The Atlantic-10 conference is celebrating a golden milestone, but it's not just about looking back. As it turns 50, the A-10 is eyeing a bright future with a unique approach that could shake up the college basketball landscape.
When Bernadette McGlade, the league's commissioner, started planning the 50th anniversary celebrations, she wanted to replicate the success of her previous role at the Atlantic Coast Conference. However, she realized that the A-10 had its own distinct identity. "We're not a black-tie league," she said. And so, instead of a formal affair, the A-10 kicked off its golden anniversary with a more relaxed luncheon, a perfect representation of its laid-back yet ambitious nature.
The A-10's journey over the last 50 years has been filled with changes, especially with the recent realignment waves and the introduction of revenue sharing and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules. These changes have created a unique opportunity for the A-10, a basketball-centric league without a football program.
"We're a basketball league through and through," McGlade emphasized. "The absence of football allows us to focus our resources on basketball and provide fair market value to our players. It's a chance to level the playing field."
Loyola Chicago's coach, Drew Valentine, agrees. "Without the financial demands of football, we can be competitive. The new model sets us up for success."
But how will this theory play out in practice? That's the million-dollar question, according to St. Bonaventure's coach, Mark Schmidt. He raises valid concerns about the potential for circumvention and the role of regulatory bodies like Deloitte. "Will they say no to the big schools?" Schmidt wonders.
The A-10's success will be measured by its ability to send more teams to March Madness. In recent years, the league has struggled, with only four at-large bids over the last six NCAA Tournaments. McGlade believes the real test will come next spring when the transfer portal activity intensifies.
The size of the league poses a challenge, as the overall metrics are dragged down by the weaker teams. Last season, the A-10's NET ranking suffered due to the performance of its bottom-ranked teams. Dayton, with the strongest non-conference schedule, still faced a tough battle with limited margin for error.
McGlade has been an advocate for NCAA Tournament expansion, believing it's the key to ending the A-10's drought. "We've secured the non-conference games, but winning is crucial. You can't just lose by a few points and expect praise."
Dayton's coach, Anthony Grant, remains realistic. "It's a grind all season long. You have to be at your best from the start and sustain it."
Grant, with experience at both football and non-football schools, understands the pros and cons. "It depends on the recruit. Some thrive in the big school environment, while others prefer a smaller setting. It's great to be at a place where basketball is the main focus and you have the support to make recruits feel valued."
With UMass' departure, the A-10 now has 14 teams. McGlade is open to expansion but only if it adds value. "We're not just adding for the sake of it. New teams must be basketball-centric, committed to NIL, and have the academic profile to match."
The A-10's 50th anniversary comes at a pivotal time, and while it celebrates its past, it's also looking forward with optimism. The changing landscape offers new opportunities, and with a strong foundation and committed members, the A-10 believes it's on the cusp of a brighter future. "Our footprint is solid, and I'm excited to see how we compete this year," McGlade concluded.
