Traditional powerhouse Kansas losing significant pieces to the NBA Draft, which means there could easily be some shakeup atop the Big 12 standings. With the nearing departures of arguably the Big 12′s two worst basketball programs in Colorado and Nebraska, the 10 team league should be a better basketball conference top to bottom going forward. Here’s a look at home the top of the league should shape up in the last season of the Big 12 as we know it.
- Missouri Already a tournament team last year, the Tigers are importing more than they lost in last year’s senior class. While they will miss J.T. Tiller on defense and Zaire Taylor in the clutch, Mizzou’s backcourt is talent laden enough to make up the difference, with Marcus Denmon, Kim English, Michael Dixon already in the mix. Incoming freshman Phil Pressey should make an immediate impact at the point, giving the Tigers the deepest guards in the league. Freshman Tony Mitchell (assuming he qualifies) and juco transfer Ricardo Ratliffe will help shore up some scoring deficiencies on the frontline from last season, assuring a more complete Tiger attack.
- Texas The Longhorns lost 2 first-rounders to the NBA draft, in the form of Avery Bradley and Damion James, but aim to quickly re-tool in their usual fashion. Incoming freshmen Cory Joseph and Tristan Thompson have the added benefit of playing together in prep school as they look to fill big holes for Texas this season. With scoring slasher Jordan Hamilton already in tow, the Longhorns should have plenty of offensive fire power to compete.
- Baylor Boasting the best big man recruit in the entire big 12, the Bears should build upon an already impressive 28-win season. Perry Jones is ranked as one of the top newcomers in the country going into to the season and has the length and athleticism to help replace the defensive and shot blocking presence of departed forward Ekpe Udoh.
Darkhorse: Kansas It’s never appropriate to call the Jayhawks an underdog, perhaps darkhorse is a stretch as well. Forward Marcus Morris is as good as a returning player as you can find on any roster. The question remains whether the Jayhawks have the leadership and talent in place around him, after losing 3 first round picks, to make a legitimate run at the Big 12 title. New point guard wunderkind Josh Selby should help.