Big 12 Basketball: 3 more programs the conference could consider poaching

Grand Canyon Antelopes

This doesn't feel super likely at the moment, as Grand Canyon is less than a year from its transition from the WAC to the WCC. The entertainment factor alone, however, would make it worthwhile.

The Lopes have developed one of the best college basketball atmospheres, not just among mid-majors, but in the entire sport. No team is particularly thrilled to walk into Global Credit Union Arena. In fact, the arena was christened with a sponsor the same night Grand Canyon knocked off a ranked team for the first time (San Diego State).

Grand Canyon's rise as a sports behemoth has come as the insitution itself transformed into a for-profit entity. Where the team once competed in the NAIA, the Lopes have since moved up to Division II before being approved for an arrival to Division I in 2017.

Since moving up, Grand Canyon has made the NCAA Tournament three teams, each coming in the last four years. This spring brought their first NCAA Tournament victory after the 12-seed upset future conference opponent Saint Mary's in the First Round before falling to Alabama.

Certainly, the coaching staff has a big conference pedigree. Bryce Drew formerly coached Valparaiso and Vanderbilt and has led the Lopes for several years. His brother, Scott, is the head coach of Baylor. Imagine the annual family reunions!

Grand Canyon's rise to the Big 12 would be unprecedented for its speed and perhaps, its significance. How fun would that be?