2009-10 Big 12 Conference PreviewBy:

The Big 12 showcased six teams in the NCAA tournament last year, two reaching the Elite Eight round. As usual, they were one of the best conferences in the nation, and things won’t be too different this year. Kansas is the unanimous #1 ranked team in the country coming into the season. Texas has as much depth as anyone and with a mix of proven returnees and an outstanding freshman class. Oklahoma loses the best player in the country, but still has a very good one in Willie Warren. After the usual suspects (Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma) there is a significant drop off this year, but the Big 12 should still get 5 or maybe 6 teams in the NCAAs again. Let’s take a look at each team in depth:

1. Kansas Jayhawks

2008-09 Overall Record: 25-7

2008-09 Conference Record: 14-2 (1st)

Postseason Finish: Sweet Sixteen – Lost to Michigan State 67-62

Outlook: The Jayhawks are the preseason #1 ranked team in the country, and for a good reason. They have the best 1-2 punch in college basketball with lead man Sherron Collins returning for his 4th year, and big man Cole Aldrich who figures to be the first center selected and a possible top 5 pick in next June’s draft. Both players will get plenty of support from their teammates with one of the nation’s top recruiting classes. Xavier Henry could be a one-and-done guy, but in the mean time he gives Kansas a 3rd scoring option that no other team in the country has. Elijah Johnson and Thomas Robinson would be headliners anywhere else and will contribute as well. Sophomore Tyshawn Taylor should be better this year,but a fight with the football team in the fall has him on the sidelineswith a broken thumb for the first few weeks of season. The Jayhawks are loaded, but so a couple other Big 12 schools. It will be interesting to see if Kansas can hold off the rest of the competition and finish atop the standings, again.

Key Departures: None

Newcomers: G Xavier Henry, G Elijah Johnson, F Thomas Robinson, C Jeff Withey, G C.J. Henry

Top Returnees: G Sherron Collins (18.9 ppg, 5.0 apg), C Cole Aldrich (14.9 ppg, 11.1 rpg, 2.7 bpg), G Tyshawn Taylor (9.7 ppg)

Non-Conference Games to Watch: 11/17 @ Memphis, 12/6 @ UCLA, 12/19 vs. Michigan, 12/22 vs California, 1/10 @ Tennessee

2. Texas Longhorns

2008-09 Overall Record: 22-11

2008-09 Conference Record: 9-7 (T-4th)

Postseason Finish: NCAA 2nd Round – Lost to Duke 74-69

Outlook: The Longhorns are the most interesting team in the Big 12.They had a good team last year, although the NCAA Tournament was a bitof a disappointment. They bring back seniors who were veryproductive at times last year. Damion James returns after passing up onthe NBA and will provide energy and toughness. Bigmen Gary Johnson and Dexter Pittman form one of the toughest frontlines in the nation. The freshman class has sometop-notch players. Avery Bradley could be running the point from theget-go, and Jordan Hamilton should contribute immediately as well. If the seniors and freshman can all play nice and putforth their efforts towards winning games, then the Longhorns may beable to challenge Kansas for the top-spot in the conference. If theyoung guys clash with the veterans, then all bets are off. But, bet onRick Barnes having his guys playing as one by the end of the year,making Texas as dangerous as anyone in the country.

Key Departures: G A.J. Abrams (16.6 ppg)

Newcomers: G Avery Bradley, F Jordan Hamilton, F Shawn Williams, G Jai Lucas (transfer Florida), G J’Covan Brown

Top Returnees: F Damion James (15.4 ppg, 9.2 rpg), F Gary Johnson (10.0 ppg, 5.3 rpg), C Dexter Pittman (10.1 ppg, 5.5 rpg)

Non-Conference Games to Watch: 12/19 vs North Carolina, 12/22 vs Michigan State, 1/24 vs Uconn

3. Oklahoma Sooners

2008-09 Overall Record: 27-5

2008-09 Conference Record: 13-3 (2nd)

Postseason Finish: Elite Eight – Lost to North Carolina 72-60

Outlook: There is no replacement for the National Player of the Year, especially one that was as dominating as Blake Griffin was last year. The Sooners have a huge gap to fill. Freshman Tiny Gallon won’t be Blake Griffin, but he should be one of the top freshman in the Big 12 this year. Gallon is a skilled wide body that needs fine-tuning in his game, but he’ll take up plenty of space for a team that will be led by its guards. Last season Willie Warren played in Blake Grffin’s shadow, but was one of the best freshman in the country. This year it is his team, and he should put up some big numbers. His 14.4 ppg will go way up as he is now the top option and he should challenge for the scoring title in the Big 12 . Another freshman stud is Tommy Mason-Griffin, who along with Warren will make one of the best backcourts in the country. He has both playmaking and scoring ability and comes into college as one of the most ready-to-impact-freshmen in the country. Anytime a team loses a player like Blake Griffin, it will take an immediate step back. But, watch out for the Sooners in March, if Jeff Capel can get this group gelling together, they will be very dangerous at the end of the season.

