Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, July 12, 1994 TAG: 9407120045
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Jack Bogaczyk
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The league that in March made West Virginia and Rutgers full-fledged 11th and 12th members and said it wasn't going to play basketball in divisions now will do just that.
The conference that said it couldn't take more than 12 teams to New York for its basketball tournament now says it can squeeze another into its Garden party.
Notre Dame's addition took Big East basketball to a baker's dozen Monday and if the timing was surprising, the move wasn't. When ND comes calling, you genuflect and vote unanimously.
Four months after Virginia Tech and Temple couldn't add to their Big East Football Conference membership, the Fighting Irish made the Big East more than half Catholic and more than half basketball.
Maybe Notre Dame wouldn't bring its football program to the table, but when you have your own TV network, you don't need a conference. Virginia Tech, however, doesn't have its dutch up about the Irish's admission.
Tech athletic director Dave Braine said Monday that the school with the leprechaun mascot may be a lucky 13 for the Hokies. He has gotten chummy with Notre Dame athletic boss Dick Rosenthal.
"Dick and I have talked several times," Braine said. "There's no doubt in my mind Notre Dame is a ally of Virginia Tech."
Braine is counting on the Big East not staying at an odd number. He's counting on the all-sports schools - Tech and Temple's fellow football playing six - seeking a 7-7 equalizer.
Of course, Braine was counting on the Big East counting up to 14 just a few months ago, or splitting between football and basketball influence. The Hokies ended up on the big least list.
And, this time, is there had been any doubt that the non-football schools are still palming the league, the addition of a national program gives Big East basketball even more bounce.
The Hokies' hopes for membership may hinge on what happens with the bowl coalition future, or the potential demise of the College Football Association. Those developments will make conference football stronger across the top of Division I-A.
For all of the rumors about DePaul or Marquette following Notre Dame eastward, forget that, at least for now. Except for a travel partner, why would the Big East need DePaul?
It's popular to say Notre Dame delivers the Chicago market. The Fighting Irish deliver the nation. The alumni on that so-called subway criss-cross the country.
Besides, if the league's hoopheads press for DePaul, then the football folks will be kicking for someone else. Supposedly, you need a chainsaw to cut the icy emotions in Big East meetings these days.
Notre Dame's entrance might thaw the big chill that still remains from the March madness resulting from the snubs of Tech and Temple. After Monday's announcement, Big East commissioner Mike Tranghese remarked about about "so much sensitivity in the room. . . . I don't think the basketball people would bring someone to the table that would be a problem with those two."
He said that last Friday, the football and basketball factions "both looked each other in the eye and said they'd stay at 13 for now."
Of course, it wasn't long ago those same presidents said they would stay at 12 for a long while. So, what's the next move?
Tranghese said it's "almost inconceivable that there will be any further expansion."
Well, the Hokies don't have as much baggage as Temple. John Chaney's hoops success won't get much brotherly love with Villanova owning the Big East stake in Philly. With a couple more likely years in the Big East basement, the Owls' football program may need more than financial doctoring from TV's Heathcliff Huxtable, alumnus Bill Cosby.
The Big East will do more for Notre Dame than vice versa. The Fighting Irish needed the Big East more than the league needed the Golden Domers. In some ways, with ND joining Villanova, Seton Hall, Providence, St. John's, Boston College and Georgetown, Big East hoops will resemble a CYO league.
It's also intriguing to note that the Fighting Irish will now be playing basketball against its best football rival of the recent past, Miami (Fla.) - although they no longer meet in football.
As for the Hokies' Big East dreams now, it appears they can either be patient, or they can hire a priest.
by CNB