Sam
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Had some free time recently and threw together this prediction at how the Big 12 will shake out.
Mainly looked at ESPN for stats and combined what I remembered of the players for the predictions. I feel crazy for putting a certain team so high but I guess I'm just biased. Also there is a team I dropped a lot that I think will end up higher but looking at their current roster I dont see how they're going to be competitive.
Now here are my way too early sure to be wrong Big 12 predictions for 2011-12
Whats yours?
1. Kansas
Top Returning Players
Thomas Robinson, 6'8 Forward, Junior, 7.6 points, 60% FG, 6.4 rebounds, 14.6 minutes
Tyshawn Taylor, 6'3 Guard, Senior, 9.3 points, 48% FG, 38% 3, 4.6 assists, 27.1 minutes
Elijah Johnson, 6'4 Guard, Junior, 3.4 points, 1.8 assists, 13.7 minutes
Key Losses
Marcus Morris, 6'8 Forward, 17.2 points, 57% FG, 34% 3, 7.6 rebounds, 28.3 minutes
Markieff Morris, 6'8 Forward, 13.6 points, 59% FG, 42% 3, 8.3 rebounds, 24.4 minutes
Tyrel Reed, 6'3 Guard, 9.7 points, 38% 3, 4.6 assists
Jason Selby, 6'2 Guard, 7.9 points, 2.2 assists, 20.4 minutes
Brady Morningstar, 6'3 Guard, 7.1 points, 41% 3, 3.3 assits, 27.6 minutes
Top Newcomers
Ben McLemore, 6'5 Guard, Top 40 nationally, great shooter
Naadir Thapre, 5'11 Point Guard, Top 100 nationally
Braeden Anderson, 6'8 Post, 3 star
Jamari Traylor, 6'7 Post, 3 star
If any other team in the conference lost as much as they just did, its questionable if they're even in the top half. But this is Kansas and they have ran the Big 12 lately similar to how OU runs it in football. Combine recent success with what is expected to be a down year in conference and they're still the favorite in my mind.
Guys like Thomas Robinson and Tyshawn Taylor should be two of the top players in the conference. Eliajh Johnson and Jeff Whitey were two highly thought of players out of high school, who should produce in expanded roles.
Based on recent history Kansas is just one of those schools you don't bet against till somebody proves them wrong.
2. Missouri
Top Returning Players
Marcus Denmon, 6'3 Guard, Senior, 16.9 points, 50% FG, 45% 3, 3.5 rebounds, 30.4 minutes
Laurence Bowers, 6'8 Forward, Senior, 11.6 points, 53% FG, 6.1 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, 24.8 minutes
Ricardho Ratliffe, 6'8 Forward, Senior, 10.6 points, 57% FG, 6.0 rebounds, 24.5 minutes
Michael Dixon, 6'1 Guard, Junior, 10.3 points, 3.5 assists, 1.8 steals, 22.3 minutes
Kim English, 6'6 Guard, Senior, 10.0 points, 3.1 rebounds 25.6 minutes
Key Losses
Justin Safford, 6'9 Forward, 6.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 17.2 minutes
Top Newcomers
(Missouri has no newcomers)
If Mike Anderson was coming back they would likely be first in the conference but I'm not sold on Haith. They're going to be deep across the board with Safford as the only player graduating and all other key contributors back in Columbia.
Marcus Demon will be a preseason favorite for conference player of the year, as he is one of the top shooters and scorers returning to the Big 12. It will be interesting to see how this team adjusts after being defined by their 40 minutes of hell brand.
3. Baylor
Top Returning Players
Perry Jones, 6'11 Center, Sophomore, 13.9 points, 55% FG, 7.2 rebounds, 33.9 minutes
Quincy Acy, 6'7 Forward, Senior, 12.4 points, 54% FG, 7.6 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, 31 minutes
Anthony Jones, 6'10 Forward, Senior, 8.5 points, 52% FG, 5.3 rebounds, 29.8 minutes
A.J. Walton, 6'1 Guard, Junior, 7.9 points, 4.7 assists, 2.3 steals, 33 minutes
Key Losses
Lace Dunn, 6'4 Shooting Guard, 19.5 points, 36% 3, 3.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 35.3 minutes
Top Newcomers
Quincy Miller, 6'10 Forward, Top 10 nation wide player, great scorer
Deuce Bello, 6'5 Guard, Top 60 nation wide player, will be one of the top athletes in the Big 12
Pierre Jackson, 5'10 Guard, Top 5 Juco Player in the nation
Gary Franklin, 6'2 Guard, averaged 8.2 points in 25.7 minutes in 13 games as a freshman for California. Will be eligible in January.
