Sports

UConn not planning to leave new Big East

HARTFORD, Conn. — University of Connecticut president Susan Herbst says the school is thrilled with the westward expansion of the Big East and is not in discussions about joining another conference.

In a statement Wednesday, Herbst said Connecticut welcomes the five schools that were introduced Wednesday as new members of the conference. Central Florida, Houston and Southern Methodist are joining as full members. Boise State and San Diego State will become members for football.

Herbst said the geographic diversity of the conference is not a major issue for Connecticut.

“We welcome it, in fact, and will work on our schedules to minimize travel costs and ensure success for Husky fans and our school,” she said. “Since UConn is an international university, we see the geographic expansion of the Big East as a way to showcase our academic excellence in an even more sustained way — far and wide. We look forward to Husky teams playing in different parts of the country, exposing our student-athletes to new regions and new experiences and to broadening our fan base.”

Herbst expanded on her statement in response to an email from The Associated Press which asked if Connecticut is still talking to other conferences or had committed to stay in the Big East.

“UConn is not in discussion with any other athletic conference officials at this time,” she said. “We have not, in my time at the Big East, discussed any time commitments for institutions.”

Men’s basketball coach Jim Calhoun told reporters Wednesday that it was clear the conference needed to add football programs with “quality teams that show they can get into bowls.” But, Calhoun said he also would like to see one or two more major basketball schools join — including Temple.

“In basketball, I don’t think we’ll truly replace West Virginia, Pittsburgh and Syracuse,” he said. “But Houston has a chance and a few of those other schools have a chance to be pretty good.”

Connecticut football coach Paul Pasqualoni had previously voiced his support for adding western schools to the Big East, especially in recruiting rich Texas, where he served as an assistant coach for the Dallas Cowboys.

On Wednesday, he issued a statement expressing excitement over about the league’s new football members.

“All of them have enjoyed national prominence in recent years in terms of national rankings and bowl game appearances,” he said. “They also add and reinforce geographical areas that we consider key in recruiting.”