PROVIDENCE - The seven Catholic schools that have established their athletic reputations in the Big East Conference have decided to walk down a different path.
The group announced Saturday that it will withdraw from the conference to form their own league. The presidents of the seven schools - Providence College, DePaul, Georgetown, Marquette, St. John's, Seton Hall and Villanova - held a conference call Saturday morning and then contacted commissioner Mike Aresco to inform him of their plans. The school's issued a statement confirming their plans.
"Earlier today we voted unanimously to pursue an orderly evolution to a foundation of basketball schools that honors the history and tradition on which the Big East was established. Under the current context of conference realignment, we believe pursuing a new basketball framework that builds on this tradition of excellence and competition is the best way forward."
The Big East also issued a statement from Aresco and the existing presidents of Big East schools.
"The basketball institutions have notified us that they plan to withdraw from the BIG EAST Conference. The membership recognizes their contributions over the long distinguished history of the BIG EAST. The 13 members of the Conference are confident and united regarding our collective future. We have a strong Conference with respected national universities, and are working together to forge the future. We have a variety of options, and are looking forward with great partnership, collegiality and optimism."
The next step for the group is unclear. Cincinnati, Connecticut and South Florida, plus a host of schools set to join as full members in July, now form the Big East. But the Catholic seven schools are all committed to remain in the conference for the next 27 months.