Is Gonzaga a blue blood or is Few a blue blood coach? I’d argue the latter. The idea that Gonzaga is a blue blood in the same vein as Kentucky or Duke or UNC and can always rely on reloading with elite coaches and players isn’t accurate. I don’t think they “need” the pac12 but seems like a more stable future post-Few
I guess we really won't know until Few retires. But I don't think everything would fall apart once Few steps down. It's an interesting thought for sure and I can't think of another mid-major program (maybe Butler?) that has sustained the same level of success (like Gonzaga) between multiple coaches.
Finally this lifestyle rag covers some hard-hitting news! I'm of the opinion that the Zags will thrive whether they stay in the WCC or head to the new PAC-?. They've grown their own brand and developed the infrastructure of a blue blood program to attract draw audiences, attract top talent, and convince other powerhouses to play them. With regards to the latter, conference affiliation mainly boils down to whether the season is front-loaded or tough matchups are better spread out throughout. Obviously the more balanced option would be preferable. But for me culture tips the balance towards staying. Not only is the WCC a better fit for Gonzaga's athletic program in terms of university type and geography. But the WCC clearly wants Gonzaga to be there. Gonzaga can't force all other schools to invest in their programs and make for a more competitive environment. But you see certain trues really trying, using Gonzaga as a benchmark and a selling point to recruits. While those assembling the new Pac-12 would probably love to have Gonzaga to boost its basketball profile, I suspect the league members will see it like a tack-on and a second-class member. The benefits aren't appealing enough to make putting up with that worth it! Big-12 or bust. Go Zags.
You had me until the penultimate sentence. I think the new members would welcome Gonzaga's basketball program. Two chances a year to beat a blue blood? Great for the conference resumes.
Also, there's a reason why the Big-12 hasn't invited Gonzaga yet/why it hasn't happened yet. My theory? Kansas doesn't want them.
For me it's a win-win. Now GU doesn't necessarily have to go across the US to earn quad-1s and it's good for the P12 because you've got USU, BSU and WSU--all good programs--in one area.
The fact that LMU would benefit immensely from Gonzaga staying in the WCC seems like an insignificant portion of your perspective, Kevin. Like a WSU or Stanford fan writing a "UW doesn't need the B1G article" in summer 2023, I'm not sure you're really capturing Gonzaga's incentive system as much as your own. I think their days in the WCC are numbered for better or worse. Only question to me is Pac or Big12
Did you mean significant*? I get that LMU needs Gonzaga. Regardless, your point is well taken. Maybe it's just an issue of when the jump happens. It's curious why the Big 12 has yet to ask Gonzaga to join or why Gonzaga hasn't accepted yet.
Is Gonzaga a blue blood or is Few a blue blood coach? I’d argue the latter. The idea that Gonzaga is a blue blood in the same vein as Kentucky or Duke or UNC and can always rely on reloading with elite coaches and players isn’t accurate. I don’t think they “need” the pac12 but seems like a more stable future post-Few
I guess we really won't know until Few retires. But I don't think everything would fall apart once Few steps down. It's an interesting thought for sure and I can't think of another mid-major program (maybe Butler?) that has sustained the same level of success (like Gonzaga) between multiple coaches.
Finally this lifestyle rag covers some hard-hitting news! I'm of the opinion that the Zags will thrive whether they stay in the WCC or head to the new PAC-?. They've grown their own brand and developed the infrastructure of a blue blood program to attract draw audiences, attract top talent, and convince other powerhouses to play them. With regards to the latter, conference affiliation mainly boils down to whether the season is front-loaded or tough matchups are better spread out throughout. Obviously the more balanced option would be preferable. But for me culture tips the balance towards staying. Not only is the WCC a better fit for Gonzaga's athletic program in terms of university type and geography. But the WCC clearly wants Gonzaga to be there. Gonzaga can't force all other schools to invest in their programs and make for a more competitive environment. But you see certain trues really trying, using Gonzaga as a benchmark and a selling point to recruits. While those assembling the new Pac-12 would probably love to have Gonzaga to boost its basketball profile, I suspect the league members will see it like a tack-on and a second-class member. The benefits aren't appealing enough to make putting up with that worth it! Big-12 or bust. Go Zags.
You had me until the penultimate sentence. I think the new members would welcome Gonzaga's basketball program. Two chances a year to beat a blue blood? Great for the conference resumes.
Also, there's a reason why the Big-12 hasn't invited Gonzaga yet/why it hasn't happened yet. My theory? Kansas doesn't want them.
For me it's a win-win. Now GU doesn't necessarily have to go across the US to earn quad-1s and it's good for the P12 because you've got USU, BSU and WSU--all good programs--in one area.
It seems like the financial incentives are enough for Gonzaga to make the jump to the Pac-12. Will make even more sense if SMC joins them.
Hadn't thought about Saint Mary's. Would essentially create three pods should Stanford and Cal come home to roost.
The fact that LMU would benefit immensely from Gonzaga staying in the WCC seems like an insignificant portion of your perspective, Kevin. Like a WSU or Stanford fan writing a "UW doesn't need the B1G article" in summer 2023, I'm not sure you're really capturing Gonzaga's incentive system as much as your own. I think their days in the WCC are numbered for better or worse. Only question to me is Pac or Big12
Did you mean significant*? I get that LMU needs Gonzaga. Regardless, your point is well taken. Maybe it's just an issue of when the jump happens. It's curious why the Big 12 has yet to ask Gonzaga to join or why Gonzaga hasn't accepted yet.