(09-05-2013 09:47 PM)CrazyPaco Wrote: (09-05-2013 09:10 PM)Dr. Isaly von Yinzer Wrote: If Duquesne ever gets its act together, it could prove to be a more valuable addition than any of the aforementioned teams. Bigger market, pro facility, doesn't duplicate any markets and is located central to the rest of the league...but they have to win.
I don't know. It would be great for Duquesne and the city if it could get in to the Big East, but I don't know if they'd ever overcome the shadow of Pitt and regularly draw. Dayton draws better than Pitt. I think Dayton is a much better addition from a pure program perspective even if Duquesne was winning. Now out of St. Louis, Richmond, and VCU, perhaps you could make an argument for the Dukes. But Pittsburgh's hoops scene has plenty of flaws. There is a reason the NBA isn't considered viable in the city and the recruiting grounds are bare. But as you said, Duquesne has to win and make some NCAA tournaments before they can even get in a conversation about getting in the conversation, for which I'm certainly not holding my breath.
And for good reason as Duquesne has been a joke for a very long time now. However, if - and it's admittedly a BIG if - Duquesne ever were to decide to get serious about competing in men's basketball, they would draw just fine and would easily fill up Palumbo and/or the lower bowl of Consol. And, in time, and for big games, they might even fill up both levels of Consol.
Remember, this wouldn't be St. Joseph's and St. Bonaventure coming to town, it would be schools like Georgetown, Villanova and St. John's - all well known and well respected commodities in Pittsburgh. Perhaps even more so than some of Pitt's new ACC foes?
I'm just saying that the natural resources are there. Duquesne is a good school with a ton of local alums - many of whom are quite successful and who would support their program if the program warranted such support.
The Dukes also have a state-of-the-art arena literally located across the street from their Uptown campus.
How many schools have that many things going for them who would also expand their television reach into a top 25 US market? Not many.
So I agree entirely that without a FIRM commitment from them to upgrade their recruiting. facilities, etc., this is all moot. Where I disagree is in the assertion that it couldn't work if they did commit. It absolutely could work if Duquesne wanted it to work.
The Dukes could easily replicate what Xavier has done in Cincinnati, Butler in Indianapolis and what schools like St. Louis, Providence and Villanova have done in their respective cities. However you have to pay to play and for too long Duquesne has been content to sit on the sidelines and be a fringe mid-major A-10 team. That option is quickly drying up and the leadership at Duquesne had better recognize it soon or they are going to be joining Robert Morris in the NEC before it is all said and done.
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Xavier AD "I think the Big East will expand"
