2009-10 College Basketball Preview: Big 12 Conference

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2009-10 College Basketball Preview

Big 12 Preview

1) Kansas

2008-09 Record: (27-8, 14-2 Big 12)
Coach: Bill Self (7th year, 169-40 at Kansas)
Assistants: Joe Dooley, Kurtis Townsend, Danny Manning
Ret. Starters/Lost: 5/0

Overview: Kansas is flat-out scary this year. They are eerily similar to North Carolina last year, who returned five starters and ran away with the title. This season, KU returns five, but also adds one of the nation’s top recruits in Xavier Henry (6-6, 200), a big, explosive wing player. He’d start for any team in the nation, but Kansas could bring him off the bench and still play him 25 minutes per game. Junior Brady Morningstar (6-3, 185), 6.5ppg) was second on the team in three-pointers made and can really extend the defense. The other wing is sophomore Marcus Morris (6-8, 225), who averaged 7.4ppg and 4.7rpg in his freshman season. His twin brother Markieff (6-9, 232) is a post player, who averaged 4.6pp and 4.4rpg off the bench. At the point, senior Sherron Collins seemingly played with assistant coach Danny Manning. It appears he’s been around since the eighties since he has a title. Collins (5-11, 205) led the team in scoring (18.9ppg) and also added 5rpg. Tyshawn Taylor (6-3, 180) added 9.7ppg and 3apg in 26.5mpg as a freshman. At center, the Jayhawks have one of the best in the nation in senior Cole Aldrich (6-11, 245), who averaged 14.9ppg, 11.1rpg and 2.7bpg. The depth is good but young. Junior guard Tyler Reed (6-3, 185) is an unselfish guard, who will do what it takes to help the team. Senior guard Mario Little (6-5, 210) adds 4.7ppg and could be a pleasant surprise this year. Last year was a disappointment as the heavily-recruited juco wing was expected to be a big scorer from the wing, but was hampered by injuries.

Outlook: Bill Self is one of the best recruiters in the country and obviously has another stacked team. Anything less than a championship appearance will be a disappointment.

2) Texas

2008-09 Record: 23-12, 9-7 Big 12)
Coach: Rick Barnes (12th year, 270-105 at Texas)
Assistants: Russell Springmann, Rodney Terry, Chris Ogden
Ret. Starters/Lost: 4/1

Overview: The Longhorns are stacked every year, but they always seem to play second fiddle to Texas or Kansas. This season, Rick Barnes not only has four returning starters, but also an outstanding transfer in Jai Lucas (8.5ppg), a 5-10 junior point guard who played at Florida for two seasons. He’ll elevate the team’s outside shooting and soften the loss of star guard A.J. Abrams (11.6ppg). Abrams was similar to Lucas in that he was a scoring point guard and less of a creator for his teammates. Senior guard Justin Barnes (6-2, 195, 6.1ppg, 4apg) is the guy that delivers the ball, but has to improve his shooting (20.6% 3pt). At the third guard spot, freshman Avery Bradley (6-3, 180) arrives from Las Vegas with a tremendous amount of fanfare. He was ranked No. 1 prep player by some scouting services. Up front, the good news for Barnes was the return of senior Damion James (6-7, 225), who led the team in rebounds at 9.2rpg and also averaged 15.4ppg. James will have to show NBA scouts that’s he’s a better long-range shooter and not just a college power forward. At center, senior Dexter Pittman (6-10, 290) takes up a lot of space, but played just 16.6mpg last year. He averaged around 10ppg and 5.5rpg. Big question about the bench though Lucas could start of come off it. Junior Dogus Balbay (6-0, 186) came on late last season, averaging 4.8apg, after being inserted into the starting lineup. Freshman Jordan Hamilton (6-7, 226) arrives from Los Angeles as the second-rated player in one of the nation’s top classes.

Outlook: Texas basketball would love to match Texas football. That will be tough, but this should be a very good squad. They have some great recruits as usual, good size and few key losses. If Lucas can replace Abrams and if Bradley lives up to his potential, this will be a potential elite eight team.

