What ails these preseason top-20 squads >>> espn.com

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2 Big 12 teams in the mix:

Kansas State
Preseason rank: No. 3
Overall record: 14-8
Big 12 record: 3-5

What's wrong: Leadership is an issue here as well. Jacob Pullen and Curtis Kelly were suspended during the season. Wally Judge just left the team because of playing time.

Red flag: No wins in the top 50 as the Wildcats have failed to win a key game to start the Big 12.

Best moments: Wins against Virginia Tech at home, Gonzaga in Kansas City and at Washington State.

Worst moments: Losing by 90-66 at rival Kansas, moving the Wildcats to 0-4 in Big 12 road games. Losing at home to Colorado isn't exactly what the preseason No. 3 should do either.

What is convincing: Kansas State has six wins, including a road win at Wazzu (something Washington couldn't do), against teams ranked 51-100 in the RPI.

Why there is hope: K-State still has games against Kansas and Missouri at home and Texas on the road. Win two of those three and the perception changes.

If the selection were today: The Wildcats wouldn't make the field and would be selected for the NIT. But Pullen wouldn't play since he said he doesn't do the NIT.

What's likely: Kansas State is just OK in its next eight games and ends up on the outside of the bubble, headed toward the NIT.

Baylor
Preseason rank: No. 14
Overall record: 14-7 Big 12 record: 4-4

What's wrong: Scoring has been an issue, especially getting over 70 points a game, and overall experience is still a problem.

Red flag: When Baylor had a rocked Waco ready for Kansas on a Monday night and the Bears were drilled, losing by 20 points in a game where KU could've named its margin.

Best moment: Beating Oklahoma State five days after the humbling loss to Kansas.

Worst moments: Going just 1-2 in the Diamond Head Classic in Honolulu after the Bears desperately needed to make their mark, following the loss to Gonzaga in Dallas.

What is convincing: Not much. The only top-100 wins are over Oklahoma State and Colorado at home.

Why there is hope: The Bears do have two shots to beat Texas and road games at Texas A&M, Missouri and Oklahoma State to at least give them opportunities.

If the selection were today: Baylor wouldn't make the field and would be an NIT team.

What's likely: The Bears are unlikely to win those road games, meaning they're going to need to go 4-0 at home (Nebraska, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Texas) just to give themselves a shot on Selection Sunday.