2008 Big 12 Basketball Preview

The Big 12 is a powerhouse that gave us last year’s national champs—Kansas. This year, it’s doubtful that Kansas can repeat but they, along with four or five other conference clubs, will certainly compete in the Big Dance.

Texas seems to always be in the mix and senior guard A.J. Abrams, junior forward Damion James and new recruit J’Covan Brown will score plenty to ensure the Longhorns compete with the best of the best.

Blake Griffin, Oklahoma’s senior forward, may be the best player in the country and will lead this team to a top spot in the Big 12. Freshman guard Willie Warren will be a difference maker.

The Kansas Jayhawks are not as good as they were last season but they are still one of the best in the nation. Although only four scholarship players are back, there are some fine new recruits. Guard Sherron Collins is one of the best in the conference.

The backcourt for the Baylor Bears is deep, talented and skilled. Senor guard Curtis Jerrells leads that squad while the frontcourt is anchored by senor forward Kevin Rogers. Freshman Anthony Jones can hit threes.

The Aggies of Texas A&M have a sound foundation in Donald Sloan, Josh Carter and Bryan Davis. Freshman David Loubeau offers rebounding and scoring skills. They should go to the Big Dance this year.

The Oklahoma State Cowboys, Missouri Tigers and Texas Tech Red Raiders all look to be bound for the NIT. While Nebraska, Kansas State, Iowa and Colorado will be hard-pressed to put in winning seasons.

Expect Texas, Baylor and Oklahoma to battle it out for the conference crown. Two of these three teams have the potential to go deep into the NCAA Tournament but it’s doubtful than either will win the national championship. Then again, in a one-game elimination tournament anything is possible.

2008 Big 12 Basketball Predictions

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1) Texas Longhorns
2) Oklahoma Sooners
3) Kansas Jayhawks
4) Baylor Bears
5) Texas A&M Aggies
6) Oklahoma State Cowboys
7) Texas Tech Red Raiders
8) Missouri Tigers
9) Nebraska Cornhuskers
10) Kansas State Wildcats
11) Iowa State Cyclones
12) Colorado Buffaloes