I’d be curious to have a discussion on the pros/cons of Arizona vs Arizona State.
I don’t know much about them, other than the fact that ASU is one of the largest universities in the country, and is closer to the Phoenix market.
Zona seems to be more open to the Big 12 and a good cultural fit. While football drives the bus on expansion, the prospect of adding another elite basketball school is exciting as a fan.
Anybody have thoughts on this, and why we all seem to value Arizona over ASU? Genuinely curious.
I've been thinking this way more and more.
Utah:
- About 3 million people
- Fastest growing state however...
- Also has impending ecological disaster that could slow growth (toxic metals in air)
- Big 12 already has largest fanbase BYU, BYU's fanbase also brings a bit of a national following
- Utah's AD, academic profile and football program are very good
- I'd lean toward yes on Utah, but I can easily see how some number cruncher might say no.
Colorado:
- In the current climate there's no down side to bringing them back in. If Big Ten or SEC some calling for some outlandish reason, they can leave again if they want but I doubt it happens.
Arizona:
- About 7 million people, larger than Utah market
- Arizona is elite basketball adding to the already clear #1 by a mile basketball conference
- Not sure why Arizona seems the #1 choice over ASU
- I'd lean toward adding both but again wouldn't be surprised at all if a number cruncher suggests Big 12 only adds one of them
- There is an outside chance SEC wants in Arizona someday, so if you take both you likely always have one
SDSU:
- Not sure I buy this anymore. It made sense when goal was to crumble Pac 12.
- I don't think they ACTUALLY bring any part of a CA market. I'm not sure UCLA/Cal/Stanford even do.
- For whatever reason a lot of people put them as the #1 group of five free agent though.
- I'd say as many as 6 ACC highly likely refugees someday might make a more logical fit, let SDSU slowly strengthen the MWC instead of joining Big 12.
With ACC almost guaranteed to splinter I don't know why anybody would talk about anyone outside those five, I really don't even get SDSU talk. Already adding BYU was no reach at all, they more than deserve to be in a major conference. UCF is worth gamble on upside. Time will tell on Cincy/Houston. Had the Big 12 not have added BYU and Houston I think Pac would've already reached out to both because they are in survival mode and both bring more than SDSU.