On paper this is the most talented team in the conference. Their frontline is massive, athletic and talented. They also have two players in Quincy Miller and Perry Jones who could become the top player in the conference and go on to be top 5 draft picks.
The bad news is games aren't played on paper so Baylor right now is unknown, especially with missing out on the NCAA tournament with a talented team this past year. So, can Scott Drew mold this bunch into a Big 12 champion?
A lot of it depends on newcomers as Baylor will be relaying on Pierre Jackson to provide an upgrade at point and Quincy Miller to be an impact freshman after missing most of his senior year with a torn ACL.
The biggest question mark is shooting. Will guards Franklin, Bello and Jackson or even forward Miller be able to open of the lane with their shooting ability?
4. Texas A&M
Top Returning Players
Khris Middleton, 6'7 Forward, Junior, 14.7 points, 45% FG, 5.2 rebounds, 29.6 minutes
David Loubeau, 6'8 Forward, Senior, 11.8 points, 50% FG, 5 rebounds 26.4 minutes
Dash Harris, 6'1 Guard, Senior, 4.2 points, 3.1 assists, 27.5 minutes
Naji Hibbert, 6'6 Guard, Junior, 5.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, 20.0 minutes
Key Losses
B.J. Holmes, 5'11 Guard, 9.7 points, 41% 3, 2.8 rebounds, 3.2 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 30.3 minutes
Nathan Walkup, 6'7 Forward, 9.4 points, 50% FG, 5.5 rebounds. 24.3 minutes
Top Newcomers
Jamal Branch, 6'3 Guard, 4 star point guard
Jordan Green, 6'4 Guard, 3 star shooting guard, elite level athlete type
If Turgeon was coming back I might have them ahead of Baylor due to coaching but withot knowing much about Kennedy I'm going to be conservative in my guess on them.
Middleton and Loubeau are a great one-two punch to build around. Branch and Green are two freshman who will provide quality depth at the guard spots and they still have enough big bodies (Kourtney Roberson, Ray Turner and Keith Davis) to be tough down low. I cant see them challenging for a title but I expect them to be a tough team that few will want to play, especially in Reed Arena.
5. Oklahoma St
Top Returning Players
Keiton Page, 5'9 Guard, Senior, 13.2 points, 30% 3, 1.7 assists, 34.1 minutes
J.P Olukemi, 6'7 Forward, Senior, 11.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 23.8 minutes
Markel Brown, 6'3 Guard, Sophomore, 6.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, 21.6 minutes
Reger Dowell, 6'1 guard, Junior, 5.2 points, 1.2 assists, 13.6 minutes
Key Losses
Marshall Moses, 6'7 Forward, 14.1 points, 56% FG, 7.3 rebounders, 29.6 minutes
Matt Pilgrim, 6'8 Forward, 5.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 20.0 minutes
Darrell Williams, 6'8 Forward, 7.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 21.0 minutes
Ray Penn, 5'10 Guard, 5.9 points, 2.1 assists, 22.0 minutes
Top Newcomers
Lebryan Nash, 6'8 Forward, Top 10 Nationally, Top player in Texas this year, great combination of size and athletic ability, can play inside or outside
Cezar Guerreo, 5'11 Point Guard, Top 100 National type, great scoring point guard at the high school level
Phil Jurick, 6'10 Center, Great Juco Center, question marks on his motor but looks to at least be a good rebounder and shot blocker
They're in a similar position as Baylor. They have a lot of talent on paper and are reliant on a freshman newcomer to have a huge impact. They do not have a lot of true size but athletic 3/4s like Nash and Olukemi mask some of the issues if they can play up tempo.
The other question is at point guard, based on last year its hard to see Page running point again as he seems to be his best as a spot up shooter. Will Gulley be healthy enough to run the point? Can Dowell build on the end to last season and progress? Or do they go with the flashy freshman in Cezar who looks to be the best shooting option of the three?
The biggest wildcard is Nash, he has the talent to be one of the top players in the conference and be similar Michael Beasley at KSU recently. On the flip side there is enough talk about his attitude that you wonder if its a sure thing. If Nash comes to play and he gets help they're a very dangerous team.