3) Oklahoma

2008-09 Record: (30-6, 13-3 Big 12)
Coach: Jeff Capel (4th year, 69-33 at Oklahoma)
Assistants: Ben Betts, Mark Cline, Oronde Taliaferro
Ret. Starters/Lost: 2/3

Overview: Some teams lose quantity, others lose quality. Oklahoma lost both in terms of three starters and the nation’s best player. Blake Griffin (22.7ppg, 14.4rpg) has moved on to the NBA with his brother Taylor and distributor Austin Johnson. This will be sophomore Willie Warren’s squad. The 6-4 guard from Fort Worth, Texas, averaged 14.6ppg last year was a consensus first-team freshman All-American. Fortunately, they return senior wing guard Tony Crocker (9.4ppg), who is a solid defender and an erratic shooter. Warren can run the point, but if Jeff Capel wants to take pressure off of him, he can go with freshman Thomas Mason-Griffin (5-11, 203), a McDonald’s All-American and pure point. Senior Ryan Wright (6-9, 238), who transferred from UCLA, could step in for one of the Griffin’s. He played sparingly as a backup last year. Freshman Tiny Gallon (6-9, 300) comes from Oak Hill Academy (Va.) and was one of the nation’s most highly-regarded big men. He is extremely skilled, though they need him to rebound, first-and-foremost. Junior Cade Davis (6-4, 4.7ppg) can hit the three. Ray Willis (3.3ppg) also returns, though there will be question about the bench.

Outlook: The Sooners will have another great player in Warren, but replacing the Griffin’s up front will be impossible. They may add a lot of size, but Blake Griffin was one of the best big men of the decade.

4) Oklahoma State

2008-09 Record: (23-12, 9-7 Big 12)
Coach: Travis Ford (2nd year, 23-12 at Oklahoma State)
Assistants: Butch Pierre, Chris Ferguson, Steve Middleton
Ret. Starters/Lost: 3/2

Overview: With Blake Griffin gone, this would be a great chance for Travis Ford and his Cowboys to make a big jump in the Big 12. The one problem is that they lost two major starters in point guard Byron Eaton (14.3ppg, 5.7apg) and wing Terrel Harris (13.9ppg). The Cowboys run an uptempo offense and will look to sophomore Kelton Page (5-10, 168), who is an outstanding three-point shooter, but not a pure point. Freshmen Ray Penn (5-9, 170) is a future star, but may be hampered by off-season shoulder surgery. At wing the Cowboys return their best player in James Anderson (6-6, 195), a great shooter, who averaged 18.2ppg and 5.7rpg. He’s a definite pro, who just needs to get stronger and refine his skills. Up front, junior Marshall Moses (6-8, 235) gives the team hustle and boards (6.1rpg). Kentucky transfer Matt Pilgrim (6-8, 233), who also played at Hampton, is eligible to play and should give this team immediate help up front. Freshman Torin Walker (6-11, 230) will play right away and give the team minutes when they need help against a bigger lineup.

Outlook: Pilgrim adds size and experience up front, while Anderson is a big-time talent. But there are so many questions at point guard and off the bench, it make be another season before the Cowboys take a huge jump. Just a slight one this year.

5) Kansas State

2008-09 Record: (23-12, 9-7 Big 12)
Coach: Frank Martin (3rd year, 44-24 at Kansas State)
Assistants: Dalonte Hill, Brad Underwood, Matt Figger
Ret. Starters/Lost: 4/1

