Big 12 Conference Preview
I was originally going to move to the Big East, but I had to give a Big 12 preview, just because of how incredible of a game the Oklahoma-Kansas game was. It was the ultimate matchup, number 1 KU vs. number 2 Oklahoma ( in the AP poll), and the opposite in the coaches poll! Both teams played very well all the way up to the end, with Kansas coming through in the end on a controversial steal by Frank Mason. Mason stood way too close to Buddy Hield inbounding the ball and ended up getting the steal to seal the game. Although in my opinion the refs clearly missed the call, good coaching by Bill Self to tell his guys to move close to the inbounder with so little space between the out of bounds line and the stands in Allen Fieldhouse.
Buddy Hield played an absolutely incredible game, scoring 46 points. Oklahoma doesn't have much depth as they have a weak bench, but Buddy Hield is playing like the best player in the country, Jordan Woodard had a great game with 27 points, and Khadeem Latin and Ryan Spangler combined for 24 points and 32 rebounds inside. Isaiah Cousins shot just 2-14 from the field for 4 points, but normally he is a consistent scorer and one of Oklahoma's top players if not their second best. With a better performance shooting from Cousins, Oklahoma could be even more dangerous. On the other end, Kansas looked really good as well. Perry Ellis, Devonte Graham, Wayne Selden and Frank Mason all can shoot, score and defend, and overall Kansas looks like a real team, not just a collection of stars the way Kentucky does.
Conference Outlook:
Kansas has won at least a share of 11 straight conference championships, and look to continue this streak this year. When you think about all of the talent and good teams that have come through the Big 12 all of these years, you begin to realize how impressive of a feat that is. However, if I had to choose any year for the streak to end, I may say this year. Oklahoma is as talented of a non-Kansas team that has come through the Big 12 in a while. Despite losing to Kansas, Oklahoma is still in a very good position in the Big 12. They lost on the road to KU by the slimmest of margins, meaning that they may be the favorite when the Jayhawks go down to Norman in the middle of February. If they win this one, they could be in the driver's seat, especially as they have already beaten Iowa State. My pick in this battle is for the two teams sharing the Big 12 title, keeping Kansas's streak alive.
Behind these two powerhouses, there is a lot of other talent in the Big 12. You have West Virginia, undefeated in conference, and with just one loss, which is to a top team in Virginia (although Virginia did lose to Georgia Tech this weekend). West Virginia plays great defense but struggles to score at times without a consistent offensive threat. This has led to back to back close Big 12 games, against TCU and Kansas State. Behind West Virginia is Iowa State, the exact opposite type of team: lots of offensive talent (Georges Niang, Monte Morris, etc.) but a defense that is 87th nationally. Baylor, a similar team to Iowa State, follows. The Bears also have a lot of offensive talent (Rico Gathers, Taurean Prince, etc.), but struggle on the defensive end (what is it with these one-sided teams!). In my opinion, Kansas State and Texas Tech are solid teams as well, teams that should make the NCAA tourney when it's all said and done. Both are more of defensive teams, and are teams with journeyman coaches (Tubby Smith and Bruce Weber) who have struggled at other programs and are looking to change that in their new spots.
Buddy Hield played an absolutely incredible game, scoring 46 points. Oklahoma doesn't have much depth as they have a weak bench, but Buddy Hield is playing like the best player in the country, Jordan Woodard had a great game with 27 points, and Khadeem Latin and Ryan Spangler combined for 24 points and 32 rebounds inside. Isaiah Cousins shot just 2-14 from the field for 4 points, but normally he is a consistent scorer and one of Oklahoma's top players if not their second best. With a better performance shooting from Cousins, Oklahoma could be even more dangerous. On the other end, Kansas looked really good as well. Perry Ellis, Devonte Graham, Wayne Selden and Frank Mason all can shoot, score and defend, and overall Kansas looks like a real team, not just a collection of stars the way Kentucky does.
Conference Outlook:
Kansas has won at least a share of 11 straight conference championships, and look to continue this streak this year. When you think about all of the talent and good teams that have come through the Big 12 all of these years, you begin to realize how impressive of a feat that is. However, if I had to choose any year for the streak to end, I may say this year. Oklahoma is as talented of a non-Kansas team that has come through the Big 12 in a while. Despite losing to Kansas, Oklahoma is still in a very good position in the Big 12. They lost on the road to KU by the slimmest of margins, meaning that they may be the favorite when the Jayhawks go down to Norman in the middle of February. If they win this one, they could be in the driver's seat, especially as they have already beaten Iowa State. My pick in this battle is for the two teams sharing the Big 12 title, keeping Kansas's streak alive.
Behind these two powerhouses, there is a lot of other talent in the Big 12. You have West Virginia, undefeated in conference, and with just one loss, which is to a top team in Virginia (although Virginia did lose to Georgia Tech this weekend). West Virginia plays great defense but struggles to score at times without a consistent offensive threat. This has led to back to back close Big 12 games, against TCU and Kansas State. Behind West Virginia is Iowa State, the exact opposite type of team: lots of offensive talent (Georges Niang, Monte Morris, etc.) but a defense that is 87th nationally. Baylor, a similar team to Iowa State, follows. The Bears also have a lot of offensive talent (Rico Gathers, Taurean Prince, etc.), but struggle on the defensive end (what is it with these one-sided teams!). In my opinion, Kansas State and Texas Tech are solid teams as well, teams that should make the NCAA tourney when it's all said and done. Both are more of defensive teams, and are teams with journeyman coaches (Tubby Smith and Bruce Weber) who have struggled at other programs and are looking to change that in their new spots.
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