But getting back to the original purpose of this thread, namely Newbie expansion, I would target:
Temple
UMass
Temple has tradition and could be very good again. With the right coach they could be Houston. plus they are a major public university. They are in the footprint. The 2 problems of course, are what to do about football and nobody wants to tick off the only legitimate program in the league. But if you can virtually walk from Duke to UNC to NC State, I think it is workable.
UMass is a major public University, in the footprint. Not exactly a great history but it Would be a good partner for us and allow us to develop a real multi-sport rivalry. We really have no true rival now.