Not sure what to make of this. On one hand, none of the leftover Big 12 schools feel like particularly good fits. On the other hand, I want the conference to persevere. But I don’t trust the leadership across the Pac 12 schools to make the smart decision to protect the future of the conference.
8 of the Pac-12 member institutions are AAU members (Association of American Universities). That list includes (with year of membership) -
Cal (1900)
Stanf*rd (1900)
Washington (1950)
Colorado (1966)
Oregon (1969)
USC (1969)
UCLA (1974)
Arizona (1985)
I make note of this only because the statement from earlier today mentions "...our ability as a conference to thrive...both academically and athletically" as an important factor.
The only remaining Big XII schools that are already AAU member institutions (excluding Texas) are Kansas (1909) and Iowa State (1958). I theorize that those two schools would be a better fit for the B1G, certainly from a geographic perspective. At least Kansas would bring serious basketball cachet to the table.
The Pac-12 is largely constrained by geography and academics. Any of the natural academic fits for the Pac-12 are either within the conference or have gone to greener pastures (both financially and geographically).
I can understand why the Pac-12 was rumored as the driving force behind the alliance with the B1G and the ACC, no matter how loose that alliance may be. It's a defensive move against being shoved down to mid-major status as a conference. If that were to happen there's no guarantee that some current members wouldn't want to explore greener pastures.
if the Pac 12 expands, i propose it should only include states where there is an In-N-Out…so that includes Nevada & Texas. what’s more West coast than In-N-Out? and hopefully In-N-Out will expand into WA soon too.
I read Wilners article where he looked at expansion and came to the conclusion that UH would be best fit for the Pac12. He decided that SDSU or any CSU wouldn’t be included in expansion because Cal and UCLA would block any such move.
I agree that the best move at the moment is to stay at 12 and maybe look at possible expansion again next off season.
Oh man. I got to hand it to Leland that the "cans plan to expand" title is outstand..ing.
Not sure what to make of this. On one hand, none of the leftover Big 12 schools feel like particularly good fits. On the other hand, I want the conference to persevere. But I don’t trust the leadership across the Pac 12 schools to make the smart decision to protect the future of the conference.
8 of the Pac-12 member institutions are AAU members (Association of American Universities). That list includes (with year of membership) -
Cal (1900)
Stanf*rd (1900)
Washington (1950)
Colorado (1966)
Oregon (1969)
USC (1969)
UCLA (1974)
Arizona (1985)
I make note of this only because the statement from earlier today mentions "...our ability as a conference to thrive...both academically and athletically" as an important factor.
The only remaining Big XII schools that are already AAU member institutions (excluding Texas) are Kansas (1909) and Iowa State (1958). I theorize that those two schools would be a better fit for the B1G, certainly from a geographic perspective. At least Kansas would bring serious basketball cachet to the table.
The Pac-12 is largely constrained by geography and academics. Any of the natural academic fits for the Pac-12 are either within the conference or have gone to greener pastures (both financially and geographically).
I can understand why the Pac-12 was rumored as the driving force behind the alliance with the B1G and the ACC, no matter how loose that alliance may be. It's a defensive move against being shoved down to mid-major status as a conference. If that were to happen there's no guarantee that some current members wouldn't want to explore greener pastures.
if the Pac 12 expands, i propose it should only include states where there is an In-N-Out…so that includes Nevada & Texas. what’s more West coast than In-N-Out? and hopefully In-N-Out will expand into WA soon too.
I read Wilners article where he looked at expansion and came to the conclusion that UH would be best fit for the Pac12. He decided that SDSU or any CSU wouldn’t be included in expansion because Cal and UCLA would block any such move.
I agree that the best move at the moment is to stay at 12 and maybe look at possible expansion again next off season.