Overview: Without Michael Beasley, the Wildcats slumped to 9-7 overall in the Big 12, but did win 23 games overall. This season, they have to replace 6-10 Darren Kent (9ppg, 5.8rpg), but that’s not like replacing Beasley. Fortunately, they return 6-1 guard Denis Clemente (15ppg), who was ranked in the top 15 in five Big 12 categories. Junior Jacob Pullen (6-0, 200) is a good compliment to Clemente. He averaged 13.9ppg and 2.2 3-pointers per game. He also had 54 steals and scored 20 or more points eight times last season. Up front, they return starters in Luis Colon (6-10, 265, 4.4ppg, 4.7rpg) and Dominique Sutton (6-5, 210, 7.5ppg, 5.4rpg). They also add Wally Judge (6-9, 220), a freshman and top-20 recruit along with Connecticut transfer Curtis Kelly (6-8, 250), who should add beef up front. Judge is the most intriguing recruit and his speed and athleticism should make this squad a team to watch later this season and beyond. Judge or Kelly will need to push Colon, who’s a solid player, but unspectacular. The bench will either be their strength or their weakness, depending on how the youngsters develop.

Outlook: This team is very deep and could really push the upper echelon of the Big East if Stephenson and Wright are the real deal. Cronin has brought this team along slowly, and it would be a huge disappointment if they don’t make some huge strides towards the NCAA Tournament and beyond.

6) Texas A&M

2008-09 Record: (24-10, 9-7 Big 12)
Coach: Mark Turgeon (3rd year, 49-21 at Texas A&M)
Assistants: Scott Spinelli, Alvin Williamson, Bill Walker
Ret. Starters/Lost: 3/2

Overview: The Aggies must replace leading scorer Josh Carter (13.8ppg), but their biggest loss was when 6-10 center Chinemelu Elonu (9.8ppg, 7.3rpg) decided to turn pro, instead of returning for his senior season. He wound up being taken in the second round. In the backcourt, Texas A&M returns guards Donald Sloan (6-3, 205, 11.8ppg) and Derrick Roland (6-4, 6.3ppg). Carter will be missed, so more pressure will be put on Sloan and Roland, along with freshmen Naji Hibbert (6-5, 180) and Khris Middleton (6-7, 185), who add athleticism and length at the wing. Up front, the Aggies have to replace Elonu’s defense and rebounding. Holdover starter Bryan Davis (6-9, 240, 10.8ppg, 6.5rpg) will have to carry the load. He will be joined by David Loubeau (6-9, 215) and Nathan Walkup (6-7, 205), who combined for 8.1ppg and 5.7rpg last season. Freshman Kourtney Roberson (6-9, 215), is the half-brother of Bernard King, A&M’s all-time leading scorer. Ray Turner (6-8, 220) is another youngster, who can rebound.

Outlook: Carter was a tough enough loss, but losing Elonu was devastating. Texas A&M will play some tough defense and hang in there against most teams, but they don’t have what it takes to make the top four.

7) Missouri

2008-09 Record: (31-7, 12-4 Big 12)
Coach: Mike Anderson (4th year, 65-35 at Missouri)
Assistants: Melvin Watkins, Matt Zimmerman, T.J. Cleveland
Ret. Starters/Lost: 2/3

Overview: Mizzou loses a ton of talent, including F DeMarre Carroll (16.6ppg, 7.2rpg), who helped lead the Tigers to the Elite Eight. Fortunately, the backcourt should remain strong led by point guard Zaire Taylor (6-4, 189), who averaged 6.7ppg and 3.4apg. Taylor was known more for hitting clutch shots against Texas and Kansas. At wing guard, senior J.T. Tiller (8.4ppg, 3.6apg) is an outstanding defender, who was named co-Defender of the Year, and also led the team in steals. A big key will be the play of sophomore Kim English (6-6, 200), an excellent three-point shooter, who averaged 6.5ppg off the bench. Sophomore Marcus Demon (6-2, 185), who averaged 6ppg, is also a key reserve. Up front, they loss of Carroll and Leo Lyons (14.6ppg, 6.1rpg) will be devastating. Senior Keith Ramsey (6-9, 210) is the only big man with experience. Junior Justin Safford (6-8, 205) adds some shooting ability, but played sparingly last year. Sophomore Steve Moore (6-9, 265) lost 30 pounds and that should improve his mobility.

Outlook: The Tigers should take a pretty big fall of last year’s Elite Eight team. But with good guard play, they won’t be easy to knock out.

