The Big 12 will likely be expanding again soon, possibly adding the UConn Huskies for hoops.
While conference realignment has more to do with the moneymaker that is college football than anything, it is also advantageous to kick the tires on major college basketball brands such as the UConn Huskies.
Fresh off its fifth national title in program history, UConn could be looking to go from Power Six back to Power Five. With the old Big East dissolving into being a basketball-only league, UConn went the way of The American. It worked out for them for a bit, but the Huskies lost a lot of meaningful rivalries on the hardwood, while the football program amounted into an afterthought.
With Brett McMurphy of The Action Network reporting the Big 12 basketball coaches would be in favor of adding the Huskies to their league, there is a chance they leave for the Big 12 in all sports.
The Big 12 has a fantastic mix of basketball programs. With Jim Mora having had great success in year one on the gridiron in Storrs, this may not be the weirdest potential acquisition for the league.
It has also been tied to the Four Corner universities, namely former conference member Colorado, as well as the Memphis Tigers out of The American. They also have a rich basketball tradition, too.
Big 12 rumors: UConn could be a fantastic addition for the league in basketball
If the Huskies were to leave the Big East and join the Big 12, they would be ready to compete with the likes of Baylor, Kansas, Kansas State, Texas and Texas Tech on the hardwood, in addition to the arrival of Houston this season. They would also be another geographical rival with fellow former Big East universities such as Cincinnati and West Virginia. Also, the Civil Conflict is back on, baby!
For as much as UConn has benefited being back in the Big East for basketball, the Huskies are going to have to make a choice with football. Mora is an excellent head coach, but this is one of the most difficult jobs in the country. The Huskies compete as a national independent on the football field after leaving the AAC. One would think a Big 12 invite would be enough to get them back in.
Ultimately, we have to accept that the latest wave of conference realignment was not even close to the last. No, I don't think we are going to be living in a world with a Power Two and everyone else. However, it remains to be seen what the Big 12 looks like under Brett Yormark's leadership. He has been cutting edge from the start, and his league has benefited greatly from his guidance.
With UConn now in the mix for expansion, we may see the Big 12 add more than two other teams.