I suppose it is possible that the Big East might one day re-invite Temple to join the Big East. Maybe even as a full member. One day. Possibly. After the formation of four 16-team mega conferences and the Big East is just trying to put enough programs together to say, “at least there is basketball.” It could happen.

So, yes, I’ve been aware of the stories floating about Temple recruits saying that Temple is heading to the Big East for the past week.They’ve amused me. But not taken seriously. Still, there’s nearly two months left before the start of the season, and a month or so before camps open. So I guess I can take a little time on this one.

HA-HA-HA-HA!! BWAH-HA-HA-HA!

Really?

Okay, it seems that Temple under new coach Steve Addazio has piled up some 21 commits. And at least a few of them are talking Big East.

One of the recruits flat-out said that the Temple coaches have told him that the school is going to be playing in the Big East soon and another recruit’s father, Tavon Young, offered this interesting nugget yesterday:

“Tavon has committed to Temple,” said Mr. Young. “First and foremost is the academics and they pass with flying colors. He has always loved the staff that came up from Florida. He likes the defensive scheme. It is close to home and he will be a part of the Big East in 2012.”

Tanner Kearns, a tight end targeted early by Addazio, said this two weeks ago: “I got to meet their coach and like him. I know they play in Eagle Stadium (Lincoln Financial Field) and plan on moving to the Big East soon.”

The Temple blogger admits that there is no proof. Just hope. Lots of hope and blind belief in the comments. It’s cute, and before anyone feels too superior, just remember the blind faith held by many Pitt fans anytime a mention of Big 10 expansion was uttered.

As you would expect, Villanova fans aren’t going to stand for that kind of talk. And factually they are correct. There is no way Temple could join the Big East by next year. There is no way for them to join within a year. It would be at least two years. Considering that Villanova made sure to keep Temple from being a full member back in the 90s, I don’t see that changing anytime soon. And as I said before, one 2-year period of success does not change decades of pathos. Just as a Rutgers run of competence this decade does not mean they are now an awoken giant. There is no way the Big East would jump back into bed with Temple without more accomplished by the Owls.

The buzz about this, though, is such that even the local Philly papers started asking around.

Addazio is not allowed to comment on recruiting until players officially sign their national letters of intent in February. However, several sources close to the situation adamently denied that Addazio or any members of his staff had either told or implied that to any recruits.

Of course they are denying it. Just as every coach denies that they engage in negative recruiting. I’m with Rutgers and ‘Cuse bloggers on this. Temple is just doing the same thing Villanova and UCF do.

I have no doubt that Temple coaches are telling the recruits that it could be happening. Laying out a vision for them to be in a BCS Conference (i.e., the Big East) and how they can help make that a reality as part of the pitch. Just as Villanova, UCF and heck I would imagine East Carolina and Houston do.

Ultimately, Temple has no offer. Nor do any of the other hopefuls. There probably won’t be a decision on Big East expansion for at least 6 to 9 more months.