Paul Finebaum assesses if new Big 12 commissioner will comment on Pac-12

Ahead of the Big 12 media days this week, SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum joined McElroy&Cubelic on Monday morning to discuss what new information may spring from the conference.

The hosts asked Finebaum whether or not he believes new Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark will comment on the league’s plans in regards to the Pac-12. Given that he’s fresh on the scene, Finebaum predicts he will make some headlines.

“I think so,” Finebaum said. “We’re about to get a dose of the new commissioners. These guys are not as nuanced as I think the traditional commissioner. They’re from the entertainment world and they know conversation sells. I fully expect this to be more expansive than your normal state of the union address by a commissioner.”

Brett Yormark spent the last three years as the COO of Roc Nation, an entertainment company founded by Jay-Z. Before that, he spent 14 years with the Nets, playing a significant role in moving the team from New Jersey. He enters the NCAA scene and the Big 12 as the whole landscape shifts.

Following the news of  USC and UCLA‘s departure for the Big Ten, reports have been nonstop about which schools in the Pac-12 could be picked off next.

The Big 12 was reportedly ready to meet with Arizona, Arizona State, Utah and Colorado last Tuesday, according to WildcatAuthority’s Jason Scheer.

Finebaum sets expectations for Big 12 Media Day

The Big 12 Conference announced its new commissioner at the end of June. Now, just two short weeks later, he’s hitting the big stage at media days. The two-day event begins on Wednesday in Arlington, Texas.

Finebaum discussed what he expects from new commissioner Brett Yormark, especially when it comes to expansion and realignment.

“I expect to learn more than I did a year ago when Bob Bowlsby was asked about expansion and said, ‘We’re not concerned about that or anything else, because we are solid here,’” Finebaum said. “And what was it? A week and a half later, Oklahoma and Texas flew the coop.”

“So, I think the Big 12 is not in a bad spot because they’re not shooting for the big guns on the board,” Finebaum continued. “They’re trying to see which way the dominoes are falling and have a chance to pick up some really attractive schools, depending on which way it goes. I think he’ll nuance his words. All these commissioners are essentially the same when it comes to public declarations. It’s like listening to a senate committee where lawyers are everywhere. I will say, I think the Big 12 is in a better place than it was a year ago.”