http://www.kwch.com/news/local-news/AAC-...t/36869960

AAC, Wichita State a natural fit

WICHITA, Kan. -
Since Wichita State is putting feelers out for a potential change of conferences, there should be strong feeling for the American Athletic Conference. It is a match geographically, competitively and financially for Wichita State.

Proximity is paramount

Draw a route on a map from Connecticut, Florida, over to Houston and up to Tulsa: that’s the footprint of the AAC. It is a conference that features 11 teams in nine states, including Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Louisiana. If Wichita State were to join the AAC, those Midwestern states would accompany Kansas in the middle of the map.

Basketball Powers Align

Wichita State’s basketball program is the bait on the hook. The addition of the Shockers would instantly bolster the American Athletic Conference into one of the elite basketball conferences in the nation. The Shockers resume of success is lined with 12 NCAA tournament appearances. Over the last three years, head coach Gregg Marshall has architected a 35-1 season, as well as a Final 4 and Sweet 16 appearance. They are no mid-major. They are a nationally relevant program, capable of competing with the Power 5 and they are powerful.

The AAC is a conference that boasts the Connecticut Huskies. Head Coach Jim Calhoun constructed that program into a national power that won three national titles under his watch and a fourth championship the year after he left. Along with UCONN, the University of Memphis has a rich history of hoops. The Tigers have been a part of three Final Fours and finished runner-up twice.