Mountain West Basketball: Examining 8 potential candidates for expansion

Wichita State

Timing plays a big role in conference realignment. You want your best programs to be at their best at the right time. The last decade has been the right time for Wichita State, leading them to bolt the MVC for the AAC back in 2017. With the future of the AAC uncertain, a move across to the Mountain West could provide a better opportunity for the Kansas school, even if they lack a football program.

The last ten years have been incomparably great for Wichita State, with conference titles, a Final Four in 2013, an unbeaten run into the NCAA Tournament in 2014, and constant success. Could they replicate that same success (that they’ve continued in the AAC) in the Mountain West? Again, this would have to be a proactive move made by the MWC, seeing as how the Shockers are barely getting settled into their new conference as is.

Obviously, Wichita State does not play football, which might deter the conference from pursuing them, regardless of the talent in that basketball program. Wichita is right there on the east side of the Mountain West’s footprint and would absolutely elevate the conference’s basketball potential. Maybe one day Wichita State restores their football program?

We’ve seen eight potential additions to the Mountain West, though it’s clear there are even more options potentially out there. Who do you think the conference should add, whether proactively or further down the line?