Pac-12 Basketball: 5 more programs the conference could consider poaching

Grand Canyon Antelopes

There are two logical landing spots for one of the best atmospheres in college sports: the Big 12 and the Pac-12.

At the moment, Grand Canyon is entering the WCC, having the misfortune of joining at a time when Gonzaga is leaving and other programs are up in the air. The Antelopes are fun, but they aren't Gonzaga.

What they are is a program on the rise. The 'Lopes made the jump to the Division I level a decade ago. Since then, they've already made the NCAA Tournament three times and won their first game in the Big Dance last year.

They are led by Bryce Drew, a coach with historic bonafides and some major coaching experience, including at Vanderbilt. There's been no indication that Drew is using this opportunity as a launchpad to get back to a major conference gig.

Instead, he's building one of the best mid-majors in the region and one of the best atmospheres in the sport. There's an unmistakable energy when one watches a Grand Canyon home game, akin to European soccer (without the flares on the field).

It's also growing into one of the most talented mid-majors around. Grand Canyon is largely expected to run through the WAC during their last season in the league. They aren't at the point where they'll be making noise as a bubble team from a mid-major, but that day may not be so far away.

There's a geographical and talent fit between the Pac-12 and GCU, which could build buzz for the league with its rapidly rising program.