Big 12 Basketball: Examining 9 potential candidates for expansion
By Joey Loose
Memphis
Though not the only answer, Memphis is one of the most deserving programs to become members of a Power 5 conference. The basketball program was among the best in the nation just over a decade ago and has been trending in the right direction under Penny Hardaway in recent years. The football program has won at least eight games in seven straight seasons; they’ve already seen their results trending upwards.
Memphis seemed eager at making a run to join the Big 12 a few years ago and still makes sense as a candidate today. If the Big 12 did go in their direction, it’s fair to wonder how this Memphis program would compete in those two prime sports, considering the basketball team hasn’t made the NCAA Tournament since 2014. The Tigers have been good, not great, in recent years; would the Big 12 move propel them over the top?
Simply put, the geography makes sense and the talent is there for the entire athletics program. Pairing Memphis with somebody like Cincinnati or Houston who we’ve already mentioned could really breathe some life into the Big 12. The Tigers are building something in basketball and football and could slide right into competition in a new-look Big 12 in a couple of years.