We've repeated the same stuff over and over, but I think at this point, if Gonzaga doesn't want to join the Big East without a WCC contingent then it's not worth it. I do think St. Mary's is a solid program and San Fran has potential upside but I'm not interested in the other schools.
If we really care about playing Gonzaga, then we should schedule them. As should the other Big East schools.
With the inclusion of the Pac-12 schools, I totally understand why Gonzaga admin would want to join the Big 12. Logistically, it is
a lot easier to figure out.
Look at the Spokane airport
direct flights available.
Dalllas-Fort Worth:
TCU, 1hr drive to
Baylor, one hour connecting flight to
Texas Tech, Kansas and
Houston
Denver:
Colorado
Phoenix:
Arizona State, 2hr drive to
Arizona
Salt Lake City:
Utah, 1hr drive to
BYU (former rival)
Minneapolis: one hour connecting flight to
Iowa State, two hour connecting flight to
Cincinnati
Atlanta: one hour connecting flight to
UCF
For the Big East, there are literally no direct flights from Spokane airport to a single school. They'd have to connect from MSP or ATL. It would be a logistical nightmare.