As part of our 2022–23 men’s basketball preseason coverage, sports illustrated is rolling out previews for each of its top 10 conferences. Next is the Big 12.
The Big 12 are men’s college basketball past two champions, of course, sent the team to the Final Four four times in a row. Those programs, Baylor and Kansas, are still the ones to beat this season despite Texas and Texas Tech loading up year after year and establishing themselves as worthy opponents. But it’s that consistency that makes the Bears and Jayhawks central to the conference. Faces come and go, but Scott Drew and Bill Self find a way to keep players long enough to play together and learn to like each other. Of course, there are always variables in that equation. However, the league has moved past Waco and Lawrence again, especially in a year when half of the team seems to be in some form of transition.
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Conference Player of the Year: Jalen Wilson, Kansas
New face award: Keeonte George, Baylor
Featured Dark Horse Teams: texas
First all-team meeting:
LJ Cryer, Baylor
Adam Flagler, Baylor
Tyrese Hunter, Texas
Jalen Wilson, Kansas
Kevin Oberner, Texas Tech University
Flagler is one of the few remaining players on the Bears’ championship team.
Ben Queen/USA TODAY Sports
SI expected order of finish:
1. Baylor
What’s not to love? Adam Flagler and LJ Cryer are his one of the most experienced guard duos in the country. Freshman Keyyonte George, a potential NBA lottery nominee, excels in his scoring prowess. We’re not entirely sure how efficient he’ll be soon, but we expect George to be the conference’s most influential freshman.above Baylor A team that shares the ball well, he will reap a sizable gain. West Virginia transfer Jalen Bridges could also be a breakout after a change of scenery. Flo Samba is back to do the dirty work and Jonathan Chumwa Chachua continues rehabbing a knee injury from last season.Scott Drew has a recipe that works and the collective this group shares The experience should be very useful for the league championship.
Postseason predictions: title candidate
2. Kansas
The defending champions have their work cut out, with only Jaren Wilson and Dafan Harris Jr. returning as last year’s principals. They will look to Texas Tech’s Kevin McCuller and top-rated freshmen Grady Dick, MJ Rice and Ernest Udeh Jr. to make up for what they’ve lost. jayhawks Appearing as the only fringe national contender on paper. Either way, it’s hard to underestimate the Bill Self-coached team, and by the end of the season Kansas will understand a few things.
Postseason predictions: title candidate
3. Texas
of longhorns They may be the most talented team in the Big 12, but Chris Beard once again has his hands full sorting players into different roles. Iowa State transfer Tyrese Hunter and freshmen Dillon Mitchell and Alterio Morris are all his NBA prospects, but playing time with returning players Timmy Allen, Marcus Kerr, Christian Bishop, and transfer Sarja Bari Rice are still fighting. I’m not sure how this will shake out, but if the Longhorns manage to strike a balance, this team could be dangerous. , is not easy.
Postseason predictions: Week 2 upside
4. Texas Tech
With Fardaws Aimaq (who will miss time to start the season with injury), Kerwin Walton and De’Vion Harmon will play a big role alongside Kevin Obanor in what should once again be a tough, tournament-grade team. fulfill.of red raiders If all goes well, it’s talented enough to win the league, but it might rely a little too much on freshman ballhandlers to make that leap. there is.
Postseason predictions: Week 2 upside
5. TCU
Star guard Mike Miles Jr. is the headliner, tasked with distributing the ball to a team full of long, athletic players, but lacking good shot creators.of horned frog They have very good chances defensively again, but they were one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the country last year.
Postseason predictions: Week 2 upside
6. Oklahoma
Porter Moser always seems to find a way to win and his second year Sooners Transfers Grant Sherfield and Joe Vamisil arrive to lead the backcourt, which should bring some improvement. Star big man Tanner his Groves have had him back for a year to carry the offensive burden so effectively last season after a transfer from Eastern Washington.
Postseason predictions: dance safely
7. Oklahoma
Backcourt partners Avery Anderson III and Bryce Thompson are back and ready to do more than they produced in 2020-21. Despite last season’s struggles, cowboys Being elite defensively and maintaining it while generating more offense is key.
Postseason predictions: About Bubble
8. Iowa
Losing Tyrese Hunter to the transport portal was hard enough. Then he chose Texas.of typhoon Achieved in the NCAA Tournament, largely through Hunter’s efforts. St. Bonaventure Transfers Osun Osunniyi and Jaren Holmes have a lot of slack, but this is a senior-heavy team that could pack a little punch.
Postseason predictions: About Bubble
9. West Virginia
of climber 500 seasons in a row under Bob Huggins. , might end it. Guard play looks like a potential problem.
Postseason predictions: About Bubble
10. Kansas
Baylor’s longtime assistant Jerome Tan takes over to soften hopes for the first year. Florida-transferred Keyyonte Johnson appears poised to return to basketball after the sexual assault charges against him were dropped earlier this year after he collapsed on the court in December 2020. is.
Postseason predictions: NIT bound
