Through the Phog
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Kansas basketball’s options in conference realignment

By Cade Stout

Dec 14, 2019; Kansas City, MO, USA; UMKC Kangaroos head coach Billy Donlon and Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self talk after the game at Sprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2019; Kansas City, MO, USA; UMKC Kangaroos head coach Billy Donlon and Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self talk after the game at Sprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 13: The Big Ten logo on the court at Bankers Life Fieldhouse before the game between the Maryland Terrapins and the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Championship of the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament on March 13, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 13: The Big Ten logo on the court at Bankers Life Fieldhouse before the game between the Maryland Terrapins and the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Championship of the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament on March 13, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images) /

Kansas basketball’s options in conference realignment

Expanding to survive

If the Big 12 collapses, Kansas would first look to the Big Ten for a bid. If the SEC moves goes through, the Big Ten likely looks to add two more teams.

The Big Ten prides itself on academics, with all of its schools being AAU members. Kansas is a member of this prestigious group, meeting a key standard for membership.

Kansas would solidify the Big Ten as the college basketball’s premier conference. With Kansas football hiring Lance Leipold, the Big Ten West gets a program with future potential.

Though the Kansas Board of Regents likely prefers KU and Kansas State to remain together, the Big Ten would likely prefer Iowa State, a fellow AAU member with an excellent football program.

If it came down to KU taking a Big Ten or other bid or remaining with K-State, KU certainly takes the power conference bid.

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