agree, the article doesn't say much. My comments are based on what i've been told by many close to the ADept and the school.
You and I are, I think, on the same page. Lot's of crossed concepts across the board in the many posts but, I'd like to state the following:
1. The fact that our men's and woman's basketball programs have not given out COLA is a joke. Absolute disgrace. Recruits look at the whole package and, frankly, COLA is a part of it. We are talking 60-90k a year...max...combined. It shouldn't come to this...but that's a guarantee game. AD Benson needs to release those funds now because WE ARE falling behind the times.
2. Right now, we are somewhat getting (what I believe to be) a "hometown" discount for our assistant salaries. We have UA Alumni across the board on the men's side. This what makes the COLA situation all the more infuriating to me. Try getting solid assistants on the open market for the pool we have. Even another small increase would be nice.
3. SEFCU was built for DIII basketball. I should know, I was recruited with that building in mind. Is it a dump compared to many low-majors: NO. But with the Cross Center, UMBC's place, UVMs soon to be place (even if 4 years off), SBU's place, etc...we are falling to the back of the back. Sure, the scoreboard was nice...but the arena/lockerrooms need a major gut facelift.
4. Naming rights- LONG OVERDUE for SEFCU
5. Moving to a new conference: Pipe dream right now. We'd have to fly if we moved to the CAA. Heck, people clamor for a MAC move. Our football program is mid-pack in FCS budgets. Yep, 4 million is middle of the pack. Moving up the CAA for all sports moves our budget up at least 30% (to 28 million) if we are slumming it. Moving up to the MAC? Try adding $10 million to be truly competitive.
So, in the end...until we see some major donations, including the endowment of scholarships, we are cash strapped. We are at the right level (AE/CAA) but we absolutely need to give more money to basketball and, to some extent, football.
Start with COLA for basketball.