College Hoops: Preseason Big 12 Power Rankings

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Big 12 conference had an sensational season. At least every team in the Big 12 felt the shock of upset within the conference. Not to mention, the Big 12 had the best conference RPI rating and sent seven schools to the NCAA Tournament.


While this season is approaching, nothing is going to change. The Big 12 will still be one of the best basketball conferences. After releasing the Big Monday schedule, it's no secret who the committee assumes the best team is in the Big 12.


Here is the Collegiate Hoops Big 12 power ranking.

Kansas State Wildcats - This past year has been nothing but great for Wildcats. The Wildcats never got inside the top-five but did finish the season with an Elite Eight berth. However, next season, with leader Jacob Pullen the Wildcats are poised to be on top of the Big 12. They brought in a great post presence in Freddy Asprilla, not to mention, Nino Williams decided to come to school early. The Wildcats will enter next season inside the top-five and atop of the Big 12. The Wildcats are back as a basketball powerhouse.

Kansas Jayhawks - The Jayhawks lost three of their main contributors from last season. However, with a coach like Bill Self, it wasn't a huge setback. You have Travis Releford, Elijah Johnson, Tyshawn Taylor and the Morris twins ready to maintain the success. The Jayhawks also brought in Josh Selby, the best recruit in the 2010 recruiting class—according to Yahoo Rivals. The Jayhawks will still compete at a high-level in the Big 12.

Baylor Bears - So last season, the Baylor Bears were able to stay competitive with all Big 12 powerhouses. However, they lost Tweety Carter, Josh Loomers, and Ekpe Udoh. But the Bears retained LaceDarius Dunn and Quincy Acey. Not to mention, they brought in All-American Perry Jones. Jones, no question, will be the superstar for the Bears. He is an all-around threat that they'll need to utilize. He is one-and-done talent. By the way, he is the highest rated recruit in Baylor history.

Missouri Tigers - The Tigers lost Zaire Taylor, Keith Ramsey and J.T Tiller. But they did acquire the best recruiting class in the Big 12. Their recruiting class features highly-touted recruits Phil Pressey and Tony Mitchell. Both of them are very athletic, explosive and looked on to help right away. To commend the recruits, Marcus Denmon, Michael Dixon, and Laurence Bowers returned. With more athletic players, the Tigers defense will still be tough to break.

Texas Longhorns - The Longhorns had one of the most embarrassing meltdowns in College Basketball last season. They were considered National Championship contenders after capturing the No. 1 overall ranking and a (17-0) record. However, after that the season went down the drain. Now next season, with Jordan Hamilton, McDonald's All-American's Tristian Thompson and Corey Joseph, the Longhorns are poised to redeem themselves.

Colorado Buffaloes - The Buffaloes are one of the most underrated teams in the Big 12. I think they can compete with every team above them. They have Alec Burks, last year's Big 12 freshman of the year. Not to mention, Cory Higgins returned as well. With Burks and Higgins leading the backcourt, the Buffaloes will surprise in the Big 12. Marcus Relephorde, Trey Eckloff and Trent Beckley will help the cause. 

Texas A&M Aggies - The Aggies lost their top three scorers last season. But the Aggies were able to retain B.J Holmes, David Loubeau, and Dash Harris to name a few. Not to mention, they brought in Daniel Alexander, the great forward from Dripping Springs High School. With the chance to grow up, Dash Harris and B.J. Holmes will need to lead this team. Playing behind Donald Sloan and Derrick Roland should have enlightened their games.

Texas Tech Red Raiders - Texas Tech is another one of my sleeper teams. They returned almost every impact player except Nick Okorie. But besides that, the Red Raiders roster is jam-packed with a lot of seniors ready to play. Not to mention, they brought in some decent recruits that will benefit from this season. They say, experience wins games over talent. Well the Red Raiders has experience, now they just need to deliver the victories.

Oklahoma State Cowboys - The Cowboys lost both Obi Muonelo and James Anderson. But the Cowboys did bring in Michael Cobbins to team up with Matt Pilgrim in the post. Keiton Page, Marshall Moses and Ray Penn all returned as well. However, overcoming the Big 12 player of the Year, James Anderson will be hard to do. Brian Williams and Markel Brown will have a lot of growing up to do before trying to fill the shoes of Anderson.

Oklahoma Sooners - The Sooners acquired one of the most impressive Big 12 recruiting classes. They acquired eight total players to help the roster next season. Their highly-touted recruit Cameron Clark and Cade Davis should be stellar next season. However, losing all-four of your top scorers from a season ago is hard to overcome. Especially with limited talent on the Sooners roster.

Nebraska Cornhuskers - The 'Huskers lost their leading contributor Ryan Anderson. With no real replacement in sight, the 'Huskers are still at the bottom of the Big 12. However, Brian Diaz should be a major player. He is one of the reasons why the 'Huskers was competitive down-low. His 6-foot-11 frame will be huge for the Huskers. Caleb Walker and Kamyron Brown will need to help the backcourt a lot in order for the 'Huskers to be competitive.

Iowa State Cyclones - The Cyclones lost mostly everything. Their coach left for Creighton, a few players transferred, while Marquis Gilstrap and Craig Brackins left for the NBA draft. All isn't bad though. The Cyclones hired Fred Hoiberg and landed talented Royce White. With White and Diante Garrett, the Cyclones should at least be able to compete.

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