If the Big East wants its 12th team, Dayton would be a good choice. And to replace Dayton, I'm sure the A-10 would look at Loyola. I'm not so sure the A-10 is an upgrade over the MVC though.

The A10 is the only other conference that makes any sense for us, but it's not much of an upgrade. In fact, if Dayton and St. Louis joined the MVC, we would immediately be ranked higher than the Mountain West, West Coast, and A10, and maybe higher than the American. But I think such a proposal would have to be presented as a package deal, and the MVC would probably have to agree to require members to meet a certain level of facilities and athletic department/men's basketball financial benchmarks.

IMO, the only thing keeping the MVC from growing significantly in status is scheduling. Something has to be done about getting Top 100 teams to play MVC teams on a regular basis in a neutral site, a nearly home-and-home format, or a 2 for 1 format for high quality teams. We're going to have to get another series with the Mountain West or start a series with the A10 or West Coast. As a conference, we might have to spend some money to create events and lure Top 75 or Top 50 teams. We're going to have to collude with other mid majors to throw some weight on scheduling.

I think Dayton and Saint Louis are an unlikely pair to add. That would add 2 private schools throwing off the private/public balance. Also, Dayton would be on a geographic island. If Saint Louis is being added, I think Murray State is the most logical 2nd school to expand the conference to 12 teams.

With that said, Saint Louis has had plenty of opportunities to join the Valley and turned them down. I don't know what would be different now so this discussion is all academic.

Westie--!@ are now what is different

I think we will be singing a different tune about the MVC next year anyway. Drake is stacked, UNI will have their stars back, Missouri State will have everyone back. If the Rambler seniors don't return, Loyola may be looking at the middle of the pack in the league.

St. Louis and Dayton would great pick ups! Remember both were in the MCC back when Marquette, Xavier were in too!