BigTime
The Red Wig
- Joined
- Nov 2, 2008
- Messages
- 11,629
- Reaction score
- 16
Source Link
5. WHO IS THE SLEEPER?
Oklahoma. Lon Kruger has a legitimate chance to have the Sooners in contention for an NCAA Tournament bid in just his second year on the job. Oklahoma returns key pieces from last year’s team in leading scorer Steven Pledger and bouncy forward Romero Osby while adding a high level transfer in former Wyoming star Amath M’Baye. Kruger also added two under the radar freshmen in Isaiah Cousins and Buddy Hield, a 6-3 combo guard that should really add some pop offensively. No one expected the rebuilding process in Norman to happen quickly but this team has a chance. Kruger has assembled a good blend of experience and youth and if M’Baye can emerge as a legitimate go to option next to Pledger, Oklahoma basketball may be back much earlier than most people expected.
BIG 12 PRESEASON POWER RANKINGS
1. KANSAS
THE SKINNY: We learned after last season that it’s beyond foolish to pick against Bill Self.
2. TEXAS
THE SKINNY: The Longhorns sophomore class is beyond special.
3. BAYLOR
THE SKINNY: Scott Drew has one of the better perimeters in all of college basketball.
4. OKLAHOMA STATE
THE SKINNY: A fertile base of talent has been accumulated in Stillwater — now can it mesh?
5. WEST VIRGINIA
THE SKINNY: Bob Huggins should begin the Mountaineers’ Big 12 tenure with his annual tradition — a berth in the NCAA Tournament.
6. OKLAHOMA
THE SKINNY: Lon Kruger has the Sooners way ahead of schedule in year two.
7. KANSAS STATE
THE SKINNY: Bruce Weber inherits a talented team from Frank Martin, but who plays power forward?
8. IOWA STATE
THE SKINNY: The Cyclones don’t have another Royce White but they’re talented enough to compete for another NCAA bid.
9. TEXAS TECH
THE SKINNY: A massive roster turnover should make the Red Raiders much more competitive.
10. TCU
THE SKINNY: There’s a long road ahead of Trent Johnson.