Key Departures: C Blake Griffin (22.7 ppg, 14.4 rpg), F Taylor Griffin (9.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg), G Austin Johnson (8.6 ppg)

Newcomers: C Keith ‘Tiny’ Gallon, G Tommy Mason-Griffin, C Andrew Fitzgerald, G Steven Pledger

Top Returnees: G Willie Warren (14.6 ppg), G Tony Crocker (9.6 ppg)

Non-Conference Games to Watch: 11/21 @ VCU, 12/31 @ Gonzaga

4. Kansas State Wildcats

2008-09 Overall Record: 21-11

2008-09 Conference Record: 9-7 (T-4th)

Postseason Finish: NIT 2nd Round – Lost to San Diego State 70-52

Outlook: Two years ago Kansas State had one of the mostmemorable seasons they had ever witnessed, and it was because freshmanphenom Michael Beasley was suiting up for them. Unfairly, some havecome to expect the same out of freshman Wally Judge this year. He is afine talent, and may be their best player when all is said and done,but Michael Beasley he is not. Judge is a good athlete, with awiry frame and plays both forward positions. He could prove to betheir go-to option early in the year and help the Wildcats to a betterseason than last. Another reason why they should be better is becauseof UConn transfer Curtis Kelly, who was a blue chip recruit but couldn’tfind time on the court for Jim Calhoun and the Huskies. That willchange immediately when Kelly enters Manhattan. Last year wasfrustrating at times for Kansas State fans because both leading scorersDenis Clemente and Jacob Pullen seemed to be just trying to get up asmany shots as possible on the year. Clemente shot 40% from the fieldand Pullen shot a disastrous 38%. Judge and Kelly should help makethings easier on the veteran guards. If things don’t change forClemente or Pullen, there are a couple of good freshman guards that are intown as well that will be waiting in the wings to take over.

Key Departures: F Darren Kent (9.0 ppg, 5.8 rpg)

Newcomers: F Wally Judge, G Rodney McGruder, G Nick Russell, F Curtis Kelly (transfer – Uconn), F/C Jordan Henriquez, G Martavious Irving

Top Returnees: G Denis Clemente (15.0 ppg, 3.5 apg), G Jacob Pullen (13.9 ppg, 3.2 apg)

Games to Watch: 12/8 vs. Xavier

5. Baylor Bears

2008-09 Overall Record: 20-14

2008-09 Conference Record: 5-11 (9th)

Postseason Finish: NIT Runner-up – Lost to Penn State 69-63

Outlook: The Baylor Bears might have something in the workshere. Yes, they lost their anchor in Curtis Jerrells who took them tothe finals of the NIT tournament. But, they return two major pieces(Dunn & Carter), bring in three highly touted recruits, and addMichigan-transfer Ekpe Udoh who led the Big Ten in blocks (2.91) as afreshman two years ago. If everything goes according to plan, Baylorshould make a run at the NCAA tournament this year. The ace in the holefor the Bears comes a year from now, when Perry Jones, possibly the topprospect in the 2011 class arrives on campus. Baylor got Jones to signearly. If the Bears compete like expected in the conference this year,and add the 6’10 swingman Jones the following year. Watch out.

Key Departures: G Curtis Jerrells (16.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 4.9 apg), F Kevin Rogers (12.6 ppg, 7.6 rpg)

Newcomers: F Cory Jefferson, G Nolan Dennis, G A.J. Walton, F Givon Crump, C Ekpe Udoh (transfer – Michigan)

Top Returnees: G LaceDarius Dunn (15.7 ppg, 4.9 rpg), G Tweety Carter (10.6 ppg, 3.2 apg)

Non-Conference Games to Watch: 12/3 vs Arizona State

6. Texas A&M Aggies

2008-09 Overall Record: 23-9

2008-09 Conference Record: 9-7 (T-4th)

Postseason Finish: NCAA 2nd Round – Lost to Uconn 92-66

Outlook: The Aggies lost a couple of key parts, unexpectedly losing Chinemelu Elonu who was protecting the rim very well and Carter, their leading scorer. But, they shouldn’t be too disappointed because they bring in a quality freshman class and return two double-digit scorers (Donald Sloan & Bryan Davis). Their 23-win season last year was somewhat overachieving, and they got on a roll at times. It may take a little longer for roles to be figured out, but the Aggies should be looking at another post-season appearance if everything falls into place.

