When the Big East-ACC challenge died, it was mainly because of coaches like Thompson and Boeheim who didn’t like the early season battles. Now that the ACC-Big 11 challenge is a popular early season event, other conferences are getting in on the act (Insider subs.)

The Big 12 has countered with a plan to revive the Big 12-SEC Challenge. The Big 12’s original proposal was for all 12 schools to go head-to-head in a challenge similar to that held by ACC and Big Ten. But the Big 12’s John Underwood, who handles hoops for the conference, said ESPN balked at the idea. The first counter was for a 4-4-4 three-year rotation. But the Big 12 wanted more teams, so the latest proposal calls for a 6-6 split, with the games on campus sites over two seasons. This series would start in 2006 if it can be finalized.

So now the field is getting crowded — and the space on ESPN is shrinking — and the Big East has been absolutely mum on this matter.

I’m not sure if I should be pissed at BE Commish Mike Tranghese for not pushing something sooner (yet, ever?) or the BE coaches who might be resisting such activity.

As it stands, I still think a East-West battle between Big East and PAC-10 would be intriguing. You would think that could be made to happen, despite the difference in conference sizes.