8 ) Iowa State

2008-09 Record: (15-17, 4-12 Big 12)
Coach: Greg McDermott (4th year, 44-51 at Iowa State)
Assistants: Jeff Rutter, T.J. Olzelberger, Daniyal Robinson
Ret. Starters/Lost: 4/1

Overview: The Cyclones return four of five starters from a team that finished last in the Big 12 in 3-point percentage, making just 34.6 percent of their shots. So this season, emphasis was on making a better percentage, despite the fact that they set the school record by making 236 3-point baskets (7.4 per game. Junior guard Lucca Staiger (6-5, 225) is a German import who led the team with 74 3-pointers, averaging 8.2ppg. The point guard returns in junior Diante Garrett (6-4, 185), who averaged 9.8ppg, 5apg and 3.3rpg. They also add sophomore Scott Christopherson (6-3, 205), a transfer from Marquette and senior Marquis Gilstrap (6-6, 210), who was a big-time scorer at Gulf Coast Community College (22.6ppg). Up front, the Cyclones return the fourth-leading returning scorer in the country in junior center Craig Brackins (6-10, 230), who averaged 20.2ppg and 9.5rpg. He also had 15 double-doubles. Senior Jamie Vanderbeken (6-11, 245) adds 5.5ppg and 3rpg and height, along with the ability to knock down a three (35-of-86). Freshman L.A. Pomlee (6-8, 235) redshirted last year and will provide depth up front.

Outlook: Iowa State has a nice player in Brackins, but still needs to provide more help. If they shoot better from the three-point line or get to the basket more often, this team could surprise some.

9) Baylor

2008-09 Record: (24-15, 5-11 Big 12)
Coach: Scott Drew (7th year, 81-95 at Baylor)
Assistants: Matthew Discoll, Matt Morefield, Jerome Tang
Ret. Starters/Lost: 2/3

Overview: Baylor returns just two starters from a team that won 24 games, but fell off in conference play, going 5-11. They did end up going to the NIT, where they lost to Penn State in the title contest. The Bears lost 50% of their scoring and rebounding and 67% of their assists. Gone is Curtis Jerrells (16.3ppg) and big man Kevin Rogers (12.6ppg, 7.6rpg). The backcourt does have a solid foundation led by LaceDarius Dunn (6-4, 195), who set the school record with 109 3-pointers and averaged 15.7ppg and 4.9rpg. Senior guard Tweety Carter (5-11,. 190) is also back as a perimeter threat, who averaged 10.6ppg and 3.2apg. He will start at the point, but has to be more patient this season. The most talented newcomer, freshman Nolan Dennis (6-5, 185) originally signed with Memphis, but bailed out when John Calipari left for Kentucky. He will be an instant impact player. Up front, they add 6-10 Ekpe Udoh (6ppg, 5rpg, 92 blocks), who played at Michigan in 2007-08 before transferring and sitting out last year. He’ll start right away, but the Bears need to find a consistent power forward to replace Rogers. Sophomore Quincy Acy (6-7, 205) did lead the Bears in blocked shots and added 5.4ppg and 3.6rpg last year. Senior Josh Lomers (7-0, 276) is a solid reserve.

Outlook: The Bears will have a hard time winning 24 games, but should win more in conference. They do need to become a more selective team offensively and not just jack up the first available shot.

10) Texas Tech

2008-09 Record: (14-19, 3-13 Big 12)
Coach: Pat Knight (3rd year, 18-26 at Texas Tech)
Assistants: Chris Beard, Stew Robinson, Bubba Jennings
Ret. Starters/Lost: 4/1

