OT - Looks like IN will have another D1 basketball school

[Rockport Zebra]

I saw the USI- Kentucky Wesleyan game in December and the level of play was poor.

 

[rikki-tikka-tava]

Definitely a risk. It will create excitement.

Not sure about that - have the impression that the Aces jump to D1 and the accompanying sudden irrelevance played a big role in their populist demise...

 

[wi_hoosier]

In terms of talent/potential, half the schools in D1 don't belong there. Like so many other schools (like Evansville) that made the decision to move up, USI is destined to be a distant also-ran/wannabe, because they have essentially zero chance of ever 'competing' for a national title.

Must be about money - recall the 'glory days' of Purple Aces BB when they were actually competing/known for something other than obscurity/futility (their recent smackdown of uK nothwithstanding).

Of course it is about the money... I honestly question why anyone would stay D2. You have to give out schollys, but you get zero TV dollars.

UE's problems go well beyond just athletics. It is a liberal arts school of 1,800 (and dwindling) students. In today's world with a tuition of $55K, that is a tough, tough sell. I remember sitting at a UE game in the mid 90s, telling my parents that UE needed to adapt,expand, change to survive. The man sitting next to me, who was a proud alumnus, chastised me for saying such a thing... but here they are 25 some years later and they have major issues. The faculty voted no confidence on the President after he tried to cut 17 majors.

 

[ulrey]

I remember watching the end of that game. Reed Crafton hit a deep 3 for the go ahead bucket very late.

Brian Hill Dan Godfred Scott Scheffler Chiris Mack... Great teams!

 

[wi_hoosier]

Brian Hill Dan Godfred Scott Scheffler Chiris Mack... Great teams!

Dan Godfread might have been the worst D1 player I had ever seen as a FR... man did he work hard and improved dramatically.

 

[hatchetdad]

Maybe UE should have kept Jim Crews after all.

There is no doubt there.

 

[Hoosierfan1901]

Here is USI’s arena

 

[Hoosierific]

Here is USI’s arena

View embedded media

They have a great new arena, fantastic seating and could be an exciting place for some games in the future. Too many on here painting a doom and gloom future for USI let them play 5 years before you judge their success. USI and UE are completely different schools, you can't compare the two just because they are both in Evansville.

 

[catzfanjim]

Dan Godfread might have been the worst D1 player I had ever seen as a FR... man did he work hard and improved dramatically.

You can thank coach Wilson for helping him improve. When Dan first got to UE he couldn't chew gum and walk at the same time. He was a joke and just kept getting stronger and better. He held his own against Tyrone Hill and Derek Strong from Xavier and both of those guys played in the NBA.

 

[wi_hoosier]

USI official to the OVC.

University of Southern Indiana to join Ohio Valley Conference for Division I sports

The Ohio Valley Conference always seemed to make the most sense for USI's Division I venture. Now, it's official. Read more about the OVC decision.

www.courierpress.com