Karl Benson, commissioner of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), talked about Seattle U sports, conference expansion and much more in a live online chat with Seattle Times readers Thursday.

Q: What is your vision for Seattle U's participation in the WAC and the conference's overall goals in the next few years?

Benson: The WAC is extremely pleased to add Seattle U to our membership effective July 1, 2012. Seattle U's rise now to Division I provides the WAC with a school that brings history and tradition and a top-10 media market. We expect Seattle U to have immediate success in the WAC.

Q: Any new plans for hosting the men's Div. I NCAA basketball tournament?

Benson: The WAC, along with Seattle U, would certainly explore the possibility of submitting a bid to the NCAA for the men's first- and second-round games for the future. The city of Seattle has had a long and storied tradition of hosting NCAA basketball events. KeyArena would be an excellent venue.

Q: Do you like your odds of landing Montana?

Benson: As far as Montana, if Joe's available and has any eligibility left, we might consider him.

Q: In what ways do you see the WAC contributing in helping Seattle U men's basketball coach Cameron Dollar obtain a strong enough schedule to reach RPI levels to get a shot at the big dance?

Benson: The WAC has a strong history of teams getting better when they join the WAC. And we expect Seattle U to take advantage of the assets the WAC provides — history, tradition, television opportunities, etc. Playing conference games against the likes of Utah State, Idaho, New Mexico State, San Jose State, Louisiana Tech — all teams that have played in the postseason in the last few years — will allow Seattle U's RPI to improve.

Q: You have deep roots in Washington. What does it mean for you personally to add Seattle U?

Benson: Yes, my roots run deep in the state of Washington, having gone through public schools, two years of college, and then returning to the Tacoma area to coach college baseball and slide into athletic administration, which laid the groundwork for my career in college sports.

And by the way, stay tuned for a little-known fun fact about the Commish and my ties to the Seattle area. From 1978 to 1984, I regularly threw batting practice for the Seattle Mariners. Anywhere from 40 to 60 games per year. P.S. My arm is shot.