This is true except for the strict focus on sucking at football while in the American. After 2014 UConn also basically sucked in basketball.
If UConn was UConn in bball during the AAC years, the AAC actually would have been a pretty good football and bball conference. More to the point, while I don't know if better bball during that time would have forced UConn into the Big 12 over one of Houston, Cinci, UCF, or BYU in 2021, I do think two things are apparent right now...
First, UConn winning the national championship in bball this year is helping UConn get this current look, as it would appear UConn is back as a long term bball power/brand.
Second, Yormark sees value through a longer term and brand driven lens than his predecessor. In fact, I don't think the Big 12 invites any of Houston, UCF, or Cinci in 2021 if Yormark had been commissioner. The invite would have been UConn and BYU, with a future eye towards the PAC. IF no PAC teams became available, UCF and Cinci would be viewed similarly to SDSU...luke warm possibilities for expansion due to new markets, but nothing to get too excited about. Houston would be behind Memphis.