According to the Action Network’s Brett McMurphy, Colorado’s move to the Big 12 is all but official.
The Buffaloes will make a move to the conference they left just over a decade ago to return to the league in 2024, one that has seen a burst of talent and reputation on the basketball court in recent memory.
The men’s basketball program in Boulder is headed by coach Tad Boyle, who has coached the team for 13 seasons and was on the Team USA U-18 coaching staff over the summer.
“I have a lot of respect for Coach Boyle,” Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger said. “I got to spend time with them at the (Team USA camp) and I’ve known him for a long time.”
A return to the conference would mean a renewal of a series between Iowa State and Colorado that spans 148 matchups over the years.
The two teams last faced off in the 2015-16 season opener in Sioux Falls, where Iowa State won 68-62 in Steve Prohm’s first game as head coach.
“You know, when it comes down to the conference realignment, it’s going to be fluid and continue to be fluid,” Otzelberger said. “And, to me, I’m pretty simple minded. I’m just worried about having a good practice tomorrow, and whoever’s in our league will be ready to play and I respect all of our opponents. We trust the commissioner, the presidents, AD’s and everyone to make those decisions. We’re just trying to figure out how to have good practice and win the next game.”
Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark has spoke ad nauseum about being aggressive in seeking expansion partners for the league.
Otzelberger is behind it, as long as the quality of the conference remains at the top on the hardwood.
“Yeah, I mean, I think we’re at a point in time where, things are, you know, and all the conferences, things are changing,” Otzelberger said. “You certainly, want to continue to be the top basketball league in the country, and so to do that, there’s a level of aggressiveness you have to have when you’re talking to other schools and programs and things. So, for me, we want to continue to be in the best league in America. That’s what we’ve been in, since we’ve been back. So hopefully, we continue to have relationships with the right schools and bringing them in.”
