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What's with 'New York' on UB's jerseys? A refresher

What's with 'New York' on UB's jerseys? A refresher UB's Raheen Johnson dribbles during practice March 19 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus. (Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News)

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COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The casual Western New York sports fan may get confused during the NCAA Tournament game between the University at Buffalo and West Virgina.

What is it with those UB uniforms? Why is "New York" so big and "Buffalo" so small?

For those who have not been paying close attention the past two years: It's an attempt to make people - especially on a national level - understand that UB is the flagship university of the New York State system and it's on a par in terms of its size and academic standing with the other biggest state universities in the country.

This is the biggest exposure UB has received since starting its "New York Bulls Initiative" two years ago.

"It’s probably the largest platform we’ve played on," said UB Athletics Director Danny White. "I think that the whole point of the New York Bulls Initiative is to tell the country those things that you instantly assume when you see Ohio State take the court, or when you see the University of Michigan or the University of Texas. You assume that’s the premier public university from that state. We’re trying to tell that story."

Western New Yorkers are used to seeing "Buffalo" on UB's jerseys. UB still has work to do in selling the concept to Buffalo-area fans. However, White said he does not get much push-back on the uniforms from UB's rank-and-file fans.

"Very little," he said. "The people who are actually close to our athletic department – season-ticket holders, donors, alumni – they get it. Typically when someone is angry about it, if we have a conversation, nine times out of 10, they start to understand."

White tells everyone he can UB is one of the premier research institutions in the country. He and UB President Satish Tripathi decided that emphasizing "New York" gets that message across better.

"We’re not going to change the way everyone else in the country brands themselves in college athletics. We either conform or we continue to be an anomaly."

By that, White means universities like Texas, Cal, Ohio State and others are branded the flagship universities of their states.

"We’ve talked about this place being a sleeping giant," White said of UB. "The reason is it’s the biggest public university in New York State. If we’re not telling people that, we’re missing a huge opportunity."

  • no tears from me

    who really cares. a third rate team in a bad leauge

    • Michael Corvus

      You do. That's why you always comment.

    • dayman

      you must be a syracuse fan

      • no tears from me

        never. now that's insulting. at least the bulls aren't that low.

  • Tim Budd

    UB is not the flagship university any more that Albany, that is just an outright lie.

    • Some Guy

      Please. UB has a medical school, a law school, a pharmacy school, is a member of the Association of American Universities and has FBS football. Albany is little more than a teacher's college.

      • rightwingprofessor

        True but Stonybrook is equally a flagship

        • Henry A. Zomerfeld

          Granted, I am a biased UB alum, but UB is the flagship. As already noted, it has the university, law school, medical school, dental school, pharmacy school, nursing school, business school, engineering school, and plenty other professional schools. While Stony Brook, Albany, and even Binghamton have some of the professional schools mentioned, they simply do not have all of them. This in and of itself shows UB's role in the SUNY system and why it's the flagship. Notably, UB has the only SUNY law school. While Stony Brook gets a lot of good publicity, it is not the flagship; it's a strong SUNY school.

          There has been a branding transition to mirror that of other prominent state schools, as the article points out. We will see if it takes off. UB certainly has the presence to become like those schools; hopefully the NCAA game will advance that goal.

          • Five Woods

            I too am a UB Alum and biased but for that reason, I am familiar with the details. Your absolutely correct. To me this is more, "poor us here in Buffalo, we need all the recognition we can get"

      • bufguy

        Buffalo is also the only SUNY school to have a School of Architecture...Albany doesn't....Quite simply, UB is the largest and most expansive school in the SUNY system

        • Five Woods

          We also are the only ones with a Law School and I believe a Pharmacy School as well. We are also the largest, as in number of students.--I smell a flagship

          • bufguy

            Albany does have a law school....but UB is still the most comprehensive SUNY school....

          • Five Woods

            and Albanys law school is not part of the SUNY school. It is a private school. SUNY Buffalo has the only law school in SUNY

    • Benson N Hedges

      Do you find that people laugh at your opinions, like, all the time?

  • Some Guy

    As you watch the game and wonder why UB's uniforms don't feature "Buffalo" more prominently, ask yourselves why WVU's uniforms don't say "Morgantown."

    • Benson N Hedges

      There is smoke coming out of everyone's ears. Cannot compute!!! This level of thinking is beyond this paper's readership.

    • BuffaloRepatriate

      Maybe because they don't normally call themselves the "University of Morgantown". Unlike other regional state-based teams, like UCLA for example. Or even UB. How may people ever call it SUNYAB?

    • Five Woods

      and why do Ohio States uniforms not say Columbus--and why don't they cry about that in Columbus?

  • Dan

    Does anyone really get offended by NEW YORK on the jersey other than media types who love to stir things up on twitter?? I've been a UB supporter for 35 years. Doesn't bother me a bit. Sure, let's be the Ohio State of New York. I like that. Everyone knows the University is in Buffalo-Amherst. The word "Buffalo" is represented everywhere including the score when shown on ESPN/CBS, and in every newspaper in the county when printing UB results. If people are really bent out of shape over this they really have some thin skin. Danny White has made some brilliant moves since coming to UB. Keep is going Danny.

    • tsar

      I had no idea growing up where Ohio State was located.

  • rightwingprofessor

    This is so stupid. There is already a "New York University." There is also another "flagship" in SUNY, namely Stonybrook. Horrible branding.

    • Meredith MacVittie

      There are actually two others as well: Binghamton and Albany. All 4 schools are large research universities that grant PhDs. And Albany is 4 years older than UB and has been part of the SUNY system since its inception.

    • zbubble

      They want UB to be known as "New York State", not what NYU is.

  • Eric Streeter

    Anytime someone clams there is a "flagship" campus in the SUNY system, they just make themselves sound like an idiot. Try asking the SUNY chancellor where the flagship is! She'll probably laugh in your face. And this branding scheme dreamt up by Danny White is absolutely horrible - and in direct conflict with UB's branding!
    And to answer that last quote from Danny - If you think creating brand confusion is effective, YOU're missing the huge opportunity

    • Whatdoyaknow

      Interestingly... the new logo does not say "THE State University of New York". Bill Greiner's administration added THE to the logo to convey the importance of UB to the SUNY system and set UB apart from the rest.

