Just because I think this is interesting, the new Pac-12 is set to be a pretty solid basketball conference next year. I'm sure Gonzaga will be happy not having to carry the banner for the WCC anymore, but it may not be a cake walk to the championship every year. Will be even better if they offer Saint Mary's a spot too, which has been rumored several times over.

KenPom Rankings
Gonzaga (2)
Utah State (40)
Boise State (45)
San Diego State (46)
Colorado State (61)
Washington State (164)
Oregon State (170)
Fresno State (171)
Texas State (242)

St. Mary's (32)


NET Rankings
Gonzaga (3)
Utah State (29)
Boise State (39)
Colorado State (54)
San Diego State (82)
Fresno State (172)
Washington State (190)
Oregon State (199)
Texas State (277)

St. Mary's (23)

In short, UNLV is holding out for a Big 12 invite. And essentially they're going to take Boise's spot in the Mountain West as the top dog and were promised a higher share distribution than the rest of the conference. Both they and Air Force were also lured to stick with the MW based on the pending court case involving PAC 12 poaching fees (long story, it's a mess). I imagine this is also why NIU left the MAC in football - they saw a treasure chest full of money that technically isn't even theirs yet and may not ever be.

Now, depending on what happens in that court case I could absolutely see UNLV giving the MW the middle finger or filing their own lawsuit for the empty promises the MW gave to them. The Big 12 is probably never going to come calling, but if UNLV leaves and gets added to that new league? Phew, that's tough.