6. Oklahoma (Note, I feel borderline insane for putting them this high but when I look at the 4 rosters below OU, I cant make a big argument against OU at the 6 spot. Like I said these are the Way too early, sure to be wrong rankings)
Top Returning Players
Andrew Fitzgerald, 6'7 Forward, Junior, 12.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.1 steals, 30.8 minutes
Steven Pledger, 6'4 Guard, Junior, 10.9 points, 35% 3, 2.1 rebounds, 30.0 minutes
Cameron Clark, 6'6 Guard, Sophomore, 9.3 points, 37% 3, 4.5 rebounds, 33.6 minutes
Carl Blair, 6'3 Point Guard, Junior, 7.5 points, 4.7 assists, 27.6 minutes
Key Losses
Cade Davis, 6'4 Guard, 14.2 points, 36% 3, 5.0 rebounds, 34.9 minutes
Top Newcomers
Romero Osby, 6'7 Forward, Transfer, poor numbers at Mississippi St, but great reports from Norman about habits and skills
Sam Grooms, 6'1 Point Guard, Top 5 national juice player. True point guard
Casey Aren't, 6'10 Center, Juco center who looks to be a big body
The biggest change on campus is the coaching staff, Lon Kruger has a much better and longer resume than Jeff Capel has. So an expected upgrade in play on the court is expected. Add in that according to their recruiting rankings (for whatever they're worth at this stage), OU has the talent to compete now. Pledger and Fitzgerald were both top 100 national players out of high school, then Clark and Osby were top 50 types.
The key for the Sooners to make a jump up in a water downed Big 12 is the play of Romero Osby and Sam Grooms. Both are highly touted but unknown qualities, that hopefully provide boasts at the point guard and in the paint. If both even come close to the hype that is starting to build around them OU has the chance to make noise.
7. Iowa St
Top Returning Players
Scott Christopherson, 6'3 Guard, Senior, 13.7 points, 44% 3, 3.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 35.8 minutes
Melvin Ejim, 6'6 Forward, Sophomore, 10.3 points, 6.7 rebounds 1.2 steals, 27.8 minutes
Bubu Palo, 6'1 Guard, Sophomore, 3.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, 14.1 minutes
Key Losses
Diante Garrett, 6'4 Point Guard, 17.3 points, 6.1 assists, 3.7 rebounds, 1.7 steals, 36.7 minutes
Jake Anderson, 6'2 Guard, 12.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 33.3 minutes
Jamie Vanderbeken, 6'11 Forward, 11.1 points, 43% 3, 5.5 rebounds, 28.7 minutes
Calvin Godfrey, 6'8 Forward, 5.7 points, 55% FG, 5.4 rebounds, 20.1 minutes
Top Newcomers
Rocye White, 6'8 Forward, Was a top 40 national kid out of high school, booted from Minnesota before playing, sat out last year as a redshirt
Chris Babb, 6'5 Guard, Averaged 9.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, as a sophomore at Penn St in 2009-10
Chris Allen, 6'3 Guard, Averaged, 8.2 points, 39% 3, 2.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists as a junior at Michigan St in 2009-10
Tyrus McGee, 6'2 Guard, One of the better juco prospects, good shooter
Tavon Sledge, 5'9 Point Guard, 3 star
Percy Gibson, 6'8 PF, 3 star
Even though they lost 3 key seniors to graduation and recently booted a promising freshman post, they will be one of the most experienced teams in the conference thanks to transfers. Babb and Allen are two players who have logged big minutes in the Big 10 and should give them a good back court when paired with returning sharp shooter Christopherson and incoming junior collge long range bomber McGee.
The Cyclones will be a little small and the key to the season is Royce White. Its been over 2 years since he's last played competitive basketball after his issues at Minnesota and sitting out a transfer year. If he lives up to his high school rankings then he should be one of the top players in the conference, if not it could be another long season in Ames.
With so many new faces its hard to peg ISU, as like others they could take advantage of a weakened Big 12 and be good, or struggle with so many new additions.
