This was a black eye for Yormark.
I remember when this topic came up last year and there were at least a couple of insane posters who thought Yormark had a diabolical plan and never had interest in Uconn. Truth is, if he had it his way he would have brought Uconn in last year. He lost that fight and undoubtedly lost a little cred and cache in the process. He wanted Uconn enough to do it again at the risk of losing more. My reflections:
1) Yormark is the best friend Uconn has. Even if he isn't able to get Uconn in the B12, his interest shows that we're valuable. The ACC has to have taken notice by now and must feel some pressure that "we are not guaranteed to be there forever" (F-K the ACC btw).
2) I doubt he'll try again unless he has the votes lined up in advance. Meaning, hopefully we won't have to be put through yet another round of this crap and if we get the tap on the shoulder it will be quick. I think that only happens when the ACC splits and if the numbers add up.
3) The ACC is absolute garbage. We might have a little more money if we go there but not enough to sustain the program so let's just not. This league showed us the ultimate disrespect for years. Related, we don't owe the Big East anything either. It was a bunch of small Catholic schools that decided to deprioritize football originally (could have had Penn State), then they bailed on Uconn and we're somehow left with a narrative that they took US back after WE left and saved us. PFFTT
I happened on this youtube video by the Gonzaga "Locked On" guy and he addresses three topics: UConn and the Big12, Zags' recruiting and the difficulty mid-majors have getting games with the P5 (he said P4 but we know what he means).
It was interesting to hear the guy doing "Locked On" for one of the more respected basketball programs and what he knows the Big12 courtship with Gonzaga and UConn last year and UConn this year.
He says last year it was a combo deal while this year it was UConn by itself. He took care to point out UConn is more desirable because of having a football program (even if it's not strong) but felt the outcomes were similar because of other issues.
I understood him to be saying it may all have come down to the Big12 Presidents wanting to add the best overall programs if they do expand and that they're likely wanting to wait on the ACC to fall apart so they can pick up Clemson, FSU, Miami, etc.
Sounds plausible.
Yormark is aggressive and knows if he adds UConn he gets perennial strength in the women's game and a powerhouse in the men's game right now and the league could own college basketball.
That said, other Big12 decision makers may believe the league can compete with the B1G and SEC if they add Clemson, FSU, Miami, etc for football and that is more important now and for the long term.
He may have accurately identified why UConn was pursued, seemingly honestly on Yormark's part, yet once again left at the alter.
I'm still hoping the B1G wakes up and realizes they're not doing well in any sport that matters and UConn being added for basketball (no matter how weak the football program is at this time) will give the league something to boast about while they figure out why the league has only 3 BCS National Championships while the SEC has 15, and the lowly ACC 5.
The Big 12? Two. Both years ago by teams (Texas 2005 and Oklahoma 2000) that are now in the SEC. So you could make that 17 for the SEC in the BCS era and none for the current makeup of the Big12. Makes them sound arrogant about making light of UConn football.............
Bottom line? If the Big12 comes calling again maybe we tell them make your offer, we'll wait while we polish the same number of football championship trophies as won by your whole league.
