Big 12 basketball coaches 'in favor,' of adding UConn, per report

Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark is going big game hunting when it comes to conference realignment. In what feels like an arms race against the Pac-12, Yormark has multiple different possibilities to improve the Big 12. One of those is by building the basketball culture even stronger by adding Gonzaga and UConn to the mix.

Reports came out that adding the two basketball powers took “center stage” when the Big 12 gathered for spring meetings in West Virginia. Just a week later, there seems to be a stamp of approval, giving Yormark the green light — specifically with UConn.

According to Brett McMurphy of the Action Network, basketball coaches in the conference are “in favor” of adding UConn. While more than just the basketball program would joing the Big 12, it’s obviously the selling point and the Huskies’ biggest asset.

“Big 12 basketball coaches in favor of adding UConn to Big 12, sources told @ActionNetworkHQ,” McMurphy said via Twitter. “UConn ‘in the mix’ as an all-sports addition to the Big 12, sources said.

UConn basketball has been all over the map recently when it comes to their basketball conference. After having a long history in the Big East, the Huskies rejoined the conference again before the 2020-2021 season. Prior to that, they had been in the American Athletic but never truly felt at home.

While there have not been conference titles over the last three years, Dan Hurley led his team to a national championship in Big 12 country this April, with the Final Four taking place in Houston, TX. It was No. 5 in program history for UConn, continuing to prove why they are one of college basketball’s blue blood programs.

And the Big 12 would just be adding to their impressive basketball roster. Baylor and Kansas were the two previous national champions before UConn cut down the nets. Houston will spend one more season in the American before transitioning to the Big 12. Schools such as Cincinnati, Kansas State, and Texas Tech have proud recent history as well.

UConn, from a competitiveness standpoint, would make a great addition and now reportedly has the backing of Big 12 coaches. With how tenacious Yormark has been since taking over, you would have to think he will make a serious run at the Huskies.

If the move ever does get completed, we are going to have some great Big 12 basketball matchups to look forward to down the road.