Colorado's Big (12) move

Let’s face the facts: Deion Sanders simply wasn’t ready to witness the shenanigans of Pac-12 After Dark action long term. Not everybody is built for that level of chaos.

Let's get to the news.

1. Colorado back to the Big 12

Realignment was apparently sick of the transfer portal grabbing all the headlines.

Colorado reportedly will move to the Big 12 starting in the 2024-25 academic year, finishing off one final season in the Pac-12. It originally left the Big 12 in 2011 and will rejoin over a decade later.

The Big 12’s presidents and chancellors voted to unanimously approve the move late Wednesday night, per ESPN. The school has not formally applied for membership, but that’s expected to be finalized today. No official announcements have been made.

As is the case with most realignment moves, there are multiple reasons for it, but the obvious one? Money. Brett McMurphy reported Colorado will receive a $31.6 million media share in 2024. If the Buffs want to make a splash under new football coach Deion Sanders, this was a move they had to make.

The move doesn’t significantly raise the men’s basketball stakes in the Big 12 — CU has won 60% of its games during its time in the Pac-12 and made four NCAA Tournaments but only one in the last six seasons. Still, Tad Boyle (whose first season in Boulder was CU’s last in the Big 12) will be one of the better in-game coaches in the league and should have a higher floor than some other programs.

The other reason for the move? Uncertainty remains about the Pac-12’s future. UCLA and USC leave following the 2023-24 season, and there isn’t a new school lined up yet with San Diego State staying put for at least two more seasons.

Adding Colorado puts the Big 12 conference at 13 members (Texas and Oklahoma depart for the SEC following this season). That would suggest the conference will continue looking for another suitor to even out the number at 14 teams.

So who’s next? Many seem to think UConn is a lock, though another Pac-12 school (or three more, to get to 16) seems possible.

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2. West Coast home-and-home showdown

Some scheduling news can completely change the mood of college basketball fans. And as a lifelong West Coast resident, it’s always fun to watch Gonzaga and San Diego State contests to wind the night down after an eventful day of games.

Now? These two officially announced a home-and-home series, starting in Spokane this season, with the return game coming to Viejas Arena in 2024-25.

Gonzaga and San Diego State have both been on the doorstep of winning an NCAA Tournament title. It’s fantastic to see two of the best teams on the West Coast finally go head-to-head.

It’s a move that’s been typical for Gonzaga’s non-conference schedule. The Zags routinely load up with college hoops heavyweights. It’s also smart for San Diego State, which has turned into the Mountain West version of Gonzaga since Brian Dutcher took the helm in 2017 — winning 21-plus games in all seven seasons.

Gonzaga and San Diego State have matched up three times in history (all since 2010) and the Aztecs lead the series 2-1.

The Zags hosted the Aztecs twice, most recently in 2016. The 2016 meeting wasn’t close, yet it’s the only game in the series decided by more than three points — San Diego State won by three in 2010 thanks to some guy named Kawhi Leonard dropping 18 points and 12 boards — and Gonzaga won by three in 2017.

Also, I applaud North Carolina, Kansas, San Diego State and Gonzaga, each of whom appeared in the national championship recently to play home-and-homes against some of the premier programs in the sport instead of adding another buy-game to the non-conference schedule. Too often these marquee matchups happen in neutral settings.

Please, college basketball coaches, more of this.

3. Memphis loses a notable piece

One of Memphis’ key offseason additions won’t be a Tiger after all.

Teafale Lenard Jr, a 6-8 athletic forward from Middle Tennessee State announced he will forgo his remaining college eligibility to begin playing professional basketball — rather than stay enrolled at Memphis.

Lenard averaged 8.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.8 blocks while earning recognition on the CUSA’s All-defensive team. He was recruited to Memphis to slide into a defense-first role, where he would guard positions 1-5. That’s not someone you can replace easily, but Memphis may opt to scavenge what’s remaining in the portal.

The Tigers currently lack shooting from the 4-spot. coach Penny Hardaway has the option to pair non-shooting bigs Nick Jourdain and Jordan Brown, or focus on offense by using Jonathan Pierre, a 6-foot-9, 190-pound wing, who shot over 40% from deep at Nova Southeastern. Neither option is foolproof— Jourdain can’t shoot but defends and has the size to defend bigger forwards. While Pierre’s lanky frame could get exposed on the defensive end.

There is another option. It’s just unclear if it’ll happen.

The Tigers await the NCAA’s ruling on DeAndre Williams' waiver for another season of college. Williams will turn 27 in October — and is coming off an impressive season, averaging 17 points and eight boards. He’d be the key to an offensive jump. He can defend the perimeter and inside, he shoots 40% from deep, handles the ball and has the basketball savvy to facilitate the offense from the paint.

Even without Lenard, Memphis’ offseason still rates them as a winner. The Tigers added Caleb Mills (Florida State) and Jahvon Quinerly (Alabama) as backcourt starters, paired with the dominant big man Brown (provided he gets a waiver to be eligible right away). This team is old — more so if Williams returns. But they’ll be all the better for it.

Technically speaking

Grant Billmeier played at Seton Hall, then spent most of his time as an assistant coach with his alma mater, then at Maryland for a season. Now? He’s back in New Jersey but as the head coach at NJIT. He discusses his career path and what’s ahead with a fellow Jersey guy in Rob Dauster.

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Links as you educate yourself about Portugal’s women’s team.

• Bronny James remains in stable condition after his cardiac arrest on Monday.

• Hall of Fame Classic bracket revealed.

• South Carolina State transfer Rakeim Gary is headed to Pacific.

• A new NIL bill would allow foreign students to benefit while in the U.S.

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