Big East commissioner comments on potential conference expansion

While its been quiet as of late, conference realignment isn't done yet.

For instance, just last week reports surfaced that Cincinnati is optimistic about getting an invitation to join the Big 12.

Ever since the league's rebranding in 2013, fans have often pondered potential expansion plans for the Big East Conference.

On Wednesday night, Big East commissioner Val Ackerman was in attendance for a top-5 showdown between No. 5 Xavier and top-ranked Villanova. Shannon Russell of the Cincinnati Enquirer asked Ackerman about here stance on possible expansion.

“We’re not in the market for more programs. And I would say generally it’s a quiet time in college athletics after a tumultuous couple of years that led to this configuration. I would say generally things are quieting down. If the last few years were seismic, I don’t see that happening for a while, that kind of level of seismic activity,” Ackerman said.

“And for us, I think it would really have to check a lot of boxes in terms of the basketball piece, the kind of school that it is, the geography. So at this point there’s nothing on the front burner.”

The Catholic 7 -- DePaul, Georgetown, Marquette, Providence, Seton Hall, St. John's and Villanova -- agreed to leave the original Big East Conference in 2012. They later added Butler, Creighton and Xavier. 

Like the Big 12, the Big East has seen the benefits to a 10-team league. Members are able to play a home-and-home series with each conference opponent, giving teams the ability to boost postseason resumes. Case in point: Xavier avenging a 31-point loss to Villanova with a 90-83 win over Wednesday night. That victory could put the Musketeers on the top line come Selection Sunday.

Because of round-robin play, St. John's was able to overcome a 1-4 start last year. The Johnnies were able to earn an at-large bid in the NCAA Tournament by beating Xavier (twice) and Georgetown -- accounting for three top-40 wins -- in the month of February.

This is the best approach for the Big East. The conference's schedule is viewed favorably by the selection committee, which in return boosts the profile of the league. But for fans on social media and in Reddit threads, it's fun to envision the likes of Wichita State and VCU being extended future invitations to join the Big East, or a scenario where Dayton renews an old onference rivalry with Xavier.

(h/t Cincinnati Enquirer)