynd]

Put a whole chicken in there. Then you'd have something.

[MoValley John]

Put a whole chicken in there. Then you'd have something.

He already ate it.

[DoubleJayAlum]

Although I am still undecided on SLU joining the MVC, I do like the idea of seeing Majerus on the sidelines in the Qwest...

If SLU doesn't join the Valley, I hope CU gets them on the schedule...

[Little Eddie]

I'd like to personally thank St. Louis U for doing this all this weekend...because of it my bro was able to take Majerus' place as a speaker at the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association this morning. Nice exposure indeed for ISU as about 800 Indy coaches were in attendance.

:sycamores: