Gonzaga To Big 12: Will It Happen?

The burning question on every college basketball fan's mind: Will Gonzaga join the Big 12? This potential move has been a hot topic, sparking debates and speculation across the sports world. For years, Gonzaga has been a dominant force in college basketball, consistently ranking among the top teams and making deep runs in the NCAA Tournament. However, they've often been criticized for playing in the West Coast Conference (WCC), which is perceived as a weaker conference compared to the powerhouses like the Big 12. A move to the Big 12 would not only provide Gonzaga with tougher competition on a regular basis but also significantly increase their exposure and revenue. But, is it really going to happen? Let's dive deep into the pros, cons, and potential roadblocks.

The Allure of the Big 12

Let's be real, the Big 12 is a beast. It's arguably the most competitive basketball conference in the nation, boasting perennial powerhouses like Kansas, Baylor, and Texas (soon to be replaced by others, but still). Joining the Big 12 would offer Gonzaga a multitude of benefits. First and foremost, it would elevate their strength of schedule. Playing against top-tier teams week in and week out would not only prepare them better for the NCAA Tournament but also boost their national ranking. A higher ranking translates to better seeding in the tournament, which increases their chances of making a deep run and ultimately winning a national championship.

Moreover, the Big 12 offers unparalleled exposure. Games are regularly televised on major networks like ESPN and Fox, giving Gonzaga a national platform to showcase their talent. This increased visibility would undoubtedly attract more recruits, further solidifying their position as a top program. The financial benefits are also substantial. The Big 12 distributes a significant amount of revenue to its member institutions, which would provide Gonzaga with more resources to invest in their basketball program and other athletic endeavors. Think about it, guys, more money for facilities, coaching staff, and scholarships – it's a game-changer!

The Challenges and Obstacles

Okay, so it sounds like a no-brainer, right? Gonzaga joins the Big 12 and everyone wins. Not so fast. There are several challenges and obstacles that need to be considered. One of the biggest hurdles is the Big 12's existing membership. The conference currently has 12 members (though that number is in flux with the departure of Texas and Oklahoma), and adding another team would require a unanimous vote from the existing members. Some schools may be hesitant to add Gonzaga, fearing that it would dilute their share of the revenue or disrupt the conference's competitive balance. Imagine being a team that's used to being at the top – would you want to add another potential rival?

Another potential obstacle is Gonzaga's location. The university is located in Spokane, Washington, which is geographically isolated from the rest of the Big 12. This could create logistical challenges for travel and scheduling, as well as increase travel costs for the other member institutions. No one wants to spend half their season on airplanes, right? Furthermore, Gonzaga's religious affiliation (Jesuit) could also be a factor. While the Big 12 is not a religiously affiliated conference, some members may have concerns about Gonzaga's stance on certain social issues. It's a complex issue, and one that needs to be carefully considered.

Gonzaga's Perspective: Why Leave the WCC?

For years, Gonzaga has dominated the West Coast Conference. They've won the conference championship almost every year and consistently earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. So, why would they want to leave such a comfortable situation? The answer, as we've already touched on, is competition. While Gonzaga has had tremendous success in the WCC, they haven't faced the same level of competition as teams in the power conferences. This has led to criticism that they are not battle-tested enough when they reach the NCAA Tournament. Let's face it, playing against tougher opponents week in and week out prepares you for the big stage.

Leaving the WCC would also allow Gonzaga to shed the label of being a mid-major program. Despite their consistent success, they are often viewed as an outsider by the college basketball establishment. Joining the Big 12 would give them instant credibility and legitimacy, solidifying their place among the elite programs in the nation. It's about respect, guys. Gonzaga wants to be seen as a true powerhouse, and the Big 12 is the perfect platform to achieve that goal. Moreover, the financial incentives are too significant to ignore. The revenue generated by the Big 12 would allow Gonzaga to further invest in their program and compete with the best teams in the country.

Potential Conference Realignment Scenarios

The landscape of college athletics is constantly evolving, and conference realignment is a recurring theme. The potential addition of Gonzaga to the Big 12 is just one piece of a larger puzzle. With the departure of Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC, the Big 12 is looking to add new members to maintain its strength and stability. BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF have already been added, but the conference may not be done expanding. There has been speculation about other potential candidates, including UConn, Memphis, and Saint Mary's. It's like a game of musical chairs, and everyone wants to make sure they have a seat when the music stops.

If Gonzaga were to join the Big 12, it could trigger a ripple effect throughout college basketball. The WCC would be left without its flagship program, which could lead to further realignment within that conference. Other conferences, such as the Mountain West and the American Athletic Conference, could also be affected. It's a complex web of relationships and rivalries, and any major change can have far-reaching consequences. The future of college athletics is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the pursuit of money and power will continue to drive conference realignment decisions.

The Verdict: Will Gonzaga Make the Jump?

So, after all this analysis, what's the final verdict? Will Gonzaga join the Big 12? The answer, unfortunately, is not a simple yes or no. There are many factors that will influence the decision, and it's impossible to predict the future with certainty. However, based on the available information, here's my take: I believe that Gonzaga is very interested in joining the Big 12, and the Big 12 is also interested in having Gonzaga. The fit seems to be mutually beneficial, and the potential rewards are significant. However, there are still some obstacles that need to be overcome, such as the unanimous vote requirement and the geographic challenges.

Ultimately, the decision will come down to whether the Big 12 believes that adding Gonzaga will enhance the conference's overall value. If the Big 12 is convinced that Gonzaga will bring more to the table than they take away, then I believe the move will happen. But if there are lingering concerns about revenue sharing, travel costs, or other issues, then Gonzaga may be forced to remain in the WCC. Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the college basketball world will be watching closely. It's a move that could reshape the landscape of the sport for years to come.