8. Kansas St
Top Returning Players
Jamar Samuels, 6'7 Forward, 8.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 24.5 minutes
Rodney McGruder, 6'5 Guard, 11.1 points, 41% 3, 5.9 rebounds, 30.6 minutes
Will Spradling, 6'2 Guard, 6'4 points, 37% 3, 1.9 assists 21.9 minutes
Jordan Henriquez-Robets, 7'0 Center, 3.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, 13.6 minutes
Key Losses
Jacob Pullen, 6'0 Guard, 20.2 points, 38% 3, 3.7 assists, 1.6 steals, 32.6 minutes
Curtis Kelly, 6'8 Forward, 10.5 points, 53% FG, 5.5 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, 25.4 minutes
Nick Russell, 6'4 Guard, 4.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, 12.2 minutes
Top Newcomers
Jeremy Jones, 6'1 Guard, Juco, good shooter,
Angel Rodriguez, 5'11 Point Guard, 3 star
Thomas Gipson, 6'7 PF, 3 star
Adrian Diaz, 6'11 C, 3 star
Putting the ball in the basket looks to be an issue for the Wildcats next year. Samuels and McGruder are good scorers but I'm not sure if either can be "the man" similar to Pullen last year. Jones looks to be another option to help carry the scoring load.
Expect the Wildcat team to be tough on defense and the players who make it through the season to be willing to run through a wall for Frank but this has the ear marks of a rebuilding year. Of course I wrote off Frank when Beasley and Walker left so who knows.
8. Texas
Top Returning Players
J'Covan Brown, 6'1 Guard, Junior, 10.4 points, 39% 3, 2.1 assists, 21.5 minutes
Alexis Wangmene, 6'7 Forward, Senior, 2.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 9.6 minutes
Clint Chapman, 6'10 Center, Senior, 1.9 points, 1.4 rebounds 5.1 minutes (2009-10, redshirted this year)
Key Losses
Jordan Hamilton, 6'7 Guard, 18.6 points, 39% 3, 7.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 32.2 minutes
Tristan Thompson, 6'8 Forward, 13.1 points, 55% FG, 7.8 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, 30.9 minutes
Gary Johnson, 6'7 Forward, 11.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 30.3 minutes
Cory Joseph, 6'3 Guard, 10.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 32.4 minutes
Dogus Balbay, 6'1 Guard, 4.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 18.8 minutes
Top Newcomers
Myck Kabongo, 6'2 Guard, 5 star point guard
Sheldon McClellan, 6'5 Guard, Top 50-60 national shooting guard
Julien Lewis, 6'3 Guard, Top 75 national shooting guard
Jonathon Holmes, 6'8 Forward, Top 100 national post
I did not realize the massive loses the Longhorns had suffered before I started doing this research. J'Covan Brown is really the only notable player to be coming back. The rest of the roster has limited big 12 experience. I just do not see how they can be that competitive in the Big 12.
Myck Kabongo is the only big time elite recruit coming in. They then have good pieces who should become good 4 year players but not the type to star as freshman for big minutes. Now if DeAndre Daniels is actually a real person and chooses Texas (again) and is in their lineup come this Winter that changes he a lot. He is more of the type impact freshman who can come in an change a program with 12+ a night.
Even if they add Daniels its hard to see such a young team being able to compete in a conference with experienced tournament teams like Mizzou or A&M or even teams just experienced like Oklahoma and Iowa St.
10. Texas Tech
Top Returning Players
Robert Lewandowski, 6'10 Center, Senior, 8.5 points, 55% FG, 4.8 rebounds, 23.5 minutes
Jaye Crockett, 6'7 Forward, Sophomore, 4.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 13.2 minutes
Javarez Willis, 5'11 Guard, Sophomore, 3.6 points, 1.5 assists, 13.5 minutes
Key Losses
John Roberson, 5'11 Point Guard, 14.1 points, 41% 3, 4.4 assists, 1.1 steals, 35.3 minutes
Mike Singletary, 6'7 Forward, 12.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 29.3 minutes
Brad Reese, 6'6 Forward, 11.5 points, 37% 3, 4.6 rebounds, 1.6 steals, 28.8 minutes
David Tairu, 6'3 Guard, 10.0 points, 39% 3, 2.8 rebounds, 25.1 minutes
D'walyn Roberts, 6'7 Forward, 6.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 24.7 minutes
Top Newcomers
Toddrick Gotcher, 6'3 Guard, 3 star
Terran Petteway, 6'6 Forward, 3 star
Jordan Tolbert, 6'7 Forward, 3 star
Kevin Wagner, 5'8 Guard, 3 star
They have 9 expected newcomers on scholarship, I'm not sure how its going to work out but I'm guessing that means this is stage 1 of rebuilding Tech's roster.
With all the loses, and random new faces its hard to see BCG making this squad very competitive in the Big 12 this year.