Key Departures: G/F Josh Carter (13.8 ppg, 4.3 rpg), C Chinemelu Elonu (9.8 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 1.6 bpg)

Newcomers: G Naji Hibbert, F Kourtney Roberson, F Khris Middleton, G Jeremy Adams, C James Blasczyk, F Ray Turner

Top Returnees: G Donald Sloan (11.8 ppg, 3.2 apg), F Bryan Davis (10.8 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.4 bpg)

Games to Watch: 11/26 vs Clemson, 11/22 @ Washington

7. Missouri Tigers

2008-09 Overall Record: 28-6

2008-09 Conference Record: 12-4 (3rd)

Postseason Finish: Elite Eight – Lost to Uconn 82-75

Outlook: At times, it was a two-man show for the Tigers last season. Leo Lyons and DeMarre Carroll were Missouri’s leading scorers and rebounders. Losing both players will obviously hurt Mike Anderson’s squad, and it will take a collected effort from the returnees to make up for their loss. The Tigers return J.T. Tiller and Zaire Taylor who logged major minutes last year, but were very conservative role players. Someone will have to step up and take on the scoring load. Overall, it looks like Anderson’s boys do not have much firepower, and this season will not be like the last. But, the early schedule is a cakewalk for the Tigers, and it should give them plenty of time to find their rhythm heading into conference play.

Key Departures: F DeMarre Carroll (16.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg), F Leo Lyons (14.6 ppg, 6.7 rpg), G/F Matt Lawrence (9.2 ppg)

Newcomers: G Michael Dixon, F Keith Dewitt, F Tyler Stone, F John Underwood

Top Returnees: G J.T. Tiller (8.4 ppg, 3.6 apg), G Zaire Taylor (6.7 ppg, 3.4 apg), G Kim English (6.5 ppg)

Non-Conference Games to Watch: 12/23 vs Illinois

8. Oklahoma State Cowboys

2008-09 Overall Record: 22-11

2008-09 Conference Record: 9-7 (T-4th)

Postseason Finish: NCAA 2nd Round – Lost to Pittsburgh 84-76

Outlook: Losing Eaton will hurt. He was a leader for them and had this team rolling as they almost took out top-ranked Pittsburgh in the 2nd round of the NCAA tournament. But, this year should be the year of James Anderson. It is now clearly his team. He averaged 18.2 ppg as a sophomore and will end up being one of the best players in the conference this year. The Cowboys also return top rebounder (7.2) and double-digit scorer (12.7) in Obi Muonelo. They also have brought in a solid combo forward, Matthew Pilgrim, a transfer from Hampton. Throw in four highly touted freshman recruits and the Cowboys are in business. Maybe not to start the season, but when this talented group rounds into mid-season form, they could potentially challenge anyone in the conference.

Key Departures: G Byron Eaton (14.3 ppg, 5.7 apg), G Terrel Harris (13.9 ppg, 4.8 rpg)

Newcomers: G Raymond Penn, F Roger Franklin, C Jarred Shaw, G Reger Dowell, G Fred Gulley, G Keiton Page, G Nick Sidorakis, F Matthew Pilgrim (transfer – Hampton)

Top Returnees: James Anderson (18.2 ppg, 5.7 rpg), Obi Muonelo (12.7 ppg, 7.2 rpg)

Non-Conference Games to Watch: 12/16 @ Stanford

9. Iowa State Cyclones

2008-09 Overall Record: 15-17

2008-09 Conference Record: 4-12 (10th)

Postseason Finish: None

Outlook: The Cyclones have one of the best returning players in the country in Craig Brackins. As a sophomore he averaged over 20 ppg a game and almost 10 rebounds, dropping 42 points on the Kansas Jayhawks. The problem is that his teammates don’t give him much support and not many highly rated recruits were brought in to help either. Luckily Brackins may be good enough to get the Cyclones to the NCAA tourney by himself. Either way, this is Brackins last year in college and he’ll probably be a lottery pick in June. It would be nice to see him get some help so that he could finish his career playing in the NCAA tourney rather than watching again.

