Northern Kentucky is expected to accept a bid to the Horizon League in a vote by the board on Monday, according to multiple reports from the Cincinnati Enquirer and Fox 19 in Cincinnati.
This is yet another important event for the school this offseason, as it continues its transition to full Division I membership. Last season, NKU went 13-17, with a 7-7 mark in the Atlantic Sun. The Norse played in the conference tournament -- losing to Lipscomb -- but were ineligible for the postseason beyond that. They will be eligible for the postseason for the first time in the 2016-17 season, and will play the 2015-16 season in the Horizon.
They'll also try to get to the postseason for the first time with a new coach, as longtime head man Dave Bezold was fired this season after 11 years at the helm of the program. He was replaced by John Brannen, a long-time assistant under Anthony Grant at Alabama and VCU. This will be Brannen's first head gig.
The Norse may struggle a bit early next season, as they lose two seniors in Jordan and Chad Jackson, as well as a few outgoing transfers following the coaching change. One of those transfers is freshman Tayler Persons, who won the Atlantic Sun freshman of the year award this season after averaging 13 points, four rebounds and nearly four assists.
The addition of Northern Kentucky moves the Horizon League to 10 teams after three seasons at nine following Butler's departure.
This move might have bigger ramifications for the Atlantic Sun though, as the league is now down to seven teams. The minimum to keep a bid to the NCAA Tournament is seven schools, meaning the league is now in a bit of a precarious position. One would think they will likely continue looking to expand in the coming months.