      Interesting... but probably deliberate not to pizz off the chancellor. Not sure what she is thinking these days. Does SUNY still have a chancellor? She's probably in hiding while looking for another job.

  • tsar

    They should put AMHERST on it. UB stopped being part of Buffalo decades ago.

    • Guest

      UB has 2 of its 3 campuses within city limits.

      • Whatdoyaknow

        True...

      • tsar

        Are you referring to the ghost town known as South Campus on the fringe of the city line?

        Or the medical corridor on the near east side which doesn't exactly have the feel of a campus to say the least?

  • Nathan English

    I get what they're trying to do but since we don't have a pro basketball team they should be marketing toward with the name Buffalo. For other sports I mean I just don't think it's necessary at all to make us represent new York state as a whole.

  • Sabres00

    The same people getting mad at this are probably the same people that got upset when Lancaster High School changed their name.

  • Dennis Becker

    They should rename them the Buffalo Redskins.

    • TXSteadyEddie

      That would get you noticed right?

  • Whammer999

    Slow news day?

  • TXSteadyEddie

    Not irate but being Alum, I would have liked to see the Buffalo bigger. Everyone knows Buffalo is in NY. Flagship? Well I don't know about that.

    They almost look like something you'd get in a souvenir shop. I bet some consultant got 6 figures to design this and was done right after the first beer at a Happy Hour.

  • Brooks

    It's so small so when someone is offended by "Buffalo" people won't notice when it's voted out and removed from the jersey.

  • Michael DiPasquale

    The Buffalo "inferiority complex" strikes again. Dumb idea.

    And a few problems that in my opinion will make the "New York" branding idea go the way of Niagara Square's brick wall, and the Sabres' "third jerseys".

    SUNY does not have a flagship campus (just ask the folks in Binghamton)
    Most people outside of WNY refer to UB as "Buffalo". It's a strong "brand" already.
    Berkeley, UCLA, and Syracuse, seem to do just fine using their "city" names.

    • RandyV13

      I have to disagree. In sports circles Berkeley is known as "Cal" even though they're part of the same university system as UCLA. Syracuse, like USC is a private university, not part of a state system, so they don't have a problem. I think flagship universities become flagships by either being in the state capitol or just by stepping up and seizing the mantle. That's why there's an Alabama (in Tuscaloosa) and the less well-known UAB (in Birmingham, an actual city); a Texas and a UTEP; a Cal and a UCLA; a Louisiana Lafayette and Louisiana Monroe. I think the branding difficulties for UB come from the fact that New York is both a state and a city, so NYB or simply New York would be very misleading or confusing.

      • bugmenot2013

        There isn't a California University other than Berkeley. There already IS a New York University- in New York, of all places. This branding move is a turdburger right up there with the Sabres' yellow jersey and should be retired with similar dispatch.

        • RandyV13

          Berkeley is actually the University of California, Berkeley, and like UCLA, is part of the ten-campus University of California system. There's no such thing as California University, although there is also the California State University system with 23 campuses. It's kind of like University of Colorado vs. Colorado State University, or UNC vs. NC State. And the whole NYU thing is what I was getting at when I said trying to identify UB as NYB or something like that would be confusing and kinda stupid. I agree that this current UB campaign is doomed to failure; it's like they're trying to ride the coattails of NY rather than establish their own national identity. Overall, I think they should just keep UB as UB and try to make something out of that with a better marketing plan. Baylor did it in Texas, Auburn did it in Alabama, Buffalo could do it in New York.

      • Michael DiPasquale

        I don't think we're talking just "sports circles".

        • RandyV13

          Sorry, I thought that maybe we were, since the article is in the sports section, the writer is a sports reporter and the entire article is an interview with UB's Athletic Director. My mistake.

          • Michael DiPasquale

            From the beginning of the article:

            "White tells everyone he can UB is one of the premier research institutions in the country. He and UB President Satish Tripathi decided that emphasizing "New York" gets that message across better".

    • Five Woods

      well they are the flagship. the fact that we have the division one teams goes to that point as well. Binghamton might think differently but thats because they don't have an inferiority complex like Buffalalonians do.

  • dcub

    The fact that a refresher is needed a mere 2 years into the "initiative" shows what are sounding success it's been. And if it's so vital to the school's identity why hasn't it been adopted campus wide? Danny? Satish? Anybody? This is nothing more than Danny White being impressed with himself. What a crock.

  • Michael Corvus

    "What's with 'New York' on U B's jerseys? A refresher"

    It brings the uniforms in line with the university diplomas, documents and paychecks.

  • Chris M

    It says new york because people would simply assume they are a loser of a team if it said Buffalo!

    Pegulaville strikes again.

    Did anyone though give thought to how ugly the unform is no matter what it says?

    • Coffee Hound

      Black over powers the "royal blue" I'm ok with the uniforms. Its a fashion trend in college sports.

      • Chris M

        It's not the color that looks bad - it is the logo design on the jersey. It's terrible. But then again, this weekend or next weekend it will be in the clearance bins because UB will be eliminated pretty quickly.

    • Come On Man

      If only your parents would have given thought to how ugly and bitter you were going to turn out they could have saved so many from the pain of reading your pathetic drivel...

  • Realist

    UB doesn't pay its athletes as much as the other "flagships" he cites. Excuse, me, I meant "student - athletes".

  • Scotsy

    The 'New York' emphasis looks pretty pathetic, especially when we're trying to push for 'Buffalo' awareness. Most people will think New York City. Poor marketing...

    • Whatdoyaknow

      The play off New York means we have an identity crisis. Looking for a bigger "brand". Maybe its also a recognition that Buffalo translates to failure in sports?

      This is really a misguided effort by the UB athletic director.

