The Gonzaga Bulldogs have built one of the best basketball programs in the country under head coach Mark Few despite playing in the West Coast Conference. It appears that may not be the case much longer after an important meeting on Wednesday.
According to Brent McMurphy of the Action Network, Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark & Gonzaga athletic director Chris Standiford met ahead of the Gonzaga-Texas game on Wednesday, and there’s “growing mutual interest” for Gonzaga potentially joining the Big 12.
Big 12 commish Brett Yormark & Gonzaga AD Chris Standiford met earlier today in Austin, Texas, & there is “growing mutual interest” regarding Gonzaga joining the Big 12, sources told @ActionNetworkHQ. Gonzaga played at UT in men’s basketball Wednesday night
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) November 17, 2022
The Big 12 currently has five teams in the AP top 25 rankings, which is only behind the SEC for the most of any conference in college basketball.
Gonzaga joining the Big 12 would certainly be intriguing, and it seems like many across the college basketball world would welcome the move with open arms.
Gonzaga, Houston, Kansas and Baylor in the same league. Imagine being UCF. https://t.co/GEMDLp6zTX
— Rob Dauster (@RobDauster) November 17, 2022
Goodbye west coast 🏀 https://t.co/wvUM3a8kDx
— Dave Ross (@drosssports) November 17, 2022
What are we doing Pac-12? https://t.co/Xlop1sRfRT
— Julian Mininsohn (@JMininsohn) November 17, 2022
Poor BYU thought they were finally escaping them https://t.co/WcmuuSEUkD
— Championship Connoisseur (@UMvsEveryone) November 17, 2022
These deals take time and are extremely complicated. But it sounds like Big 12 may be the leader in the clubhouse if Gonzaga decides to jump conferences. At least for now that is, ultimately the almighty dollar will make the decision. https://t.co/uHZ4UBFMgR
— @vivamatadoresSBN (@CCCFFSN) November 17, 2022
Do it. https://t.co/tj2H3onBEW
— Cyclone Larry (@CycloneLarry69) November 17, 2022
This is actually the second time that the two sides have met to discuss Gonzaga joining the Big 12, with a meeting occurring earlier this month while Gonzaga was in Texas for a scrimmage.
While this wouldn’t do anything to help the Big 12 in terms of football revenue since Gonzaga has no football team, this move would certainly make the conference a true powerhouse in the college basketball landscape.
It’s definitely surprising that a conference like the Pac-12 hasn’t already reached out to Gonzaga, considering the close proximity of the school and its successful basketball program.
Regardless, many college basketball fans have always wondered how the Bulldogs would do in a more competitive conference.
It looks like it is only a matter of time before that change occurs within the program, whether it’s in the Big 12 or elsewhere.