Mainly looked at ESPN for stats and combined what I remembered of the players for the predictions. I feel crazy for putting a certain team so high but I guess I'm just biased. Also there is a team I dropped a lot that I think will end up higher but looking at their current roster I dont see how they're going to be competitive.
Now here are my way too early sure to be wrong Big 12 predictions for 2011-12
Whats yours?
1. Kansas
Top Returning Players
Thomas Robinson, 6'8 Forward, Junior, 7.6 points, 60% FG, 6.4 rebounds, 14.6 minutes
Tyshawn Taylor, 6'3 Guard, Senior, 9.3 points, 48% FG, 38% 3, 4.6 assists, 27.1 minutes
Elijah Johnson, 6'4 Guard, Junior, 3.4 points, 1.8 assists, 13.7 minutes
Key Losses
Marcus Morris, 6'8 Forward, 17.2 points, 57% FG, 34% 3, 7.6 rebounds, 28.3 minutes
Markieff Morris, 6'8 Forward, 13.6 points, 59% FG, 42% 3, 8.3 rebounds, 24.4 minutes
Tyrel Reed, 6'3 Guard, 9.7 points, 38% 3, 4.6 assists
Jason Selby, 6'2 Guard, 7.9 points, 2.2 assists, 20.4 minutes
Brady Morningstar, 6'3 Guard, 7.1 points, 41% 3, 3.3 assits, 27.6 minutes
Top Newcomers
Ben McLemore, 6'5 Guard, Top 40 nationally, great shooter
Naadir Thapre, 5'11 Point Guard, Top 100 nationally
Braeden Anderson, 6'8 Post, 3 star
Jamari Traylor, 6'7 Post, 3 star
If any other team in the conference lost as much as they just did, its questionable if they're even in the top half. But this is Kansas and they have ran the Big 12 lately similar to how OU runs it in football. Combine recent success with what is expected to be a down year in conference and they're still the favorite in my mind.
Guys like Thomas Robinson and Tyshawn Taylor should be two of the top players in the conference. Eliajh Johnson and Jeff Whitey were two highly thought of players out of high school, who should produce in expanded roles.
Based on recent history Kansas is just one of those schools you don't bet against till somebody proves them wrong.
2. Missouri
Top Returning Players
Marcus Denmon, 6'3 Guard, Senior, 16.9 points, 50% FG, 45% 3, 3.5 rebounds, 30.4 minutes
Laurence Bowers, 6'8 Forward, Senior, 11.6 points, 53% FG, 6.1 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, 24.8 minutes
Ricardho Ratliffe, 6'8 Forward, Senior, 10.6 points, 57% FG, 6.0 rebounds, 24.5 minutes
Michael Dixon, 6'1 Guard, Junior, 10.3 points, 3.5 assists, 1.8 steals, 22.3 minutes
Kim English, 6'6 Guard, Senior, 10.0 points, 3.1 rebounds 25.6 minutes
Key Losses
Justin Safford, 6'9 Forward, 6.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 17.2 minutes
Top Newcomers
(Missouri has no newcomers)
If Mike Anderson was coming back they would likely be first in the conference but I'm not sold on Haith. They're going to be deep across the board with Safford as the only player graduating and all other key contributors back in Columbia.
Marcus Demon will be a preseason favorite for conference player of the year, as he is one of the top shooters and scorers returning to the Big 12. It will be interesting to see how this team adjusts after being defined by their 40 minutes of hell brand.
3. Baylor
Top Returning Players
Perry Jones, 6'11 Center, Sophomore, 13.9 points, 55% FG, 7.2 rebounds, 33.9 minutes
Quincy Acy, 6'7 Forward, Senior, 12.4 points, 54% FG, 7.6 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, 31 minutes
Anthony Jones, 6'10 Forward, Senior, 8.5 points, 52% FG, 5.3 rebounds, 29.8 minutes
A.J. Walton, 6'1 Guard, Junior, 7.9 points, 4.7 assists, 2.3 steals, 33 minutes
Key Losses
Lace Dunn, 6'4 Shooting Guard, 19.5 points, 36% 3, 3.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 35.3 minutes
Top Newcomers
Quincy Miller, 6'10 Forward, Top 10 nation wide player, great scorer
Deuce Bello, 6'5 Guard, Top 60 nation wide player, will be one of the top athletes in the Big 12
Pierre Jackson, 5'10 Guard, Top 5 Juco Player in the nation
Gary Franklin, 6'2 Guard, averaged 8.2 points in 25.7 minutes in 13 games as a freshman for California. Will be eligible in January.
