Risk v. Reward

[yotefan]

Someone made a terrific point in the football thread about playing 2 FBS teams in football as opposed to an upper echelon FCS school to garner not only the paycheck, but also the opportunity for the national exposure like USD is currently receiving after beating Minnesota.

In the case of basketball, I was surprised to have 2 different Gophers fans ask if USD beat Creighton or vice versa this last season in basketball while attending the game this weekend in the Cities. In BOTH cases, the fans knew USD had played well against Creighton in a post-season tournament, but neither could remember the outcome.

That fact alone underscores the importance of playing high profile opponents and playing them well. To have your school's name on the ESPN ticker is one thing, but to have your school either play a team close or beat them is worth its weight in gold in program exposure.

[Coyote Fan]

I think USD basketball should really have 2 goals. Win the Great West Conference or whatever conference they are in and secondly program exposure. In basketball USD isn't likely going to be in a league (Summit) that will often be considered much for at large bids. It really comes down to the conference regular season title and next the post season tourney and chance to get into the big dance. I do think USD should naturally play major programs for exposure and to see where the team stands. USD benefitted greatly from the tough portion of their non conference schedule a year ago. It showd once the conference season started.

[usdlaw]

At the Lunch with the U David Saylor talked about trying to get Iowa (or Iowa St) to play USD in basketball in Sioux City at the Tyson Events Center. Sounds like he has great ideas for increasing exposure and playing top tier competition.

[Coyote Fan]

I would honestly rather travel to Des Moines, Iowa City, Ames or whereever than have to go to the Tyson Events Center for a basketball game. Assuming the game would be a sellout in Sioux City 70% of the seats would be binocular seats where you'd be lucky to be within 50 feet of the basket on the large side of the court. Tyson Events Center was one of the most poorly designed facility for sporting events that I have ever been to.

I think the idea is interesting I just wish Sioux City's arena was better.

[HadleyCoyote]

I was disappointed in the lack of Summit teams on this years schedule as OOC games. I'm especially waiting for the Yotes to play Oakland - in Rochester...I'll then be able to attend my first Coyote Bball game in 20 years.

...but agree with the benefits of scheduling high-profile teams.

[coachk]

we couldn't get any Summit league teams to play us this season as both sides wanted the home game. Next year we get home games against each team & play at theirs. This year there was no room for home & home dates, & nobody wanted to give in.

[HadleyCoyote]

Thanks for the info coach. My life has a little extra meaning today because of this info!

(That sounds sarcastic, but it's not)

[coachk]

I think Oakland should be the favorite in the Summit this season as their Mid Major player of the yr returns. They play 5 big ten teams as well as one each from SEC, Mac, & Big East. Tough tough schedule.