2005 Tourney Story

[Dane Pound]

There's a story in today's TU about UA's possible bid for the AE tournament in 2005. Dr. Mc doesn't seem adverse to having the tourney in 2006 in spite of the MAAC tourney either. 2005 Bid story.

[AlbanyObserver]

This should be interesting to follow over the next couple of months. I think Monasch makes a good point that you want a host school that has a good chance to win two games at the venue. On paper, Albany would have a good chance to win two games and draw well next year. But, does the AE reward Albany eventhough they probably wouldn't have shown a proven product yet by that point in time (meaning over the summer when the bid is awarded)??? Face it, it is possible that UA would be winless in three AE Tourney games when this decision is made.

 

The sponsorship thing is huge as well. A big company needs to step up to the plate (KeyBank, Price Chopper???). I think the Albany area is lukewarm with sponsorship activity. Siena even struggles in this area as companies are very hesitant to dish out the cash, especially with the economy these days.

[statefan]

I hope we can get the Billy Fuccillo Auto Group to be a sponser. That way the tournament will be

 

 

HUGE

[Dane Pound]

Thanks Statefan. I almost spit coffee all over my monitor after reading that.

[AlbanyObserver]

Haha, that would be classic .... anyone know how much he pays for advertising each year???? Between the CDTA buses and the television commercials, this guy must be loaded!!!!!

[DaneFan2k3]

In terms of going up against the MAAC, despite what I've said in past posts (that it's a bad idea), the more I think about it, the better it actually seems. The Pepsi, to my knowledge, is almost barren during the MAAC tournament.

 

(Alright, that's stretching it, but it's so big that it's hard to fill.)

 

But the RACC could actually have thousands of people and look filled for the Amercia East Tournament, which would be a boon to UAlbany and the league.

 

And I don't really believe that there is a big public showing of support for either league, outside of UA and Siena fans who were going to come to their games anyway. Joe Fan doesn't just up and go to tournament games in Albany, at least not in any great number. So having two basketball tournaments to go to won't be a problem, since most likely unrelated people weren't going to go anyhow.

 

The only potential downfall would be hotel space, but I presume that between downtown, near school and near the airport it wouldn't be a big problem. Thousands of people come into the area for a simultaneous Giants camp and Saratoga opening weekend, so we should be able to hold two tournaments.

 

Another potential downfall would be media coverage. We all know that the TU is all over Siena's nuts, so to speak. Channel 13 would probably be fair to both schools, WTEN loves Siena and doesn't cover UA, Fox would be fair, and I don't ever watch Channel 6 or Capital News 9.

[AlbanyObserver]

Also, I would hope AE and MAAC conference officials would set game times up so that UAlbany and Siena would be playing at staggered times, so the community could embrace both programs. I don't know if this is possible, but could be done for opening round games.

[professor]

Does the AE realize that Albany has everybody back and adds Wilson, Jordan, and Das Big Man plus four signees.

 

I don't think people realize how good Albany can be next year. We are not talking 500 record overall. We are talking Top 4 in the AE and potential run in the AE Tourney.

 

This team could be very good! At least on paper!

[AlbanyObserver]

That is my point, does talent on paper = AE selecting Albany as host tourney site for '05 or '06?????