Key Departures: None

Newcomers: F Alex Dorr, G Chris Colvin, F Marquis Gilstrap, G Antwon Oliver, G Bubu Palo, F L.A. Pomlee, F Laron Dendy

Top Returnees: F Craig Brackins (20.2 ppg, 9.5 rpg), G Diante Garrett (9.8 ppg, 5.0 apg)

Games to Watch: 12/5 @ California, 1/6 vs Duke

10. Texas Tech Red Raiders

2008-09 Overall Record: 14-19

2008-09 Conference Record: 3-13 (11th)

Postseason Finish: None

Outlook: The Red Raiders didn’t compete much in the conferencelast year. They return two double-digit scorers, but still aren’texpected to have a good season. John Roberson is the conference’s top returning assist guy, so continued development from him will be a big help. The Red Raider recruiting class is consideredlackluster with zero highly touted freshman coming in. Someone willhave to surprise with a big performance to turn this programaround. Until then, things don’t appear to be swell in Lubboch.

Key Departures: G Alan Voskuil (13.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg)

Newcomers: F Jaye Crockett, G Mike Davis

Top Returnees: G Nick Okorie (11.3 ppg), G John Roberson (13.9 ppg, 6.4 apg), F Mike Singletary (12.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg)

Non-Conference Games to Watch: 12/3 vs. Washington

11. Colorado Buffaloes

2008-09 Overall Record: 9-22

2008-09 Conference Record: 1-15 (12th)

Postseason Finish: None

Outlook: Colorado had an embarrassing season last year,winning only one game in conference play. They return their top twoscorers in Higgins and Thorne II, but you know the saying: somebody hasto be the leading scorer. Cory Higgins, the son of former NBA player and current Bobcats GM Rod Higgins continues to be the team’s best player. But how much he can impact the team’s fortunes is questionable. The Buffaloes are not looking great for theupcoming season, adding virtually nothing in recruiting. Don’t expectmuch from Chauncey Billups alma mater this year.

Key Departures: None

Newcomers: G Alec Burks, F/C Shane Harris-Tunks, F Keegan Hornbuckle, G Shannon Sharpe

Top Returnees: Cory Higgins (17.4 ppg, 5.4 rpg), Dwight Thorne II (12.0 ppg)

Non-Conference Games to Watch: 11/23 vs Gonzaga

12. Nebraska Cornhuskers

2008-09 Overall Record: 18-12

2008-09 Conference Record: 8-8 (8th)

Postseason Finish: NIT 1st round – Lost to New Mexico 83-71

Outlook: The Cornhuskers were competitive last year in theconference and made a post-season appearance in the NIT. But, now they haveto restart as they lost their top two scorers and have seven freshmanand four sophomores on the roster. Senior Sek Henry has yet to really emerge, but will get his chance as one of the team’s few upperclassmen. This year will be about figuring outwhich young players they can build around. Unfortunately, it willprobably be two years until the Cornhuskers are ready to make a run atthe post-season again.

Key Departures: G Ade Daqunduro (12.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg), G Steve Harvey (10.2 ppg)

Newcomers: G Lance Jeter, G Myles Holley, C Brian Diaz, G Mike Fox, G Ray Gallegos, G Eshaunte Jones, F Christian Standhardinger, F Brandon Ubel

Top Returnees: G Sek Henry (8.0 ppg), G Ryan Anderson (7.1 ppg)

Games to Watch: 11/29 @ USC


NBADraft.net’s All-Big 12 Prospect Team:

Sherron Collins (G – 5’11), Senior, Kansas
Cole Aldrich (C – 6’11), Junior, Kansas
Willie Warren (G – 6’4), Sophomore, Oklahoma
James Anderson (G – 6’6), Junior, Oklahoma State
Damion James (G – 6’7), Senior, Texas
Dexter Pittman (C – 6’10), Senior, Texas
Craig Brackins (F – 6’10), Junior, Iowa State

Big 12 All-Freshmen Team:

Avery Bradley (G – 6’3”), Texas
Xavier Henry (G – 6’6), Kansas
Jordan Hamilton (F – 6’7), Texas
Wally Judge (F – 6’9), Kansas State
Keith ‘Tiny’ Gallon (C – 6’8), Oklahoma