 The Golden Eagles are a founding member of the current Big East, having been one of the seven members of the original Big East that broke away to form a basketball-focused league.They had joined the original Big East in 2005, having previously competed in Conference USA (C-USA) from 1995–96 to 2004–05, the Great Midwest Conference from 1991–92 to 1994–95 and the Horizon League from 1988–89 to 1990–91.They also competed as an independent from 1916–17 to 1987–88.