      Question: How many times will UB change its identity and athletics logo?
      Answer: As many times as UB hires a new athletics director.

  • Coffee Hound

    I simply do not agree with Danny White.

    University of Michigan is Michigan
    The Ohio State University is Ohio State
    The Pennsylvania State University is Penn State
    University of Wisconsin is Wisconsin
    ...On and on and on... these are multi-campus universities

    This New York logo is absurd as it is. Buffalo and interlocking UB should be our university identity and of course UB athletics has to have its own logo (the bull).

    UB should have broken away from this SUNY monster a long time ago. UB gains little from the SUNY system other than a confusing identity.

    We are the University (at) Buffalo. Even ESPN and the media refer to us as Buffalo.

    This state sucks with its "empire state" bureaucratic crap. UB does NOT need SUNY. SUNY needs UB.

    • Five Woods

      but any fan and most non fans knows what city those teams play in. Thats the point. We sound like a bunch of parochial minded hicks when we squabble about these points

      • Whatdoyaknow

        I don't disagree. BUT... I'm trying to figure out why the emphasis on New York unless Danny perceives a 'negative' in emphasizing Buffalo.

        I think this would be a supreme opportunity to put Buffalo BOLDLY in the UB jersey. Put the SUNY New York on the shirt tail.

        A missed opportunity? Yeah... I think so.

        Make us proud!

        • Five Woods

          because over time as the Division one programs progress, they want people to gradually look at UB as the flagship school. It really is no different than Ohio State or Penn State. Some day, this may be a real good thing. And who really cares? It reeks of inferiority when people worry so much about these things.

          • Whatdoyaknow

            Those D-1 programs spent years (decades) and major dollars to commit to an identity.

            The question that I always fall back to is: what is UB's Identity?

            SUNY? UB Athletics? UB? I'm not sure any more. Its been unclear for 20+ years... even in Buffalo.

            The University has no direction regarding its identity.

          • Whatdoyaknow

            You smoking?

          • Five Woods

            I said some day--shoot big and aim high--better than the alternative

    • Michael Corvus
      • Coffee Hound

        Your point?

        • Michael Corvus

          Oh I see, you don't want to talk about facts you just want to be a dumbass by denying facts because you don't like them..

          • Coffee Hound

            So... your argument is about formality... SUNY Buffalo. And mine is about identity.

            Outside of NYS... the SUNY identity does not really carry that much clout. Its on par with other state universities.

            UB's identity in collegiate athletics is a marketing value. Lets not be stupid. A successful NCAA basketball and/or football program is a serious recruiting advantage.

            Michael, I am certain you are an ancient grad of UB. Get with the program!!!

  • Whatdoyaknow

    The whole SUNY identity is a mouthful. And the SUNY system is not well known outside of New York State to everyday American citizens.

    UB will always struggle with its identity because of the SUNY anchor. UB should break away from SUNY a.s.a.p. SUNY adds nothing to UB.

    The regents and NYSED will tell you differently. What do they know. The regents has out lived their usefulness and no big deal any more. They are nothing more than a bureaucratic hurdle to progress.

    • Jay Edwards

      Talking about 'Regents'. The Regents high school diploma means nothing outside of New York. In 1992 our daughter graduated 6thin her class. The five ahead of her all received non-regents diplomas. She applied to a number of in-state as well as out-of-state colleges and of course aplied for financial aid. In New York, she was considered to have graduated 1st since all the ones ahead of her were non-regents. Out of state, she was considered 6th. When we mentioned that she had the highest Regents rank, they just laughed. Said it makes no difference. So someone could go 'non-regents', get a higher average with the easier course load and receive more financial aid. What a crock!

      • Whatdoyaknow

        When I moved to New York 20 years ago, I was saying the same. The Regents diploma is a great sell in NYS. Elsewhere, not so much.

        And if you think NY teachers credentials are cherished outside of NYS... think again. Sure, they will gladly hire you... at the SAME rate as anyone else. So I guess NYS credentials give a competitive edge for a job in Podunk, Arkansas.

  • Dennis Dalton

    How about UNY in small font and BUFFALO in large font. Like UNC Charlotte, or UC San Diego. Drop the S; who cares if people can't differentiate between the city and the state.

    • Whatdoyaknow

      The problem is that there is the well known... New York University. See the problem?

      People outside of New York won't be able to distinguish the difference and probably won't care to look it up.

      As an example... Penn State or Penn? Two very different universities.

      • Guest

        "Penn State or Penn? Two very different universities and often unclear to out of staters."

        What is your education level to come to that conclusion? Intelligent people know Penn is know internationally as a prestigious and elite Ivy League school (200+ years) and Penn State is not. Only a rube from Buffalo would think people would be confused.

        What about Michigan and Michigan St; Florida and Florida St; North Carolina and North Carolina St; Oklahoma and Oklahoma St. You have problems with them also?

        • Michael Corvus

          Good Point !

  • jimbo

    To confuse anyone watching.

  • Amy Nash

    Danny White - STOP THE MADNESS. It's OK for a college to represent a city. Let's see, in this year's NCAA tournament there's: Cincinnati, UCLA, San Diego State, Louisville, Dayton, Providence, Albany, UAlabama @ Birmingham. Not to mention other little universities out there like Pittsburgh and Syracuse. No one is going to compare us with University of Michigan, UConn, U of Florida. They will, however, assume NEW YORK BULLS are playing in the Big Apple. What other state out there has its largest city sharing its name to add to the confusion? UB represents BUFFALO. Let's not pretend to be who we're not. We're blue collar Buffalo. Be a Buffalonian with us.
    UB was founded in 1846 by Millard Fillmore as the University of Buffalo. In 1948, New York was the last of the (then) 48 states to create a state university system (SUNY) and UB joined it in 1962 as one of four flagship schools in the state. SUNY@Buffalo didn't come into common usage until the late 70s/early 80s. It's a mouthful so we've always been "UB."
    As cheerleading captain at UB, I don't ever recall leading or hearing a cheer "LET'S GO NEW YORK at buffalo." BUFFALO is on the move. Why would you hop off the bandwagon NOW of all times?