On paper this is the most talented team in the conference. Their frontline is massive, athletic and talented. They also have two players in Quincy Miller and Perry Jones who could become the top player in the conference and go on to be top 5 draft picks.
The bad news is games aren't played on paper so Baylor right now is unknown, especially with missing out on the NCAA tournament with a talented team this past year. So, can Scott Drew mold this bunch into a Big 12 champion?
A lot of it depends on newcomers as Baylor will be relaying on Pierre Jackson to provide an upgrade at point and Quincy Miller to be an impact freshman after missing most of his senior year with a torn ACL.
The biggest question mark is shooting. Will guards Franklin, Bello and Jackson or even forward Miller be able to open of the lane with their shooting ability?
4. Texas A&M
Top Returning Players
Khris Middleton, 6'7 Forward, Junior, 14.7 points, 45% FG, 5.2 rebounds, 29.6 minutes
David Loubeau, 6'8 Forward, Senior, 11.8 points, 50% FG, 5 rebounds 26.4 minutes
Dash Harris, 6'1 Guard, Senior, 4.2 points, 3.1 assists, 27.5 minutes
Naji Hibbert, 6'6 Guard, Junior, 5.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, 20.0 minutes
Key Losses
B.J. Holmes, 5'11 Guard, 9.7 points, 41% 3, 2.8 rebounds, 3.2 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 30.3 minutes
Nathan Walkup, 6'7 Forward, 9.4 points, 50% FG, 5.5 rebounds. 24.3 minutes
Top Newcomers
Jamal Branch, 6'3 Guard, 4 star point guard
Jordan Green, 6'4 Guard, 3 star shooting guard, elite level athlete type
If Turgeon was coming back I might have them ahead of Baylor due to coaching but withot knowing much about Kennedy I'm going to be conservative in my guess on them.
Middleton and Loubeau are a great one-two punch to build around. Branch and Green are two freshman who will provide quality depth at the guard spots and they still have enough big bodies (Kourtney Roberson, Ray Turner and Keith Davis) to be tough down low. I cant see them challenging for a title but I expect them to be a tough team that few will want to play, especially in Reed Arena.
5. Oklahoma St
Top Returning Players
Keiton Page, 5'9 Guard, Senior, 13.2 points, 30% 3, 1.7 assists, 34.1 minutes
J.P Olukemi, 6'7 Forward, Senior, 11.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 23.8 minutes
Markel Brown, 6'3 Guard, Sophomore, 6.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, 21.6 minutes
Reger Dowell, 6'1 guard, Junior, 5.2 points, 1.2 assists, 13.6 minutes
Key Losses
Marshall Moses, 6'7 Forward, 14.1 points, 56% FG, 7.3 rebounders, 29.6 minutes
Matt Pilgrim, 6'8 Forward, 5.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 20.0 minutes
Darrell Williams, 6'8 Forward, 7.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 21.0 minutes
Ray Penn, 5'10 Guard, 5.9 points, 2.1 assists, 22.0 minutes
Top Newcomers
Lebryan Nash, 6'8 Forward, Top 10 Nationally, Top player in Texas this year, great combination of size and athletic ability, can play inside or outside
Cezar Guerreo, 5'11 Point Guard, Top 100 National type, great scoring point guard at the high school level
Phil Jurick, 6'10 Center, Great Juco Center, question marks on his motor but looks to at least be a good rebounder and shot blocker
They're in a similar position as Baylor. They have a lot of talent on paper and are reliant on a freshman newcomer to have a huge impact. They do not have a lot of true size but athletic 3/4s like Nash and Olukemi mask some of the issues if they can play up tempo.
The other question is at point guard, based on last year its hard to see Page running point again as he seems to be his best as a spot up shooter. Will Gulley be healthy enough to run the point? Can Dowell build on the end to last season and progress? Or do they go with the flashy freshman in Cezar who looks to be the best shooting option of the three?
The biggest wildcard is Nash, he has the talent to be one of the top players in the conference and be similar Michael Beasley at KSU recently. On the flip side there is enough talk about his attitude that you wonder if its a sure thing. If Nash comes to play and he gets help they're a very dangerous team.
