MIke Tranghese to Serve as Advisor to SEC Commissioner on Men’s Basketball

Mike Tranghese, former commissioner of the Big East Conference and a veteran of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee, has been named Special Advisor to the Commissioner for Men’s Basketball in the Southeastern Conference, it was announced Tuesday by SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey.

“Men’s basketball in the SEC gained positive momentum during the last 12 months, but we are not meeting our own expectations,” said Sankey.  “As a conference, we seek continuing improvement in the national competitive success of our men’s basketball programs. Mike’s knowledge and experience will be an asset for me, our staff and the athletics programs of the SEC as we accelerate our men’s basketball enhancement efforts."

In his role as Special Advisor to the Commissioner, Tranghese will provide advice and consultation to Sankey and Associate Commissioner for Men's Basketball Mark Whitworth for the purpose of enhancing the overall quality of men’s basketball competition in the SEC.  He will work collaboratively with the SEC Office to develop and maintain a strategic plan for the sport, including the continuing development of non-conference scheduling guidelines and communications strategies.

Tranghese, who served as commissioner of the Big East Conference from 1990-2009, is credited with contributing to the growth of the Big East in basketball during its early years while successfully establishing football as a conference sport.

Tranghese has been an active leader on the national collegiate athletics landscape.  In 2000-01, he concluded a five-year term on the NCAA Men’s Basketball Committee by serving as chair.  He also has served as chair of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Subcommittee on Television and as lead administrator for the Bowl Championship Series for two seasons.  He recently completed a two-year term as a member of the College Football Playoff Selection Committee.