    • Michael Corvus

      You are a cheerleading captain at the University and you don't have a clue as to what name is on your grads, the University diploma, correspondence and paychecks since 1962? I'm not surprised.

      • Coffee Hound

        You're behaving like a dumbass.

        • Michael Corvus

          Great response coming from a guy who doesn't know the Univ. of Buffalo ceased to exist in 1962.

          Read a diploma: http://www.diplomaframe.com/images/products/composites/primary/220111p25819cmp.png

          • Coffee Hound

            Au contraire (sp). Why do you ass-ume that you are the supreme authority?

            This is NOT about who signs diplomas or paychecks or U of B ceasing to exist in 1962... its about UB's image, athletics exposure on a national stage and the much bigger challenge of marketing UB. True that there are many challenges for UB. SUNY is a distraction for this university.

      • Amy Nash

        Why would you assume that? I know what my diploma says: State University of New York at Buffalo. It does not say 'state university of NEW YORK at buffalo.' No one says they attend Danny White's "New York State" ala Michigan State or Florida State. It's all a marketing gimmick and unclear to out-of-staters. When you're in NYC, folks say they go to school in Buffalo. When you're here in WNY, folks say they go to UB. And yes, I was a cheerleader since UB did not have a gymnastics team and I wanted to remain athletic while maintaining my honor grades.

    • cody

      Of all the city-named examples you provide, only one is a public, flagship AAU, world renowned institution - UCLA. And UB is a lot like UCLA because it too is also a public, flagship, AAU, world-renowned institution. San Diego State, Louisville, Cincinnati, Albany, UAB, and Pitt are all public schools of varying quality, but none of them hold the pedigree that UB does.

      As for Dayton and Providence - both Catholic schools to compare with Canisius and Niagara, but they are *nowhere* near UB's league.

      The issue is that people in WNY have no idea the stature of the UB across the country and the world. In the world of higher education - UB is very much considered in the league with two other institutions you mention - Michigan and Florida, who are both also AAU schools. (UConn isn't and wishes they were.) But, regrettably, too many people's understanding of universities is shaped by football and basketball programs - which have nothing to do with the real stature of a university.

      And for goodness sake, regardless of the chip folks from WNY have about NYC, the reality is that the state of New York is the 4th largest in by population. And the flagship university of that state is in Buffalo - not in the state's (and country's) largest city. In other words, being the flagship university of New York state is pretty darn substantial.

      As for me, I say congratulations to UB athletics for having the guts to brand itself on par with the university's reputation. It's just regrettable that so many critics have no appreciation for that reputation.

      • Amy Nash

        All great points Cody. Thank you. As a two-time kidney transplant recipient, many of my doctors are affiliated with UBMD, and Buffalo is highly regarded for its medical, law, dental schools, etc. My colleagues in the national Donate Life community know UB, they don't know "Danny White's "New York State University." It's about the size of the library, the published research, the real discoveries being made that will benefit our world. Athletics are great fun but they don't cure cancer. (And the worst part...the uniforms are quite unattractive, too.) :-)

      • Jimbuffalo

        Pitt is a public school? You sure about that?

        • cody

          Positive. Was private until 1966 when it became part of PA's Commonwealth Higher Education System. That makes it public.

          • jwdundee

            It's both. It receives state funding and is considered state related but remains a private institution.

      • tsar

        This is basketball we are talking about right? Funny because when I was filling out my several brackets across the net they all referred to the program as Buffalo. Would make real sense if the geniuses who came up with the idea of emphasizing NY fell in line.

        I'm sure they can emphasize NY in other aspects of the school. It is afterall a sports town. Does the football team pull this nonsense?

      • Alan Rosenthal

        Pitt doesn't have SUNY-Buffalo's "pedigree"? Pitt is older (founded in 1787), has five times the endowment ($3 billion to your $600 million), ranks fifth nationally in federal research funding, is ranked higher by U.S. News (#62 vs. #103), boasts higher freshman SAT scores and belongs to a major athletic conference (the ACC). Please.

  • Brian

    So UB is the "Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim" of college basketball?

  • Rick Harrington

    But you don't see Albany doing this on the other end of the state. You won't see "state university of NEW YORK albany" on their jerseys.

    It seems like this is an attempt by the State of New York to sell SUNY to out-of-state students, and nothing more.

    But it could backfire. Because of these jerseys, people could be prone to get U-Buffalo confused with Buffalo State, the Division 3 college that is definitely not University of Buffalo.

  • crushlimbraw

    Let's cut the crapola. The fame and fortune of the UB brand will be determined by the success of the teams, not by what you put on the jersey.
    Quickly, what state does Duke University represent or where are they located?
    Full disclosure - I had to look it up myself!
    Danny White should stick to athletics and keep out of public relations. When you're PO'ing your alumni, you're a quart short of full!

    • cody

      Really? When athletic teams do well, alumni giving increases. Is he really PO'ing the alumni who matter (i.e the ones who donate to the school?) or just the ones who think their opinions are worth something?

      • crushlimbraw

        If I follow your logic, you seem to be confirming my point - it's the success of the team, not the name on the jersey which determines overall public fame.
        Who exactly will be impressed by the emphasis of New York on the jersey? Does a BB fan from Indiana care? They watch BB - not reading your jersey!
        Who might be PO'd by the DE-emphasis of Buffalo on the jersey? Thousands of alumni - and I am one of them. What is there to gain, and how, by switching from Buffalo to NY. I'm open to an explanation. This team represents the campus in Buffalo - not Cortland, Brockport or Stony Brook.
        A question to you, Cody: Who are the alumni that matter? Maybe you can spell out the specifications. We all might need to know.

        • cody

          The alumni that matter are the ones who give money. Ask anyone in alumni relations, the foundation, or institutional advancement. The alums who show up anonymously to respond to news articles are irrelevant. That's how it works at every school, regardless of what's on the front of the jersey.

