1. Atlantic 10 commissioner Bernadette McGlade echoed the thoughts of the rest of the league over the weekend, saying the conference doesn’t have to replace Charlotte (off to C-USA) just to get to an even number of 14. She said 13 members is still a large conference. If a school applied and is a great fit for the A-10 then the league would give it serious review. I will add that if one of the CAA teams -- VCU, George Mason or Old Dominion – applied then they should be accepted. But the problem is, can one leave the others behind in Virginia? And which one would A-10 choose? (I would pick VCU.)

2. The Tennessean detailed Middle Tennessee vs. ODU in a final C-USA spot. The case is compelling for the Blue Raiders. ODU has more history in hoops of late, but the baggage of trying to shed GMU and VCU and if the Monarchs ready for football at a higher level are real issues. But the new geography of C-USA’s new members like Louisiana Tech and North Texas make it seem like Middle under Kermit Davis may make a more sound selection.

3. New North Texas coach Tony Benford has hired his cousin and longtime head and assistant coach Rob Evans. Evans was at TCU last season and is a former head coach at Arizona State and Ole Miss. Benford said after working out his new team he is convinced he has a potential top 25 squad led by Tony Mitchell. He said the Mean Green, who will play one more season in the Sun Belt before heading to C-USA, should be one of the favorites in the conference.