6. Oklahoma (Note, I feel borderline insane for putting them this high but when I look at the 4 rosters below OU, I cant make a big argument against OU at the 6 spot. Like I said these are the Way too early, sure to be wrong rankings)
Top Returning Players
Andrew Fitzgerald, 6'7 Forward, Junior, 12.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.1 steals, 30.8 minutes
Steven Pledger, 6'4 Guard, Junior, 10.9 points, 35% 3, 2.1 rebounds, 30.0 minutes
Cameron Clark, 6'6 Guard, Sophomore, 9.3 points, 37% 3, 4.5 rebounds, 33.6 minutes
Carl Blair, 6'3 Point Guard, Junior, 7.5 points, 4.7 assists, 27.6 minutes
Key Losses
Cade Davis, 6'4 Guard, 14.2 points, 36% 3, 5.0 rebounds, 34.9 minutes
Top Newcomers
Romero Osby, 6'7 Forward, Transfer, poor numbers at Mississippi St, but great reports from Norman about habits and skills
Sam Grooms, 6'1 Point Guard, Top 5 national juice player. True point guard
Casey Aren't, 6'10 Center, Juco center who looks to be a big body
The biggest change on campus is the coaching staff, Lon Kruger has a much better and longer resume than Jeff Capel has. So an expected upgrade in play on the court is expected. Add in that according to their recruiting rankings (for whatever they're worth at this stage), OU has the talent to compete now. Pledger and Fitzgerald were both top 100 national players out of high school, then Clark and Osby were top 50 types.
The key for the Sooners to make a jump up in a water downed Big 12 is the play of Romero Osby and Sam Grooms. Both are highly touted but unknown qualities, that hopefully provide boasts at the point guard and in the paint. If both even come close to the hype that is starting to build around them OU has the chance to make noise.
7. Iowa St
Top Returning Players
Scott Christopherson, 6'3 Guard, Senior, 13.7 points, 44% 3, 3.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 35.8 minutes
Melvin Ejim, 6'6 Forward, Sophomore, 10.3 points, 6.7 rebounds 1.2 steals, 27.8 minutes
Bubu Palo, 6'1 Guard, Sophomore, 3.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, 14.1 minutes
Key Losses
Diante Garrett, 6'4 Point Guard, 17.3 points, 6.1 assists, 3.7 rebounds, 1.7 steals, 36.7 minutes
Jake Anderson, 6'2 Guard, 12.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 33.3 minutes
Jamie Vanderbeken, 6'11 Forward, 11.1 points, 43% 3, 5.5 rebounds, 28.7 minutes
Calvin Godfrey, 6'8 Forward, 5.7 points, 55% FG, 5.4 rebounds, 20.1 minutes
Top Newcomers
Rocye White, 6'8 Forward, Was a top 40 national kid out of high school, booted from Minnesota before playing, sat out last year as a redshirt
Chris Babb, 6'5 Guard, Averaged 9.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, as a sophomore at Penn St in 2009-10
Chris Allen, 6'3 Guard, Averaged, 8.2 points, 39% 3, 2.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists as a junior at Michigan St in 2009-10
Tyrus McGee, 6'2 Guard, One of the better juco prospects, good shooter
Tavon Sledge, 5'9 Point Guard, 3 star
Percy Gibson, 6'8 PF, 3 star
Even though they lost 3 key seniors to graduation and recently booted a promising freshman post, they will be one of the most experienced teams in the conference thanks to transfers. Babb and Allen are two players who have logged big minutes in the Big 10 and should give them a good back court when paired with returning sharp shooter Christopherson and incoming junior collge long range bomber McGee.
The Cyclones will be a little small and the key to the season is Royce White. Its been over 2 years since he's last played competitive basketball after his issues at Minnesota and sitting out a transfer year. If he lives up to his high school rankings then he should be one of the top players in the conference, if not it could be another long season in Ames.
With so many new faces its hard to peg ISU, as like others they could take advantage of a weakened Big 12 and be good, or struggle with so many new additions.
