The CAA is SB only choice. Odds are we'll never see them play in a power conference like the Big10 in our lifetime. Either stay in the AE or move into the CAA. I would rather take the CAA..
Here's my prediction: Stony Brook keeps a close eye on movement within the A-10.
A few reasons why:First, it fits geographically. As with the AE, New York sits in the middle of the conference's footprint.
Second, the A-10 has about as high a profile as you can get outside the Power 5 conferences, particularly when it comes to basketball.
Third, Stony Brook would likely be an attractive addition for the A-10 as well, which would add another program in the lucrative New York market and gives the conference an immediate boost in some other sports like Women's Lacrosse and baseball.
And fourth, it doesn't sponsor football. Which means Stony Brook could keep it's affiliation with the CAA while still elevating men's basketball — and every other sport. Plus there is already a strong connection between the A-10 and the CAA (Richmond, Rhode Island and UMass all have joint membership).
Pitfalls:No men's lacrosse. The A-10 sponsors WLAX but not currently the men. UMass plays Men's lacrosse with the CAA, that could be one option for Stony Brook as well.
Travel: Most members are along the I-95 corridor, but some — St. Louis, Dayton, Duquesne — are a hike.
Competition: Obviously a tougher conference means tougher competition. Stony Brook will have to be comfortable being a middling program for at least a few years instead of top dog in the America East.
All this being said, I think Stony Brook is no fewer than three years away from even seriously considering a conference move. The window might have been open a few years back with the CAA, but I think basketball needs a few more years of consistent success (and another NCAA bid or two would be nice) before they make moves.