Friday, October 23, 2009

College Basketball Preview:Big 12



1. Kansas Jayhawks Bold Prediction:The Jayhawks will win the national championship.

After the UNC Tar Heels won the National Championship, the predictions begun again. And the National Championship buzz was Kansas. With a stacked team including big man Cole Aldrich (right) and guard Sherron Collins, there's no reason why the Jayhawks won't win it all. Coach Bill Self better keep a ring case now. He's getting one more.

2. Texas Longhorns Bold Prediction:Sweet 16 loss.
The 'Horns said goodbye to star A.J. Abrams on a happy note after a second round loss to Duke last year. With Damion James running around the court and a nice post game inside with Dexter Pittman, the Longhorns are poised for a breakout season. Now, the 'Horns have to perform this postseason.

3.Kansas State Wildcats Bold Prediction:First round heartbreaker.
When Michael Beasley left to the NBA the 'Cats knew that they needed a spark. After a decent season last year the team brings back guard Denis Clemente and brings in forward Wally Judge, a 6-9, 220 pound star in the nations capital will bring immediate help inside. The Wildcats are ready to begin a run at the Big 12 title but Kansas and Texas will drive them away.

4.Oklahoma Sooners Bold Prediction:Weak NCAA appearance.
Imagine losing the number one pick in the draft, plus his brother a nice guy off the bench. That's what the Sooners are going through. Blake and Taylor Griffin are gone but don't expect the Sooner to take a huge step back this season. They still have guards Willie Warren and Tony Crocker plus recruit Tiny Gallon inside, who's definitely not Tiny(300 pounds).

5.Texas A&M Aggies Bold Prediction:First round exit.
The Aggies will benefit from a weaker Big 12 this season. A decent recruiting class includes Naji Hibbert and Khris Middleton. Both will help guard Donald Sloan improve and hopefully make a actually NCAA tournament run. But can they do it?

6.Oklahoma State Cowboys Bold Prediction:First round tourney loss.
Growing pains will hurt the Cowboys this season. The good part of the equation: guard James Anderson is one of the best in the Big 12 well Oklahoma State brought in Ray Penn, who will team up to make a stellar offense. The Cowboys have to find a man in the post to truly make a season.








7.Baylor Bruins Bold Prediction: NIT Championship win.

Last year, in the NIT tournament the Bruins got what they wanted. Something for fans to cheer about. This year things don't look different, the Bruins still have leader LaceDarius Dunn and added a nice recruit in guard Nolan Dennis. The problem: a man inside. This year the Bruins will burst into a contender.








8.Missouri Tigers Bold Prediction:Long run in NIT tournament.

After a dream 2008 in which the Tigers went 31-7 and made an Elite Eight appearance, the Tigers need to replace loses in DeMarre Carroll, Leo Lyons and Matt Lawrence. Luckily, the Tigers have guard J.T. Tiller and Marcus Denmon, who could turn into a key player if he gets the help he needs.








9.Iowa State Cyclones Bold Prediction:Decent NIT appearance.

If star Craig Brackins can get some help there's no reason not to think that the Cyclones can't become a respectful team. Brackins can become a mentor to the best backcourt recruit in Chris Colvin. Brackins and Iowa State are improved and will actually challenge teams this season.








10. Texas Tech Red Raiders Bold Prediction:15 wins.

In order to get a postseason bid the Red Raiders need D'walyn Roberts, probably the team's best player to step up and Pat Knight to become a shadow of Bob Knight. Transfers Brad Reese and Theron Jenkins will help.






11.Nebraska Cornhuskers Bold Prediction:14 wins.

It really easy to win games when you have the smallest lineup in Division I. This year the Cornhuskers must overcome that if they want a shot at a Big 12 contention. Nebraska luckily does have a decent backcourt with guards Lance Jeter and Myles Holley.






12.Colorado Buffaloes Bold Prediction:8-12 wins.

If the Buffaloes want to get out of the cellar they need to actually win more than 1 of 16 conference games. Luckily, they have three returning leading scorers in Austin Dufault, Nate Tomlinson and Casey Crawford. That doesn't mean more wins, though.
Bold=Team Big 12

1 comment:

Mike McGowan said...

Tom, What no Golden Gophers in the the top 12?