8. Kansas St
Top Returning Players
Jamar Samuels, 6'7 Forward, 8.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 24.5 minutes
Rodney McGruder, 6'5 Guard, 11.1 points, 41% 3, 5.9 rebounds, 30.6 minutes
Will Spradling, 6'2 Guard, 6'4 points, 37% 3, 1.9 assists 21.9 minutes
Jordan Henriquez-Robets, 7'0 Center, 3.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, 13.6 minutes
Key Losses
Jacob Pullen, 6'0 Guard, 20.2 points, 38% 3, 3.7 assists, 1.6 steals, 32.6 minutes
Curtis Kelly, 6'8 Forward, 10.5 points, 53% FG, 5.5 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, 25.4 minutes
Nick Russell, 6'4 Guard, 4.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, 12.2 minutes
Top Newcomers
Jeremy Jones, 6'1 Guard, Juco, good shooter,
Angel Rodriguez, 5'11 Point Guard, 3 star
Thomas Gipson, 6'7 PF, 3 star
Adrian Diaz, 6'11 C, 3 star
Putting the ball in the basket looks to be an issue for the Wildcats next year. Samuels and McGruder are good scorers but I'm not sure if either can be "the man" similar to Pullen last year. Jones looks to be another option to help carry the scoring load.
Expect the Wildcat team to be tough on defense and the players who make it through the season to be willing to run through a wall for Frank but this has the ear marks of a rebuilding year. Of course I wrote off Frank when Beasley and Walker left so who knows.
8. Texas
Top Returning Players
J'Covan Brown, 6'1 Guard, Junior, 10.4 points, 39% 3, 2.1 assists, 21.5 minutes
Alexis Wangmene, 6'7 Forward, Senior, 2.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 9.6 minutes
Clint Chapman, 6'10 Center, Senior, 1.9 points, 1.4 rebounds 5.1 minutes (2009-10, redshirted this year)
Key Losses
Jordan Hamilton, 6'7 Guard, 18.6 points, 39% 3, 7.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 32.2 minutes
Tristan Thompson, 6'8 Forward, 13.1 points, 55% FG, 7.8 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, 30.9 minutes
Gary Johnson, 6'7 Forward, 11.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 30.3 minutes
Cory Joseph, 6'3 Guard, 10.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 32.4 minutes
Dogus Balbay, 6'1 Guard, 4.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 18.8 minutes
Top Newcomers
Myck Kabongo, 6'2 Guard, 5 star point guard
Sheldon McClellan, 6'5 Guard, Top 50-60 national shooting guard
Julien Lewis, 6'3 Guard, Top 75 national shooting guard
Jonathon Holmes, 6'8 Forward, Top 100 national post
I did not realize the massive loses the Longhorns had suffered before I started doing this research. J'Covan Brown is really the only notable player to be coming back. The rest of the roster has limited big 12 experience. I just do not see how they can be that competitive in the Big 12.
Myck Kabongo is the only big time elite recruit coming in. They then have good pieces who should become good 4 year players but not the type to star as freshman for big minutes. Now if DeAndre Daniels is actually a real person and chooses Texas (again) and is in their lineup come this Winter that changes he a lot. He is more of the type impact freshman who can come in an change a program with 12+ a night.
Even if they add Daniels its hard to see such a young team being able to compete in a conference with experienced tournament teams like Mizzou or A&M or even teams just experienced like Oklahoma and Iowa St.
10. Texas Tech
Top Returning Players
Robert Lewandowski, 6'10 Center, Senior, 8.5 points, 55% FG, 4.8 rebounds, 23.5 minutes
Jaye Crockett, 6'7 Forward, Sophomore, 4.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 13.2 minutes
Javarez Willis, 5'11 Guard, Sophomore, 3.6 points, 1.5 assists, 13.5 minutes
Key Losses
John Roberson, 5'11 Point Guard, 14.1 points, 41% 3, 4.4 assists, 1.1 steals, 35.3 minutes
Mike Singletary, 6'7 Forward, 12.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 29.3 minutes
Brad Reese, 6'6 Forward, 11.5 points, 37% 3, 4.6 rebounds, 1.6 steals, 28.8 minutes
David Tairu, 6'3 Guard, 10.0 points, 39% 3, 2.8 rebounds, 25.1 minutes
D'walyn Roberts, 6'7 Forward, 6.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 24.7 minutes
Top Newcomers
Toddrick Gotcher, 6'3 Guard, 3 star
Terran Petteway, 6'6 Forward, 3 star
Jordan Tolbert, 6'7 Forward, 3 star
Kevin Wagner, 5'8 Guard, 3 star
They have 9 expected newcomers on scholarship, I'm not sure how its going to work out but I'm guessing that means this is stage 1 of rebuilding Tech's roster.
With all the loses, and random new faces its hard to see BCG making this squad very competitive in the Big 12 this year.
