Kid (or anyone else thinking about the benefits of a full conference),

Rockhurst opened up in D-II Heartland (Iba).  This is one of the best open jobs this cycle and the conference is generally a full house.  Benefits are:

• The Heartland is generally a top 3 conference
• We play a challenge every year with the CVAC, Iba's top conference (at present)
• Rockhurst had a winning record last year with a B prestige, despite a SOS of 32
• 3 underclassmen improved by 70+ points, so there's plenty to work with
• 4 seniors allow for your stamp to be quickly put on the program
• School is based in Kansas City metro, you get distance advantage on those recruits
• Conference success results in extra recruiting $$, $5000+ most years

W Florida opened up too.  They also had a winning record and many of the same benefits apply to them. 

A full house is the best way to play this game.  Come join us!

Posted by trojan4309 on 12/18/2012 7:19:00 PM (view original):
I would and have done both. I would schedule both cream of the crop non conference games along with playing in an elite conference. If you can get a top 10 SOS along with a .500+ record you will have a deacant seed in the NT no doubt.

Agree with this.  If it's a choice, join a good conference and build a top-10 non-con schedule.

It's possible to have a good RPI in a weaker conference, though - I've had a top-10 to top-20 RPI for the last 10 or so seasons with my Smith D2 team based mostly on how I schedule non-con.   Conference quality varies depending on how many coaches come and go and how well they recruit.  I have no control over that, but I can control how I schedule.