Thread: Calipari wants 16 teams in the SEC

John Calipari loves the idea of Texas A&M joining the SEC, but he wants more than 13 teams in the conference.

Cal spoke to Andy Katz of ESPN.com about conference expansion and the teams he wants to join.

Like Krzyzewski and Williams, Kentucky coach John Calipari would eventually like to see his conference get to 16.

"I don't think this stuff is done yet,'' Calipari said. "I've said for months that there may be four conferences with 16 or 18 teams each. But I can tell you that the SEC at 13, 14 or 16 is going to be stable. We're fine. If they're going to add, I'd like us to go and get Virginia Tech, Maryland and Missouri to go along with Texas A&M. We're not going to do anything at the expense of academics. You're also going to see basketball step up in the next five years in the SEC.''

Calipari tweeted Monday that he thought the move to add the Aggies was tremendous for the league and new coach Billy Kennedy, a native of SEC country (Louisiana).

"Texas A&M is a great school academically, has a well-run athletic department and will fit well,'' Calipari said. "Their fan base is ridiculous, just like all of us. The SEC is different. The SEC is about schools with strong fan bases and geography. We want the markets. There is no buyout in the SEC because no one wants to leave.''

Cal, you silver tongued devil, you make it all sound so wonderful!

I agree with Cal. Bring on anyone. We will still rule the conference.