Former Zags applaud Gonzaga’s decision to leave WCC for reconstructed Pac-12

Oct. 1—Four former Gonzaga basketball players from across the spectrum of the program’s rise to national powerhouse gave the school high marks for its decision to join the Pac-12 Conference in 2026-27.

The former Zags said the Pac-12 should represent a sizable step up in competition, beef up the home conference schedule, boost the school’s ability to generate revenue, including name, image and likeness (NIL), and better positions GU in the rapidly changing landscape of college athletics.

“I’m extremely excited,” said former Gonzaga center Robert Sacre, who played four NBA seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers before finishing his career playing professionally overseas. “I wish it happened while I was playing there. Our home games are going to be a lot better to watch. It’s going to be exciting at the Kennel, bring new vibrancy and energy. It’s a pick-me-up for the whole town, community and Gonzaga.”

Corey Kispert, standout wing at Gonzaga from 2018-21, agreed GU made the right call to leave the West Coast Conference for the Pac-12 beginning in 2026-27.

“It’s a good move, honestly,” said Kispert, entering his fourth season with the Washington Wizards. “I don’t know a lot of the details yet and how the conference will look in the future, but it’s something I wish I had a chance to do (when he was a Zag).

“Absolutely, you have to change with the times and if you don’t, you get left behind. I thought it was smart to pump the brakes and wait to see how things shake out and I think we made a wise decision.”

At the moment, the Pac-12 roster for 2026-27 includes Gonzaga, Washington State, Oregon State and the Mountain West Conference’s San Diego State, Fresno State, Colorado State, Boise State and Utah State. The Pac-12 needs to add at least one all sports member, including football, to be recognized as an FBS conference.

Washington State and four of the five MWC schools played in the NCAA Tournament last year. San Diego State played in the 2023 national championship and has qualified…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/former-zags-applaud-gonzagas-decision-020100763.html

Author : The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.

Publish date : 2024-10-02 02:01:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.