Overview: Pat Knight is now in his third season at Texas Tech, but hasn’t been unable to accomplish what his father Bob had. Fortunately, he does have four returning starters from a team that allowed 79 points per game, which was last in the Big 12. They do have to replace 6-3 guard Alan Voskull (13.8ppg), who led the Big 12 in 3-point percentage (43.5%) and led Texas Tech in steals. Juinor point guard John Roberson (5-11, 165) did lead the team in scoring at 13.9ppg and assists at 6.4apg. He does need to cut down on the turnovers (108). Senior NIck Okorie (11.3ppg) was hampered b a knee injury and should provide more scoring this year. Junior David Tairu (6-3, 180), a JC transfer, adds immediate help in the backcourt as a slasher, who can get to the basket. Up front, junior Mike Singletary (6-6, 217) was a contributor off the bench, who averaged 12.2ppg and 5.8rpg. Robert Lewandowski (6-10, 248), showed some promise as a freshman with 6.6ppg and 3.7rpg. They also add transfers Theron Jenkins (6-6, 211) and wing Brad Reese (6-6, 189), who can only help

Outlook: The Red Raiders have got to find a way to stop people this year. If not, Knight will be on the hot seat.

11) Nebraska

2008-09 Record: (18-13, 8-8 Big 12)
Coach: Doc Sadler (4th year, 55-40 at Nebraska)
Assistants: Phillip Matthews, David Anwar, Walter Roese
Ret. Starters/Lost: 2/3

Overview: The Huskers were a scrappy team last season, but still managed to go 8-8 in the Big 12 with one of the smaller teams in major college basketball. Unfortunately, they lost two of their three mighty mites in Cookie Miller (7.3ppg, 3.5apg) and Steve Harley (10.2ppg) as well as wing Ade Dagunduro (12.8ppg). The defense was strong last season, as they limited opponents to 60.4ppg. Nebraska has added height to their team this season, but whether that will translate to more wins is another story. The only returning backcourt starter is 6-4 senior Sek Henry, who averaged 8ppg and 3.4pg last year. Toney McCray (6-6, 205) , who averaged 5.7ppg and Brandon Richardson (6-0, 190) will see time in the rotation. Freshman Eshanute Jones (6-4, 180) provides scoring after sitting out last season with an ankle injury. Senior guard Ryan Anderson (6-4, 205) made the Big 12 All-Defense team last year and also enters his senior season on career charts for 3-point baskets and 3-point percentage. Up front, senior Chris Balham (6-8, 235) started 23 games last season, but averaged just 10.1mpg, before they went with a smaller lineup. JC transfer Quincy Hankins-Cole (6-8, 240) will provide bulk inside, while 6-9 freshman Brandon Ubel gives them another option up front.

Outlook: The Huskers will be a bigger team this season and will not be physically overmatched this season. However, they may miss the quickness that the spark plugs provided.

12) Colorado

2008-09 Record: (9-22, 1-15 Big 12)
Coach: Jeff Bzdelic (3rd year, 21-42 at Colorado)
Assistants: Steve McClain, Derrick Clark
Ret.Starters/Lost: 4/1

Overview: Colorado returns four starters from a 9-22 club, that also finished just 1-15 in the Big 12. The good news is that they can pretty much only go up. Junior guard Cory Higgins (6-5, 185) returns after leading the team in scoring at 17.5ppg and provided 5.5rpg. He was one of the few bright spots last year. Aussie import Nate Tomlinson (6-2, 180) took over at the point and provided 7.4ppg and 3apg and a decent 83-77 assist to turnover ratio. Freshman guard Alex Burks can score, but needs to work on his defense. Senior guard Dwight Thorne II (6-2, 185) adds 12ppg and benefited from playing on a summer AIA European tour. Up front, the Buffs add 6-11, 240-pound Shane Harris-Tunks, who is another Aussie, who gives the team size and rebounding. They also added Marcus Rephorde (6-7, 220), a JC import from Indian Hills (Iowa), who also spent a year at St. Louis. Austin Dufault (6-8, 210) provided 8.2ppg and 3.8rpg in his freshman season.

Outlook: Colorado should improve this year, but they have a long ways to go get to the middle of the pack of a very talented conference.

• 2009-10 College Basketball Preview: Pac 10 Conference
• 2009-10 College Basketball Preview: Big Ten Conference
• 2009-10 College Basketball Preview: SEC
• 2009-10 College Basketball Preview: ACC
• 2009-10 College Basketball Preview: Big East Conference