Liberty should step up with a "Mid Major Invitational"

[Coach Bill Lewis]

It was reported on May 9th that Liberty will join FAU and College of Charleston to be among schools of a "68 Tip-Off" basketball teams beginning in 2023. The report is from Sea of Red, the non-affiliated and independent website and podcast about Liberty athletics. https://www.aseaofred.com/liberty-includ...harleston/

LU should take action to create a similar initiative beginning in 2026 when the current "Field of 68" event has concluded. The report states that FAU will host in 2023, Charleston in 2024 and LU in 2025. The Field of 68 creation being to counter the difficulty that strong mid-major programs have in scheduling P5 schools.

LU is positioned to create such an event to benefit the C-USA. With two arenas, the field could be even expanded with a East/West or North/South regional affiliation. KenPom ratings could be used for the selection process rewarding high mid major teams on performance rather than solely as an invitation.

The key is for LU to create an event that benefits itself and the conference rather than only itself. With the resources LU has, it's actions like this that can help garner support for the conference. The major perk for LU being as host, they are guaranteed as being a representing team.

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[UNTLifer]