The ACC lost presence in the State of Maryland.
But at the same time that happened, the ACC gained presence in New York, western Pennsylvania, Louisville, and Indiana/Chicagoland. The number of college basketball fans tuning into ACC basketball competition probably almost doubled. And I bet much of Maryland still tunes in to pull against Duke.
Adding Maryland basketball back now wouldn't make much difference IMO. And we know Maryland football wouldn't make any difference. Losing Maryland lacrosse was a hit to the ACC, but the ACC will survive that.
There is a point to the flagship idea, but the ACC didn't see any issue passing on WVU, UConn, and Rutgers, all flagships. It wasn't just Swofford making those decisions. Outside of major brands I'm not sure how much that really matters. I don't see Maryland as a major brand unless it's lacrosse.
Pulling Kentucky away from the SEC would be a big hit to SEC basketball. I can't put Maryland in that category as a hit to ACC basketball.
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In response to this post by Hokie `04)
Posted: 01/08/2018 at 5:37PM