          So, if you hate it so much, stop buying tickets to the games and stop sending your annual gift to the university - assuming you ever did either.

          • crushlimbraw

            Well, you repeated what you said in your first post about 'alumni that matter' - so nothing new here. It's about the $$$$.
            Can you handle the specifics of 'Who exactly will be impressed by the emphasis of New York on the jersey? Does a BB fan from Indiana care? They watch BB - not reading your jersey!'

            In other words, where's the gain or what's the point?
            You agree that that the overall success is dependent on the team's success, not daJersey! So how does New York jersey make up for a team that stinks, if that is the case? What exactly is broken with 'Buffalo' emphasized? What are we trying to hide? Haven't heard any explanations that make sense, but always willing to listen to the uber-smarts. The court is yours.

          • tctctc

            because you know better, and you're so smart as a brander

    • Guest

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    • AGM1

      Duke is a private school as is Syracuse, who didn't buy into tbe SUNY state of mind.
      FRANKLY A VERY WISE DECISION.

      BTW.....Duke is in Durham, NC. JUST eight miles from NC State. i think the Danny White Brain trust needs to realize the importance of marketing the Buffalo Bulls. AFTER going to the NFL's Big Dance X's four and not bringing one Lombardy Trophy home was a tragic time in Buffalo Sports History.

      USING New York as the big theme on the hardwood and jersey is one bad overkill. One of the largest State Universities in our great land is located in Buffalo. NOT NY City.

      SUNY is the largest state run system. Its power is in the vast number of county community colleges, followed by the numerous colleves and major universities which take learning far above in so many areas of engineering, medicine, and other studies beyond the Nth degree.

      BUT ABOVE ALL ELSE, Our beloved University at BUFFALO is the " Crown Jewel " of the entire SUNY System.

      THEREFORE MY Humble two cents is that the emphisis deserves to be on accentuating BUFFALO.

  • EvilDoctorGenius

    Some Executive "Rebranding" effort that is being forced on all the State Agencies. SUNY has State designations on uniforms now. Other Agencies will be sporting an outline of NY State with the logo "NY State of Opportunity" and a color with specialized fonts for type of Agency. There's a whole new style guide some consultant came up with for this stuff. I kid you not.

  • Jon S.

    This is all Andy Cuomo..... all part of his hopeful presidential run....
    Kinda sick the way these operate....

  • sarfts

    Enjoy The Game! What a trip. Go UB!!!!!!!!!!

  • KG33

    If you just realized that UB wears 'New York' across their chest than you haven't been paying attention. That ship sailed. It's called marketing. And its working. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for Buffalo to steal New York and run with it. They did it and now Syracuse is feeling the pressure. How many states in the union didn't have a college that took the name of the state and made it their identity yet? NYBI

    • Barney Stenson

      THANK YOU!! 100% correct.

  • tctctc

    I went to SUNY Buffalo. Check out Binghamton or Stony Brook. They don't feature NY as their primary signals. When SUNY comes to ask for my donation, I'll respond by saying I went to Buffalo. If you won't put it on the jersey, no money from me. White is here to go somewhere else, meanwhile alienating tens of thousands of alumni. And crapping on the real brand. But, we've seen that before.

    • Bill Brasky

      Uh huh. I'm sure you would really open up that pocketbook of yours if they would just call themselves Buffalo.

      • tctctc

        I have in the past, over the 40+ years since I graduated. Just publish Binghamton's jerseys. And by the way, they consider themselves to be the cream of the SUNY system, a hangover from Harpur College days.

  • Stephen Karnath

    This is temporary, and a mistake, from an AD who apparently doesn't get the pride many of us have to be from and of Buffalo. I've never told anyone that I am a graduate of SUNY. And all of my donation checks read University of Buffalo. The Buffalo Bills are the only NFL team to play in New York State, but they're not the New York Bills. And this "New York Bulls Initiative" is equally misguided. I also find it insulting.

    • Barney Stenson

      Interesting. You know the school's name is University AT Buffalo not University OF Buffalo?

      • Stephen Karnath

        Yes. I used University at Buffalo for a few years, but I'm back to University of Buffalo. Not a fan of "State University of New York at Buffalo." More annoying than helpful.

  • Dex

    Personally, I think the New York Bulls Initiative is a big steaming, stinking pile of crap. I don't give a flying one that other states have programs that bear the name of their home state. New York is vastly different - due to the presence of NYC. BUFFALO is Home to the Bulls. I graduated from UB. I'm proud of that and don't give a rat's patooty about what other states do.

    IMO, Danny White is misguided and, based on the quotes in the article - has certainly convinced himself that he has dome the right thing. Why not ask someone like me who is local and a UB graduate what they think about this Initiative.

    I love what the Bulls have done on the court and on the football field. Can't stand what White has done to the proud tradition of UB. Big time sellout. Big time a.... oh never mind.

    I agree with others. You are calling the wrong number when you ask me for another donation. I am going to make a point of pointing out my displeasure about the re-branding before I hang up the phone.

  • Jester

    Based on past experiences watching college basketball, I'm pretty sure that the announcers will still call the team UB or the Bulls.

  • McLovin

    #BuffalonotNewYork

  • ljm

    Michigan, Ohio, Texas etc. do not have cities in their state named Michigan, Ohio, and Texas. Whereas, New York has a city named New York. I think most western New Yorkers would not like their universities confused or even associated with New York City.
    I have no problem by putting S.U.N.Y. on their uniforms and playing surfaces as long as Buffalo is at least as prominent, such as U.C.L.A. and U.N.L.V.

    • Matt Gracie

      UCLA is not the flagship -- Cal (Berkeley) is. UNLV is not the flagship -- Nevada (Reno) is.

  • Millhouse

    Simple-"New York" as pictured should be the size of "Buffalo" and "Buffalo" should be the size of "New York." The focus should be on the location of the school, not the fact that it is a part of the university system. One has to wonder who the genius behind this design is.

