(04-05-2018 02:01 AM)_C2_ Wrote:  How about softening the blow when Gonzaga comes back down to reality? If they become just another WCC team again, they may never contend for a national title again. If they become a lower echelon MWC team, it's far more likely and more quick that they become a power again and contend for a national title, as a couple MWC teams have done before (the difference between those teams and the WCC teams that have is they're giant state flagships or close enough with lots of resources).

Besides, I'm sure they could keep some kind of academic connection with them.

MWC teams have contended for a national title? When? No MWC school has gotten past the sweet 16. Gonzaga has already done more in the WCC than any MWC school has done in the MWC. Gonzaga has played for a national championship. The have been a #1 seed.

Gonzaga already has a larger basketball budget than any MWC school and the large state schools are dealing with constant budget cuts. They are a small private school, but they commit a larger portion of their funds to basketball. They have shown financial commitment, astute hiring, strong marketing and top-level performance on the floor.

They made a $4.8 million profit from basketball in 2016 and they will make more in the future. It would have been huge for the MWC if they could have added Gonzaga, but Gonzaga is doing very well in the WCC. They just did not need the MWC.