Drake’s new head coach…..gulp
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DougSutton
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Fantastic hire for Drake! It also keeps McCollum in familiar geographic proximity. The NWM campus/community is less than 150 miles from Des Moines. Very similar culture and energy, but clearly an upgrade in facilities and division. It's really an ideal landing spot for him as he'll have the opportunity to step in and continue or expand the success of DeVries.
!!!! I'm excited for the guy!!
schoolsportsfan
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Must have been their first choice
B
BirdGrad2011
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There was some pressure to promote Richter. McCollum rejected Missouri State for Drake though.
ChiRedbirdfan
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They would already be there if it was solely their choice. They f’ed up a bit by letting Loyola beat them to the dance. Des Moines marketplace not insignificant unlike many mvc/MVFC markets so they have that going for them.
The A-10 is not adding a school in Iowa who would have the lowest MBB budget in the league.
They are only going to the midwest for a school in a large market (Chicago, St. Louis) or a budget atop the league (Dayton, Saint Louis).
Chicago and St. Louis are top-25 MSAs. Des Moines isn’t top-80. Dayton and SLU have MBB budgets over $7.5 M. Drake has a MBB under $3.5 M.
Really frustrating how much nonsense gets posted by people who have no idea how this stuff works.
They are only going to the midwest for a school in a large market (Chicago, St. Louis) or a budget atop the league (Dayton, Saint Louis).
Chicago and St. Louis are top-25 MSAs. Des Moines isn’t top-80. Dayton and SLU have MBB budgets over $7.5 M. Drake has a MBB under $3.5 M.
Really frustrating how much nonsense gets posted by people who have no idea how this stuff works.
schoolsportsfan
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Maybe SIU too
Bird Friend
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ChiRedbirdfan
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The a-10 may not want Drake but there were some wealthy Drake alums in Chicago that were pitching Drake to the various a10 members to determine viability of a move. They did not get too far. Say what you want but that is a fact Jack.
DougSutton
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Some perspectives on the pros and cons of Drake potentially going to Atlantic 10. I don't see it happening, but, there's a lot of things I didn't see happening over the last few years that happened.
For Drake, the A-10 offers a path to a bigger stage, but with significant travel and competitive hurdles. The A-10 might benefit from Drake's athletic prowess, but the addition wouldn't drastically expand their reach. Ultimately, both sides will need to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.
Atlantic 10 vs. Missouri Valley Conference: A Look Through Drake's Lens
Conference Footprint & Travel:- A-10: Spreads across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic (average distance for Drake: 650 miles). Major cities like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Richmond offer a larger media market.
- MVC: Primarily Midwest (average distance for Drake: 250 miles). More regionalized, leading to less travel for Drake.
- A-10: Generally considered stronger across multiple sports, with recent success stories like Dayton (basketball) and VCU (basketball). 14 member schools, sponsoring 21 sports (including football).
- MVC: Strong basketball conference, but overall considered a step below the A-10. 12 member schools, sponsoring 17 sports (no football).
- A-10: Likely has bigger media deals and potentially more lucrative bowl games (for football), leading to higher athletic department budgets for member schools.
- MVC: Budget might be smaller compared to the A-10.
- Increased exposure: Playing in a bigger media market could boost recruiting and national recognition.
- Potential for more revenue: A-10's media deals and bowl games (if applicable) could bring in more money.
- Stronger competition: Could elevate Drake's programs and potentially lead to more NCAA Tournament appearances.
- Travel costs: Increased travel could strain athletic department budgets, especially compared to the MVC's regional footprint.
- Competitive disadvantage: Drake might struggle initially against more established A-10 programs.
- Loss of regional identity: Leaving the MVC, a conference Drake has historically done well in, could hurt fan support.
- Pros: Drake is a strong program, particularly in basketball, which could enhance the A-10's competitiveness.
- Cons: Adding Drake wouldn't significantly increase the conference's geographic footprint. Additionally, Drake's size (enrollment) and athletic department budget might be smaller compared to some existing A-10 members.
For Drake, the A-10 offers a path to a bigger stage, but with significant travel and competitive hurdles. The A-10 might benefit from Drake's athletic prowess, but the addition wouldn't drastically expand their reach. Ultimately, both sides will need to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.
Redbird222
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Similar to MVC the A10 does not sponsor football (they have not for about 15 years). Their schools particpate in the Colonial. No bowl games for Colonial ... it is FCS just like MVFC.
Drake is in the Pioneer league for football with fellow MVC and A10 schools Valpo and Dayton. They don't offer football scholarships. Likely Drake isn't evaluating A10 Based on football.
I would say A10 conference is better across the board in other sports ... especially in women sports. I also think MVC baseball is stronger.
I think the A10 mens soccer is better which Drake may be interested.
One of the Draws when Loyola went to A10 was getting exposure to potential students on east coast to help with enrollment