    • guest

      Danny" Carpetbagger" White. Just a good ole boy who doesn't understand what he thinks this will be a recruiting tool is turning off many of the fan base who will only know and support UB!

      • Bill Brasky

        C'mon. UB averages like 3,300 at a game. When Bonaventure played there, their fans outnumbered UB fans. There is no UB fan base.

  • Jobob

    ??????????????????????????????????? THESE GUYS DONT GET IT..... WE HAVE BEEN THE DOORMAT TO NYC ALL THESE YEARS AND NOW THIS.....WHATS NEXT ???? NY BILLS

    • Ann Onimous

      Why are you opposed to the state designating it's university at Buffalo as the flagship campus? It seems like the state is extending a vote of confidence in and support for Buffalo.

      • letsbehonest

        Lets be clear - the state did not designate UB as its "flagship" campus.

      • Josh

        The state did not designate anything as the flagship campus. I actually saw Lt. Gov Robert Duffy call Albany the flagship, so there is CLEARLY a disagreement across the state, unlike in other states. The brand is stupid

  • Jobob

    DANNY WHITE GET YOUR SH?? TOGETHER

  • Equinoxsseven

    I don't like this. I know it's part of the SUNY system, but I relate to the school as a Buffalo Institution. The major population center of this state will NEVER be on board with this. To them, anything west of the Hudson might as well be a foreign country. I feel as though a source of local pride has been kidnapped. We really can't refer to is as UB anymore, but I don't know what the alternative is. i guess it should be SUNY. That doesn't fall trippingly off the tongue. It's hard to find accurate comparisons in other states. NC State? University of California has lots of branches, but UCLA appears to be the flagship. UCLA sounds nice, though. I think they should leave it alone.

    • Matt Gracie

      "University of California has lots of branches, but UCLA appears to be the flagship."

      When people say "Cal" or "California", they mean the campus in Berkeley.

      • Equinoxsseven

        Isn't it UC-Berkely? Confusing.

        • Matt Gracie

          I believe the full name is "University of California at Berkeley", but people just call it "Cal". That's the same thing that Danny White is trying to do here; get people to think of "University of New York at Buffalo" as "New York".

          • whatsamattaU

            Not gonna happen, Buffalo is not "New York" any more than Albany, Stony Brook, Binghamton or Geneseo are. It's SUNY at Buffalo, or just Buffalo. Market that.

  • Dennis

    Bad luck to change uniforms for the most important BB game in school history.

    • Barney Stenson

      They changed the uniforms about 3 years ago.

  • http://www.redwoodforest.com This Is A Stick

    I thought that these were just practice jerseys. It almost looks like the Bad News Bears joining the Little League.

  • Rory McMaster

    Where can I buy a jersey? They are cool

  • DAP

    Buffalo is a great city with great history in our greatest State of New
    York. Our State University should aim high to become a leading
    university in the world. In the name "The State University of New York
    at Buffalo," the greatest strength is in "New York." It makes good
    business sense to promote "New York."

    • Barney Stenson

      Thank you! At least one other person in here knows the value of BRAND RECOGNITION.

  • Chris M

    Terrible logo.

  • http://www.redwoodforest.com This Is A Stick

    Didn't we used to get these jerseys handed out in gym class in middle school?

  • ROCKY DiCKSON

    Hogwash. They decided that the name "Buffalo" was a lousy brand name so they substituted the name "New York". My question is, do they have any focus group research to back it up, or was it a seat of the pants decision?. If it was focus group research, let's see the data.

    (Of course they would never admit to it)

    I suspect that "Buffalo" scores negatively in push polling. Why? All the sports losses - Sabres and Bills; The fellow who ran for Governor looked like a someone out of red neck racial joke, making Buffalo look like Stupidville, and of course, the 7 foot of snow on a snowy weekend. All adds up to the image of a loser.

    In any event they sold out the City of Buffalo, and WNY.

    The irony is, they could turn around the Buffalo brand into a scrappy group who overcomes adversity, but that would take some marketing savvy and they're not up to it.

    All these excuses they are pedaling is....baloney.

  • WNY Hockey Fan

    Featured Story on game day???? Awesome Buffalo News. Way to be divisive on one of the most important days in the history of college basketball for our region.

    • Ann Onimous

      How is this divisive? It's a news piece, not an editorial, and it's extremely timely for the thousands of viewers who might be watching their first game.

      • WNY Hockey Fan

        Are we really talking about unis and branding? The timing is off. C'mon Ann. Do you really need to bait me on this?

  • Jobob

    why are you filtering my opinions ? you have got to be kidding

  • Jobob

    boy I must have struck a nerve with someone

  • joyce gary

    And the Great Danes from SUNY Albany are also in the dance, don't they represent the State University system as well?

    • Matt Gracie

      Minnesota-Mankato is probably going to make the NCAA hockey tournament, as is Minnesota proper. Should they wear the same jerseys?

  • Jobob

    this name change is the result of accepting billions of dollars in research grants from Albany. They turn you into a sellout. This is downstate politics at its best...... quid pro quo.....to have a State school that has gone by University of Buffalo since its inception, only to change its moniker on the day of the biggest sporting event in its history is SAD. we as a region will never have our own identity when get into bed with the likes of those who run the state

    • Barney Stenson

      LOL except you got the name of the school wrong. The correct name of the school is University AT Buffalo.

      • Matt Gracie

        And the school didn't change its name, least of all today. And the uniforms changed what, two seasons ago?

      • Five Woods

        yes, and it used to be the University of Buffalo until SUNY took over about a half century ago-and then it changed--people have to shake their inferiority complex in this town

  • letsbehonest

    Lets be clear - the state did not designate UB as its "flagship" campus. Danny White decided to do that on his own. I would guess that the other 3 universities - Albany, Binghamton, and Stony Brook might disagree with his ability to do that. Maybe Buffalo State, as the largest of the 4 year SUNY colleges, should also become "New York" - Buffalo State (in very small letters)? SUNY has a set naming convention and it is "SUNY - University at Buffalo" for what used to be known as UB.

