Tranghese to continue as advisor on men's basketball

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Mike Tranghese, former commissioner of the Big East Conference, has agreed to continue in his role as Special Advisor to the Commissioner for Men's Basketball in the Southeastern Conference, it was announced Tuesday by SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey.

"Two years ago, when Mike first joined the SEC as an advisor, we were not meeting our own expectations as a league in men's basketball," said Sankey. "Mike brings an outside perspective that provides an honest and candid analysis of SEC basketball and basketball across the country. With the later addition of Associate Commissioner for Men's Basketball Dan Leibovitz and Coordinator of Officials Mark Whitehead, we have begun to enjoy the benefits of the efforts to enhance men's basketball that have been made across this conference during the past two years."

An SEC record eight conference teams were selected Sunday to participate in the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, with two additional teams set to play in the NIT.

"I believe Mike's continued consultation will help the SEC to continue its positive momentum for continued improvement in the national competitive success of our men's basketball programs, particularly at this time of turbulence and change on the national landscape," Sankey said.

In his role as Special Advisor to the Commissioner, Tranghese provides advice and consultation to Sankey and Leibovitz for the purpose of enhancing the overall quality of men's basketball competition in the SEC. He has worked collaboratively with the SEC Office to develop 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 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 also served a two-year term as a member of the College Football Playoff Selection Committee from 2014-15.