The Big 12 is last conference to begin league play as the teams will kick off this weekend. The following is a snippet of each team and where they stand as well as where they are heading.
Kansas— Healthier and deeper than just about any team in the country. This is a national championship calibre team.
Texas A & M–Mark Turgeon inherited a roster full of talent. More importantly, he has kept the same type of style as former coach Billy Gillespie that has enabled his players to flourish.
Texas— I am not one to say they are better without Kevin Durrant, but the truth is they are a year older and more balanced than last year. If Augustin continues to have a great year, look out for the Longhorns.
Baylor— Scott Drew has the Bears out of the ashes and into the penthouse. Aaron Bruce is one of the best guards in the league. Baylor should be dancing come March.
Oklahoma— Blake Griffin has performed in the shadow of K State’s Michael Beasley, but been just as impressive. Youth could be served if they win a couple of games early.
Kansas State— Nine new players and a new coach. This is a recipe for disaster, but when you have a player as talented as Michael Beasley and a guy like Frank Martin at the helm you can set your worries aside. This team will hit some potholes throughout the year, however, look for the Wildcats to make the tournament for the first time in over a decade.
Missouri— 94′ of hell brought in by Mike Anderson has become just a slogan for right now. Demare Carroll is an all league addition who will excell in this system, but there is just not enough depth to do what Anderson wants to do.
Oklahoma State— Sean Sutton is on the hot seat and I don’t think they have enough talent or chemistry to save him.
Texas Tech— Bob Knight will continue to coach his tale off, but the dearth of talent will keep them relagated to the bottom of the pack.
Iowa State– Greg McDermott is one of the better coaches in the country, but as Al McGuire said “you can’t make chicken salad out of chicken shit.”
Colorado— Jeff Bzdelik took his third job in four years and still has not had to move his family. Walking into a tailor made situation at Air Force with experienced players who had won was a much different task than what he faces at Colorado. New players will have to learn a new system. His coaching expertise will be tested to say the least.
Nebraska— Doc Sadler has figured out a way to build the roster around Alec Marics. This fact and the fact that he is the best post man in the league will enable the Cornhuskers to make the tournament.
Recapping the league:
NCAA Participants–
Kansas/Texas/Texas A & M/Baylor/Kansas State/Nebraska
NIT
Oklahoma/Missouri
New Coaches at the end of the year—
Oklahoma State/Texas Tech/Oklahoma
