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Barry Shiller's avatar

“We understand that we share geography, we share culture, we share a culture of academics.”

Make light if you will, but I don’t see these comments from a fairly new, possibly cautious president as meaningless or clueless — in fact, I see the opposite.

“Geography” — the conference footprint isn’t likely to be meaningfully altered through expansion. SDSU, perhaps UNLV … less likely to venture as far as Texas.

“Culture” — religious institutions (like Gonzaga) need not apply.

“Culture of academics” — doctoral degree-granting universities with genuine research credentials on the table; state universities that feature bachelors/masters degrees but offer few if any PhD. programs, thanks for stopping by.

This all aligns with most of John’s reporting. Shouldn’t surprise anyone. What we see is pretty much what we’re gonna get.

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John Canzano's avatar

You are correct.

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scforthewin's avatar

Boom. This guy gets it

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brrrrbon's avatar

I’m confused how you can interpret the geography one way and then in nearly the same breath ignore the academics

SMU (#72) isn’t in Lubbock. It’s in Dallas with an easy direct flight to every Pac12 city and would sit middle of the pack in academics

SDSU (#151) and UNLV (#285) would make up the lowest ranked schools in the PAC, and UNLV by a laughable metric.

SDSU and SMU makes too much sense for the conference, the question is if they add more G5 or begin exploring other options.

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John Canzano's avatar

SMU is closer to Utah, Arizona schools, and Colorado… than the four corners are to Seattle.

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Barry Shiller's avatar

I didn’t say “unimaginable.” I said “less likely.” As John (below) notes, getting to Dallas is less onerous for several conference members than Seattle (let alone Pullman … something everyone should experience. Once.).

More salient point: university presidents are naturally cautious. Very, very cautious. It’ll take some persuasion for some to embrace adding members two time zones away.

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The Miami Ute's avatar

Depending on where you're at, you're almost better off driving to Pullman, takes less time.

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