  • Jester

    Hmm just checked the bracket on ESPN and it says BUFFALO against WV.

    • Barney Stenson

      And yet it also says West Virginia and not Morgantown. Which school do you think has better brand recognition?

      • Ange Coniglio

        If they had been called 'Morgantown' for a hundred and sixty years, they would have 'brand recognition'.

      • whatsamattaU

        People are making too much out of this, it's "School Name" vs. "School Name". ESPN has it right, the marketers can go shove a Buffalo up their you-know-whats....

  • Barney Stenson

    I can't believe people are crying over the fact that the jersey says New York and not Buffalo. I love Buffalo, but the people can be so dang sensitive. Danny White has done great things for this program. Hop on the bandwagon or be left in the dust.

  • BullGuy

    Watch the video of the smug arrogant Jim Boeheim yesterday and on the backdrop behind him you'll see a logo of a big orange S that says "New York's College Team". Interesting.

    • whatsamattaU

      Hey, leave Jimmy B alone, he got hosed. SU's been doing that branding thing for a while now. The reason is that the "New York" name is basically available for exploitation by marketers because there is no equivalent to Ohio State, or Michigan or Texas in New York State and New York University is a private school.

      • Five Woods

        theres the point--give UB time--that's what they are trying to become

  • Ange Coniglio

    I went to the University OF BUFFALO, A college founded by a President of the United States. I was born in BUFFALO, and I taught at the University OF BUUFALO. Because Danny White has no tradition or connection to BUFFALO, he thinks he can change our 'brand'. How about going out for some NEW YORK wings, after the game, and what do you think about the NEW YORK Bills new signings, or the chances of the NEW YORK Sabres getting Connor McDavid?

    The proof of the pudding may be when UB tries to sell NEW YORK t-shirts or hoodies. I wouldn't be caught dead wearing one!

    http://bit.ly/BuffaloLogo

    • crushlimbraw

      Bingo, Ange!

    • Kevin Monahan

      First of all it's the University AT Buffalo. Where people are born really doesn't matter in regards to branding a school, and the wings example... really? UB is the FLAGSHIP university of the 64-campus SUNY network that supports the entire state of NY with a population of nearly 20 Million to Buffalo's Metro of 1.1 Million. I attended UB with peers from all part of the state, and when I tell people I attended UB I am proud to say it is the largest and most comprehensive university in the NEW YORK STATE university network. Tax dollars from all over the state support the SUNY Network.

      I am sure plenty of people will buy apparel, and like the branding. I love the NYS map on the court and field that were put in this year really representing our state, and the university that represents it most heavily in sports and academia.

      Alumni- UB Class of 2013

      • Josh

        Clearly you're biased in this situation. The University AT Albany is at the same levels in terms of both academics and athletics. The point of other states putting the name in front of a school is because 1. it was the first in the system, 2. it is BY FAR the largest and best university of the system and 3. it has the most recognition in the state.
        None of those apply to Buffalo in this situation. I get that you're bursting with pride because you're an alum, but Albany is just as "New York" as Buffalo.

        • Kevin Monahan

          UB has nearly 20,000 undergrads, Albany only has about 13,000. If you look at graduate students it's about the same ratio (UB has about 10,000 graduate students). UB has a substantial amount of more students ~33% more. Also UB has D1-A football. Albany isn't in the BCS. I am not playing tit-for-tat just stating facts. I am proud that SUNY touts four great universities, but if one has to be crowned the flagship it would be UB to represent the state (size, sports, and comprehensiveness of academia/research).

          • letsbehonest

            The SUNY web site shows the difference in student populations between Stony Brook and Buffalo as just 2000. There are 4 university campuses in the SUNY system, and no one at SUNY branded Buffalo as the flagship campus - Danny White made that designation all on his own. The correct designation made by the SUNY trustees is "SUNY - University at Buffalo". Everything else is a figment of Danny White's imagination.

      • Ange Coniglio

        First of all, the male singular form is ALUMNUS [I assume you're one person?]. Secondly, I know the present official name of the institution, however, I attended the University OF Buffalo.

        • Kevin Monahan

          Ange,

          Thank you for making the correction. I learn something new everyday. When you attended in 1962 or earlier the school was private, and not part of SUNY. SUNY funds UB, and SUNY is funded by ALL of NYS (a good part of which is NOT in Buffalo). Look at the model of every other state, and how much more successful their branding of their school has been. NY may be the only state without a branded flagship representing the entire state (i.e. Texas, UF, Oregon, etc.). It is frustrating explaining to people when I tell them where I attended that I am not from Buffalo, but a resident of NYS that attended our biggest and most comprehensive STATE university. When people say I went to Cal or OU they aren't asked are you from the Bay Area or Oklahoma City Area? No, and that's because those schools represent the entire state. UB Represents NYS, and should finally reflect that in their branding, not just the city it resides in. Want big time athletes to come to our school, national recognition, and for UB to become a household name? We need to continue to re-brand. Many people outside of NYS don't even know UB is a STATE school. NYS is one of the most populated and most influential states in the US, yet our largest STATE university poorly represents our state like other state schools do.

          Go to California or Texas and ask them if UB is public or private..

          • Ange Coniglio

            Kevin:

            You seem sincere in your reasons for thinking that 'branding' UB as 'NEW YORK' is a good thing.

            I see it from a different perspective than a person who is not a native Buffalonian. It may have started when I was in the Army, and other soldiers from 'the Bay area or Oklahoma', or from 'California or Texas', when hearing that I was from Buffalo, New York, would ask me questions about my home town ~ 'New York City'. This misunderstanding has persisted my whole life, on travels across the United States and Europe, to this day.

            UB as a BUFFALO school presents an opportunity to put a small dent in that misunderstanding.

            My point is that I don't care about SUNY's status with sports fans, or 'recognition' of UB as its 'flagship university', or whether citizens of other places know whether UB is a public or private university.

