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San Diego State Basketball: 4 best options after leaving Mountain West Conference

By Tristan Freeman

Mar 26, 2023; Louisville, KY, USA; The San Diego State Aztecs celebrate the win against Creighton Bluejays at the NCAA Tournament South Regional-Creighton vs San Diego State at KFC YUM! Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2023; Louisville, KY, USA; The San Diego State Aztecs celebrate the win against Creighton Bluejays at the NCAA Tournament South Regional-Creighton vs San Diego State at KFC YUM! Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /
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Big 12 Basketball
Big 12 logo on the floor before the game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Big 12 Conference

In fairness to the Pac-12, they should’ve been No. 1 had it not been for the recent efforts of the Big 12 and new commissioner, Bret Yormark. Not only has he been looking to add more teams, but he’s also expanding the league’s footprint, creating the “Big 12 Mexico” initiative.

Although the conference is losing Texas and Oklahoma after this season, the additions of BYU, Houston, UCF, and Cincinnati have stabilized the Big 12 for the foreseeable future. And the league isn’t done, as they’ve been linked with the likes of UConn, Villanova, Gonzaga, SMU, and Memphis along with the Aztecs.

San Diego State’s resume compares to all of them, especially since they have a decent football program. And the Final Four appearance gives them a small leg to stand on up against the likes of UConn, Villanova, and Gonzaga, with football giving them an edge. Plus, getting into the California market would be big for the conference’s ambitions.

dark. Next. Best realignment scenarios for each ACC team

While a stable Pac-12 would be the best situation for the Aztecs, the Big 12 is simply a better long-term option for the program. It would guarantee them being a power conference program and escape the mid-major label that may have limited what they can do in the past. They’ll have to just hope that the Big 12 is ready to give them an offer.