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Big 12 + UConn = hoops heaven?
Huskies reportedly making their case to Big 12 ADs for a move out of Big East and Dan Hurley likes the idea? Plus, what's next for the Big 12, Oklahoma State's new big man, Villanova's schedule planning, Wofford's probation, and more.
Mike Miller
August 26, 2024
Kobe Bryant famously didn’t play college basketball. But as an LA icon and a famous No. 24, #MambaDay was an unofficial celebration on Saturday (the 24th). And leave it to Eric Musselman to embrace LA and lean into #MambaDay.
I don’t think Kobe would’ve liked playing in the Big Ten though …
1. UConn pitches itself to the Big 12
Just when you thought college sports realignment was quiet (or at least until FSU and Clemson resolve their ACC exit), UConn decided it needed a new challenge.
At least that’s how I’m choosing to interpret their discussion with Big 12 athletic directors last week in Dallas. Per multiple reports on Friday, school officials want to join the Big 12. From Yahoo! Sports:
… UConn would join the conference as a member in all sports except football starting, at latest, in 2026. Contingent upon the school meeting certain investment thresholds in the sport, UConn football would join the Big 12 in 2031.
While the Huskies are not expected to receive a full distribution share from the league, the move would increase their financial situation and pair the school’s elite basketball program with a power conference brand. The Huskies men's and women’s basketball programs have won a combined 16 national championships since 1999.
The move, if it is finalized, would be a blow for the Big East. UConn was an original member of the old Big East before competing in the American Athletic Conference and then moving back into the new Big East in 2020.
One Big 12 official told ESPN that UConn joining the league is “premature,” mostly because many Big 12 ADs are still trying to resolve revenue issues with the looming House v. NCAA settlement. Plus, the Big 12 just added four new programs. But with UConn reportedly not affecting football revenue until 2031, it’s worth serious consideration.
fwiw, Huskies coach Dan Hurley kinda likes the idea. Hurley might love the Big East, but between the big picture (increased $$$) and the competition (Hurley would love to have bragging rights over all the Big 12 coaches), this move might be best for UConn.
“He loves the Big East, but he understands the Big 12 provides more resources and more money,” a source told Brett McMurphy of The Action Network.
This is UConn, the most decorated women’s basketball program in the NCAA history and the biggest dog (right now) in men’s hoops.
Even if UConn fans aren’t crazy about the idea of a move to the Big 12 — those flights from Hartford to the Midwest, Texas and Arizona are long ones, with connections — there’s no denying the immediate appeal of adding a program with incredible basketball pedigree.
Because this isn’t just about football revenue. This is about the Big 12 as the center of the men’s basketball universe.
2. The Big 12’s basketball manifest destiny
Brett Yormark’s basketball appetite is insatiable.
It was last August when the Big 12 Commissioner had serious discussions about adding Gonzaga and UConn to its ranks, only to have those conversations end in no small part to the league adding four Pac-12 schools in Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah.
That didn’t satisfy Yormark. Not at all. But that’s not surprising considering how he views basketball.