hard schedule is good for programs

[smazza]

that is why big east will have 2 or 3 teams in final four

big east regular season is tougher than ncaa tourney

big east will be battle tested

[Larry]

agree...Good example is Gonzaga, they'll play anyone anywhere and therefore do decent in the tourney even though they play in a weak conference

[Costa]

Our schedule will only benefit us in the long run

[RockyDBull08]

totally agree

[Vega]

A hard non conference would be benefiting us right now.

I would like to see us play 4 of these schools on an annual basis in nc, Maryland, Virgina, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Texas, Houston, Texas A&M, Memphis, Iowa, Miami, Michigan, and Indiana.

Obviously playing those schools strengthens the schedule but also that will give us much needed exposure in recruiting territories as well.

[Markeymark]

A hard non conference would be benefiting us right now.

Would we be a bubble team with a stronger nonconference schedule? Probably not. We would have a couple more out of conference losses, perhaps the same or slightly lower RPI, and there wouldn't be any buzz about USF controlling our own destiny this deep into the season (ie, heading into the St Johns game.)

It makes sense to have a strong nonconference schedule when your team can handle it - I forget whcih team it was back in the 80's & 90's who always played a monster schedule in November/December (might have been Temple or Indiana, not too sure anymore lol) and it helped them get stronger going into conference play, and ultimately gave them an edge RPI-wise heading into the NCAA's.

The difference right now is, USF is not a program that expects to be in the NCAA's every year...we are hoping & building, not expecting.

It does make sense to play stronger teams early on to get ready for conference play, but this year I don't knwo that it would have helped us very much.

Going forward it does make sense, provided the University remains committed to spending the $$$ necessary to keep a competitive team on the court. If that is indeed the case, then we can/should expect coach Heath (or whoever comes after him) to build a stronger team, year over year.

[Vega]

Well Heath has added VCU and Auburn as part of next season's home schedule. That is pathetic imo. You will have a veteran team and if there is ever a time to grow a pair and play somebody then next season would be it. No worries though cause before the start of next season Heath will do his coach speak and brag about what a tough schedule he has just like HE DID with this season's schedule.

Btw if you don't play some real opponents then how will you ever know if your team can beat them? Don't assume we would have lost more games if we would have played a better nc schedule. Also instead of needing 22 wins to get into the NCAAT you might get in with 18 to 20 depending on your sos and conference record.

[Triple B]

Well Heath has added VCU and Auburn as part of next season's home schedule. That is pathetic imo. You will have a veteran team and if there is ever a time to grow a pair and play somebody then next season would be it. No worries though cause before the start of next season Heath will do his coach speak and brag about what a tough schedule he has just like HE DID with this season's schedule.

Don't all coaches do that? .... and is Woolard void of any responsibility when it comes to basketball scheduling?

[Vega]

Well Heath has added VCU and Auburn as part of next season's home schedule. That is pathetic imo. You will have a veteran team and if there is ever a time to grow a pair and play somebody then next season would be it. No worries though cause before the start of next season Heath will do his coach speak and brag about what a tough schedule he has just like HE DID with this season's schedule.

Don't all coaches do that? .... and is Woolard void of any responsibility when it comes to basketball scheduling?

That I couldn't say. Coaches have more and more been in control of their own schedule making. The AD just approves it.