We don’t yet what the revamped Big East conference will be called, but what do know what it probably won’t.
In a radio interview earlier today, commissioner Mike Aresco told Yahoo! Sports that it’s “very unlikely” the league will take on the name “America 12.” It was reported a week ago today that name was one was under consideration, perhaps even a front-runner.
Aresco made sure to note in a press release the next day that league officials “have not chosen a new conference name at this time and there are no favorites.”
Last week, the so-called hoops-centric Catholic 7 schools formally announced that they will be splitting with the Big East to form their own conference this July. As part of the split, the splinter group will retain the Big East moniker.
As for when a new name for the remaining football-playing members will be in place, Aresco stated during the interview "[i]t’s not going to be a long process,” adding that “by late winter, early spring we expect to have a name in place.”
Regardless of what’s ultimately settled on, the most nonsensical approach would be to attach a number to the name. Fortunately, common sense appears to have prevailed on that front as Aresco stated he believes a number will not be part of the new name.
(Tip O’ the Cap: Andrea Adelson of ESPN.com)