While conference realignment is primarily driven by football, it’s hard to ignore the potential impact a move to the Pac-12 would have on Memphis basketball.
Currently in a one-bid American Athletic Conference, Memphis stands out as a dominant force.
However, with Pac-12 talks resurfacing and the recent addition of Gonzaga, the prospect of Memphis joining the conference becomes even more intriguing. Could this move elevate the Pac-12 into one of the premier conferences in college basketball? It’s tough not to think so.
Gonzaga Factor
Even the prospect of a home-and-home series with Gonzaga is enough to excite many Memphis fans.
Renowned as one of the top programs in the sport, Gonzaga would surely spark a fierce and high-profile rivalry. The energy around such matchups would generate intense competition and attention, elevating both programs.
Multiple Bids
It’s not just Gonzaga and Memphis that would bring big-time basketball to the Pac-12.
San Diego State has recently emerged as a top contender, advancing all the way to the 2023 championship game.
Other programs, like Boise State, Colorado State, Oregon State, and Washington State, have also made recent NCAA Tournament appearances.
For Memphis, this move would mean a significant upgrade in competition, with more high-stakes games throughout February and early March.
Non Conference
Penny Hardaway and Memphis have had to load up their non-conference schedule in recent seasons. With limited Quad 1 and 2 opportunities in the AAC, the pressure to do so has been unavoidable.
Joining the Pac-12 would ease that burden.
While marquee non-conference matchups would still be important, the program could relax knowing more high-level opportunities would naturally come during conference play.
Branding
Memphis indisputably has a strong basketball brand, but regular competition on the West Coast could further elevate it.
Many Pac-12 teams have never faced the Tigers, which would introduce the program to a new audience and give more people a chance to discover its rich history. Currently, it’s difficult to argue that playing in the American Athletic Conference isn’t holding Memphis back.
