UMass Athletic Programs moving from A10 to MAC
On Monday afternoon, it was reported that the University of Massachusetts Minutemen would be exiting the Atlantic 10. The controversial realignment strategy has been viewed by supporters as a last ditch effort to save the Minutemen football program, which was previously Independent. UMass has been reported to be joining the Mid-American Conference.
The University’s decision to depart the A10 is met with a lot of opposition from its fanbase, specifically because due to the Minutemen’s illustrious and longstanding history in the conference. The athletic program was one of the three remaining from the Eastern 8 (The original branding of the A10). Now, Duquesne and George Washington are the only remaining for the 50 year anniversary of Atlantic 10 basketball. UMass has contributed to much of the success to the conference over the years, specifically during the Jim Calipari era where the Minutemen reached the Final Four in 1996.
UMass’s basketball program has struggled to become a consistent contender in the Atlantic 10 since Calipari was hired by the New Jersey Nets in 1996. Current Minutemen Head Coach Frank Martin appears to be righting the ship with a winning season in his second year in Amherst. Joining the MAC should allow UMass to compete for championships in a league that has been a toss up during the conference tournament.
Who Will Replace the Minutemen in the A10
With the exit of UMass A10 fans are pondering whether or not the conference should revert back to 15 teams or leave the field as is. Many fans of the conference are arguing that 14 teams is the right number, yet others are open to bringing in fresh competition. For entertainment’s sake, let’s take a look at possible replacements for UMass in the Atlantic 10.
College of Charleston
The Cougar’s have been heating up in the Coastal Athletic Association recently as they currently possess first place in the conference after winning the CAA tournament in 2022-23. Head Coach Pat Kelsey has boasted an impressive 70-26 record since taking the reins of this program in 2021 along with bringing in multiple highly touted recruits. Charleston also provides a unique opportunity for the conference to expand into the state of South Carolina and a very passionate fanbase that is desperate for a new media deal.
Drake University
The tiny private school in Des Moines, IA is outperforming their conference on a pretty consistent basis during the regular season, but have only reached the big dance twice in the past two decades. Drake does possess one Final Four appearance in their belt, albeit it was in 1969. Coach Darian DeVries has restored the prideful program to its former glory, however, the Bulldogs have been a part of the Missouri Valley Conference since 1956 so it would have to be a great opportunity in order for them to leave.
University of North Carolina Wilmington
In a state that has multiple high-major teams, I am confident that UNCW possesses the second best home court advantage in North Carolina behind the Cameron Crazies. The passionate fanbase that fills Trask Coliseum every Saturday is very enticing for a conference like the Atlantic 10. Coach Siddle has led UNC-Wilmington to a 70-36 record during his tenure, however they have yet to win the conference tournament.
Colgate University
The Raiders program has struggled historically, but under head coach Matt Lengel, the program has reached new heights. Colgate is seeking out its fourth straight Patriot League title, and they have been winning games in dominant fashion during conference play. While the jump from the patriot league to the A10 would be a massive leap, Colgate has proven to be a resilient program under the direction of Lengel.