            Los Angeles, Columbus, and Tuscaloosa don't have big cities with the names California, Ohio, and Alabama in their states. Yes, it's a fact that I don't want BUFFALO confused with that OTHER New York - the city. One way to blur the distinction between the two (a distinction I'm proud of) would be to call the university that has represented BUFFALO since 1848 by the name 'NEW YORK'.

        • crushlimbraw

          You're on point, Ange! What many are missing is the question of identity branding, which is impossible when you're amalgamating all the parts into an amorphous glob - with indistinguishable units.
          Yes - UB is part of the SUNY - but SUNY undeniably is NOT all that is UB!
          It is unique, with it's own history and tradition.

  • crushlimbraw

    Hello, is this the UB Alumni Office? Good!

    I have a question. Who are you trying to impress by
    replacing Buffalo with New York on the team jersey?

    Oh, it wasn’t you, but Danny White’s decision?

    Well, what did he say about it?

    Oh, the New York name on the jersey will convince all the
    people watching the game that UB is a great school? You say it’s called
    branding?

    This might come as news to Danny, but when us guys watch the
    game at Melvin’s Sports Bar, we ain’t reading jerseys. Does he? Oh, he’s too
    busy, eh!

    So no one reads the dang jersey. We all watch because the team
    is good, right?

    And when the team is good, you’re saying that alumni
    donations go up and that’s good?

    Oh, so UB alumni get excited about the team and not the
    jersey, right?

    What if some of us alumni don’t like the name change, how is
    that good?

    We can do what to ourselves?

    Well, I gotta go now, but as I understand it – the jersey
    name was changed because no one reads it anyway, but it’s good branding. Isn’t
    branding done to identify different cattle? I’m getting confused again.

    Hey, did you ever take logic in school?

    No? You majored in public relations?

    Who’s on first?

  • crushlimbraw

    Hey, UB Alumni Office?

    Yeah, it's me again. Guess what? Did you know Danny White is an alumnus of Arizona State?

    What do you mean, so what?

    Well, let me tell you - Arizona has 3 public universities, all part of the same system, but very clear and separate identities. Arizona is in Tucson, Arizona State in Tempe and Northern Arizona is in Flagstaff. Their sports teams hate each other.

    Why? What do you mean why? Why do daBills hate the Patriots?

    I asked an Arizona State grad if he would ever wear an Arizona sweat shirt. You know what he said?

    Only if he lost a bet to his Arizona friend - otherwise he wouldn't be caught dead in one.

    Yeah, tell Danny they're very jealous of their identity. It's called branding!

    • Bullsfan44

      Umm wrong Danny White. The athletic director is a grad of Notre Dame and got his graduate degree from Ohio State. So before you post you should probably make sure you're not talking about the correct guy. I know Wikipedia is handy but can make you look foolish and like you don't know what or who you're talking about... But I'm sure that's not true...

      But I'm sure the Danny White who played quarterback and punter and is now a color commentator for Cowboys radio games is glad he's relevant and been mentioned on here.

      • crushlimbraw

        Oops - and thanks, Bullsfan44!
        Come to think of it though, the state identity comparison applies, even though I got the wrong DW. Easy Edit - thanks again.

  • Josh

    The thing about West Virginia or Texas is that those particular universities are head and shoulders above the rest in the system. SUNY schools, and particularly the research institutions, are on the same level. Albany is not only at the same level as Buffalo, but is as much of a "flagship" school. Both schools are equal in academics and athletics and thus neither should represent "New York." Also, did New York University suddenly disappear? Who is WV playing today on the bracket? And by the way, all of those schools with the state name are the capitals. New York is blessed with many good schools and there is not one that is clearly head and shoulders above the rest.

  • Kyle

    Wrong direction to go from a marketing
    perspective. “Buffalo” should continue to be the highlight. If someone does not
    understand that Buffalo is located in New York State, then the SUNY system has
    a bigger problem. If I was them I would champion the success that UB is to the
    local Buffalo economy, highlight the rebound that Buffalo is on, highlight that
    UB is "proud" to be associated with the second largest city in New
    York, differentiate that New York is more than just New York City. Any other
    state school mentioned that brand out a state does not have an association with
    a particular region like New York has with the New York City region.

    • crushlimbraw

      Out of the mouths of babes: "Grandpa, can't your school afford their own jerseys? Why do they have to borrow them from New York?"

  • crushlimbraw

    Question for Mr. Danny White: Please go to this website and tell us which of the logos listed was yesterday's team representing - http://www.suny.edu/attend/athletics/
    If you say 'all' - then do a sampling of alumni from the different logo schools who are sports fans, and see if they agree. Your misguided attempt to change the identity of UB into some conglomerate NY team is confusing to people from other states who are not familiar with the state university structure here and ticking off a good segment of the alumni. Your assemblage of 'yes men' don't count much in my group.
    To give you an idea how we are reacting, suppose through some fate in the future, your Alma Mater Notre Dame becomes part of the Indiana university system, how would ND alumni react it if they de-emphasized ND and made it UI at South Bend? The AD who did that would be 'drawn and quartered'.
    If you think the name 'New York' is going to impress the rest of the nation's athletes or fans, you are seriously misinformed. It's the mettle of the sports team that will raise public consciousness, not the name of the state. If you watched any of the game on TV, the announcers have a much clearer understanding than you seem to have. They identified the team as BUFFALO throughout the game.
    Surely there will not be a New York jersey on any of my family or grandkids - that's a given - and a pox on your dang merchandising or promotion of a school that does not exist!

    It's UB or (SUNY @ BUFFALO) - it's MY Alma Mater - not yours!

About the reporter

Buffalo native Mark Gaughan started working at The News in 1980 and covered the Bills from 1992 through 2014. He is a former president of the Pro Football Writers of America.

Amy Moritz, a native of Lockport, has covered colleges for The Buffalo News since 1999. She has a bachelor's degree in journalism/mass communication from St. Bonaventure University and a master's degree in humanities from the University at Buffalo. An endurance athlete, she has completed several triathlons, half marathons and marathons.