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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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More on Gonzaga and the conference shuffle

It had to happen at some point. Gonzaga's name is being mentioned in the never-ending conference shuffle.

Now, who knows if the seven Big East Catholic, non-FBS schools will form a basketball-only conference and whether they would want to bring Gonzaga aboard. There's an incredible number of factors involved. One thing is certain, as GU athletic director Mike Roth pointed out, the decision on a basketball-only conference will be made by others, not Gonzaga, and at this point it's not even certain the seven schools have the voting power to do it.

When, or if, there's an offer to join is when Gonzaga will decide if it benefits the school, though it figures to have crunched the numbers just in case..

As I mentioned in a previous post, I asked a Gonzaga official about the possibliity of a Catholic super-power conference 8-9 days ago and got a blank stare in return. That all changed when the seven Big East school's presidents and A.D.s, unhappy with the conference's future direction, met in New York Sunday to discuss different options.

Here's my article that will run in tomorrow's S-R. Here's other reading material: ESPN.com's Andy Katz, more on ESPN.com, the Philadelphia Daily News, a CBSsports.com podcast (Big East topic comes up around 14-15 minute mark, they don't sound convinced GU would be part of a new conference) and some interesting comments from Marquette A.D. Larry Williams.



Jim Meehan
Jim Meehan joined The Spokesman-Review in 1990. Jim is currently a reporter for the Sports Desk and covers Gonzaga University basketball, Spokane Empire football, college volleyball and golf.

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