Big 12 Basketball: 3 underrated candidates to add in expansion

UConn

One program that I mentioned previously in connection with the more general expansion conversation for the Big 12 is the UConn Huskies. But definitely the strongest part of the UConn athletic program would be the tradition and storied success that the men’s and women’s basketball programs bring to the table.

UConn women’s basketball isn’t as insanely dominant as the program was once throughout much of the 2010s. But that is still a strong presence that the Big 12 could get along with the likes of the Baylor Lady Bears. Baylor women’s basketball along with UConn would be more than enough to highlight the Big 12 in that particular spot.

But men’s hoops could get a strong boost in multiple regards with the idea of bringing the Huskies into the mix. UConn is one of the best men’s basketball programs in terms of postseason success over the past three decades. The Huskies have four National Championships under the program’s belt since 1999.

Former Duke Blue Devil and UConn head coach Dan Hurley seemingly has this program headed in the right direction. He’s improved the winning percentage of that program by a significant mark (up to a season-high with him as head coach of .652 during the 2020-21 campaign). UConn also brings a new television market and a different recruiting pipeline to the table for men’s hoops up in the northeast.