The Pac-12 Just Landed Their Biggest Catch: It Isn’t Boise State

The buzz around the 'revival' of the 'Conference of Champions' -- the Pac-12-- has been at an all-time high.

The last time that this conference received this much attention, it was when the likes of the University of Oregon, University of Washington, Stanford, and well--just about everyone, bailed.

Affectionately and sarcastically known as the 'Pac-2' with only Washington State and Oregon State remaining, everyone has been wondering what's next for the legendary league. Just days ago, news broke that it would begin to rebuild.

Here in the Treasure Valley, that news was very relevant: Boise State announced they were joining.

The honest take is: 'Boise State to the Pac-12' sounds sexy. But is the Pac-12 actually that sexy anymore? The conference is now being rebuilt with all of the same teams that Boise State is used to playing in the Mountain West and is NOT a 'Power' conference.

News that broke this morning has added a whole new layer of excitement to the conference. One that most of these programs, respectfully, aren't used to.

Gonzaga University has announced they're joining the Pac-12 in an official news release. The prestigious university wrote:

By integrating Gonzaga University into the Pac-12, the conference is poised to compete at the highest levels of women's and men's basketball. Over the last five seasons, Gonzaga boasts a 286-44 (86.7 winning percentage) combined record in women's and men's basketball. Their women's program has amassed a record of 138-23 (85.7 winning percentage) since the start of the 2019-20 season, and the men's program is a national-best 148-21 (87.6 winning percentage).

Basketball at Gonzaga? It's no joke.

Fans of Boise State basketball may also know that their coach, Leon Rice, came from Gonzaga University.

While the Zags are a regional fit for the conference--their addition to the conference runs deeper. This is a program that, for the last two decades, has proven they are a blue-blood program. Gonzaga, along side Duke, North Carolina, Kentucky, Purdue and Kansas are without a doubt, consistent national title contenders. The Zags have broke the 'cinderella' mold and prove they can and will compete year after year.

Are programs in the Pac-12 ready for a competitor like this? Odds are, no.

The 'haters' will always say that Gonzaga doesn't play anyone. Data proves otherwise and these programs are going to have to adjust to a prestigious university that leads the nation in many athletic AND academic measures. The fan base travels as well as any major program and the program is a real 'heavyweight'.

Missing the tournament isn't an option for Gonzaga.

Take a look at the players the program has produced, like Rui Hachimura, Adam Morrison, Domantas Sabonis, Jalen Suggs, Chet Holmgren, Corey Kispert. The list could go on. All under the leadership of college basketball's winningest coach, Mark Few. The Zags aren't lucky--they're proven and established. Their success is earned.

With an undergraduate enrollment of under 5,000 students, the school is small and selective when it comes to acceptance. Academics are a priority. There is no other school, thus far, in the Pac-12 that comes close.

The Blue may be famous--but expect Gonzaga to steal the shine, having played in National Championship games twice since 2017. Just having them in the same conference will raise everyone else's stock.

Buckle up, Boise. It's going to be fun to watch the Zags roll into town once a year--but it's time to step up, too. The Zags will indeed be the darling of the Pac-12. They're loud, proud, and they don't lose.