FGCU Links to B1G Programs
By now everyone knows Florida Gulf Coast is the first 15 seed to make it to the Sweet 16. Today, in the Wall St. Journal, there is a neat story about FGCU's history and links to Big Ten programs.
I don't know if a subscription to the WSJ is required to read, but here's a link.
Most interesting quote for M fans (referring to the first coach at the school):
As for the actual brand of basketball, Balza coached what he knew, and what he knew was Michigan's 1989 national championship team. He was a student manager under Steve Fisher, who served as his primary reference for the FGCU job. Today, the Big Ten boasts four teams in the Sweet 16 and is known for its bruising inside play, stifling defense and molasses-in-January pace—basically the exact opposite of Florida Gulf Coast. But in 1989 the conference boasted some of the highest-scoring teams in the nation, including Michigan.
Balza wanted his team to be a shameless imitation of that Wolverines team: In the years before they became full Division-I members in 2011-2012, it wasn't uncommon for the Eagles to blow past 100 points in a game.
There's also info about the former athletic director (retired MSU AD Merrily Dean Baker) and connections to Ohio (for those that don't know, Urban Meyer's daughter is a volleyball player for FGCU).
Overall, a pretty good read.
March 27th, 2013 at 11:18 AM ^
I seriously thought the title indicated that FGCU was being "linked" to the B1G. As in moving conferences. I thought it was real. Delaney has skewed my view of what stupidity is possible in this college football world... idiocy is the new normal. I assumed Dave Brandon had heard of FGCU's massive merchandise boom and immediately requested they be admitted to disseminate their skills throughout the conference.
~Herm
March 27th, 2013 at 11:21 AM ^
When I saw the headline, I had the same thought. My brain went to, "They can't think about expanding the footprint to FLORIDA, can they?" And then, "They've only had basketball for a few years."
Fortunately, I think we're safe. ish.
March 27th, 2013 at 11:43 AM ^
Think of the great PR if B1G were to foot the bill to get FGCU into football!
March 27th, 2013 at 11:32 AM ^
Dammit, Wisconsin, you're making us all look bad.
March 27th, 2013 at 11:45 AM ^
March 27th, 2013 at 11:47 AM ^
Michigan has a direct player link to FGCU also: 3 point sharpshooter Reed Baker transferred to FGCU from Michigan upon Bielein's hiring in 2007. I didn't understand at the time why a pure outside gunner wasn't a fit in Coach B's offense....still a bit of a mystery considering we could have used anyone with a pulse in 07-08.
March 27th, 2013 at 11:57 AM ^
I really wanted to like FGCU. I don't know whether a connection to the '89 Wolverines can overcome the taint of a current connection to Urban Meyer . . .
March 27th, 2013 at 12:54 PM ^
Really? Just because his daughter plays volleyball there you aren't going to root for them? Seems unnecessary.
The comment is largely in jest. Any opportunity to take a jab at Meyer should be taken. I will be rooting for Florida Gulf Coast, largely for the underdog angle. And - WAIT - they are playing Florida - another Urban Meyer connection - a valid Urban Meyer hating reason to root for FGCU. All is right with the world!