Gonzaga Bulldogs in talks to join Big XII

With rumors swirling about the Gonzaga Bulldogs in talks to join the Big-12, our Pacific Northwest Sports writers kicked the subject around a little.

Gonzaga Bulldogs
Big XII Commissioner Brett Yormark.

With rumors swirling about the Gonzaga Bulldogs in talks to join the Big XII, our Pacific Northwest Sports writers kicked the subject around a little.

The Pacific Northwest Sports staff works, like almost everyone else does these days, remotely. Instead of the water cooler, we talk to each other via slack.

After the news broke on Thursday that the Gonzaga Bulldogs were in talks to join the Big XII conference, it piqued the interest of our writers. It would be a significant move for the mid-major powerhouse from Spokane.

So, of course, it became a topic of conversation.

In the chat were two of our Zags writers, Ed Stein and Chip Clark. Joining them were Dan White, Chris Phillips, and Herb Nightengale.

On the Gonzaga Bulldogs’ possible move to the Big XII

Dan White

Couldn’t that hurt them, though? It would create greater competition, but that would also create a greater chance of them not making it to March Madness, wouldn’t it?

Ed Stein

No, because of the strength of schedule.

Chris Phillips

While their strength of schedule would increase, and it would help Gonzaga, if they still lose games, it wouldn’t matter as they wouldn’t make it in.

The big question: how good is Gonzaga in a Power-5 conference? What does a 30-2 Gonzaga in the WCC translate to the Big12? 20-12? 15-15?

Ed Stein

With their talent, recruiting, and coaching, the Gonzaga Bulldogs are a perennial 25-win team in the Big 12. Players like Drew Timme, Rui Hachimura, Jalen Suggs, and Corey Kispert would succeed in any conference.

Chip Clark

Absolutely. Look at how well the Gonzaga Bulldogs handle their pre-conference schedule every year. In 2021-22, they beat Texas, UCLA, and Texas Tech. The year before, it was Kansas, Auburn, West Virginia, Iowa, and Virginia. They can handle themselves.

Herb Nightingale

Kansas and Baylor are the big two in the conference. Gonzaga has only beaten Baylor once, and they beat Kansas in 2020.

They play Texas this year as well as Baylor. Let’s see how they do in those games.

I think they would be at the top of the Big 12 standings. Also, they may even get even better recruits if possible.

Chris Phillips

The Big 12 is run by Kansas, and Baylor is the power threat. Oklahoma State and Texas rise up every few years. People sleep on West Virginia, but they’re a solid team. Even Texas Tech and Oklahoma make March runs every now and then.

Chip Clark

The Big 12 is probably the best basketball conference in the country. The teams Chris mentioned all run quality basketball programs.

Kansas is a college basketball Blue Blood and defending National Champions. The year before, it was Baylor taking home the hardware. Tech made the National Finals twice in the last five seasons.

Ed Stein

Just to add on, Oklahoma and Texas are moving to the SEC but basketball powerhouses Cincinnati and Houston are replacing them (along with UCF and long time Zags’ rival, Brigham Young). It will be the best college basketball conference in the country by far with Gonzaga in the fold.

Last Word

This is the Gonzaga Bulldogs’ chance to make the big time. If they join the Big 12 Conference, it probably won’t be by themselves to keep things even an facilitate easier travel schedules.

Since the Big 12 wants to add the “fourth time zone,” it would probably be a west coast non-football school such as San Francisco, Loyola Marymount, or Pepperdine so the conference could take advantage of larger media markets.

What do you think about the Gonzaga Bulldogs making a potential jump to the Big 12?

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