The Big East is a shell of its former self, and as it stands, UConn is one of its biggest losers. Unwanted by other conferences, the Huskies are stuck, and matters went from bad to worse when, as expected, the seven non-football-playing Catholic schools bolted the Big East. There's plenty to sort out, of course, but for now, UConn is in an untenable position; a conference that is just short of laughingstock status that isn't exactly cat nip for recruits.
“I don’t have a feeling towards it," basketball coach Kevin Ollie said of the seven schools leaving the Big East (via the Connecticut Post.) "I hate to see them go, but they made a pact for themselves that we’re going forward and we’re trying to do what’s best for our university. You can’t blame them. We will miss them, but we have to figure out what we’re going to do. And I think we’re going to do that soon. I know we’re working very, very hard and our president and AD will get us in the best situation.”
With Villanova, Georgetown, St. John's, Marquette, Providence, Seton Hall and DePaul taking their ball and leaving, UConn is the only remaining original Big East member.
Ollie, whose contract expires in the spring, also spoke about his coaching situation.
“I’m going to be here for a lifetime, seven months, seven years, 27 years -- I’m going to be here," he said. "And that’s what I’m telling (recruits). I’m going to go forward and that’s the only thing say because that’s what I believe. Until someone comes in my office and says, the keys don’t work, I’m going to be in my office. If I find that out, I’m going to find the next chapter in my life, but I wholeheartedly believe I’m going to have many chapters written here at the University of Connecticut as head coach. I believe that. It’s not all up to me, but it is up to me to have our recruits ready to play and believing that.”
We've written previously that athletic director Warde Manuel should sign Ollie ASAP. Not only because Ollie's earned it but who else is going to take this job given the ever-changing situation in the Big East?
