%20(1).png)
Baylor
2022-23 Record: 23-11
On3
Projected Big 12 Finish: 6th
Torvik Preseason Rank: #25
After suffering a second round exit in last year’s NCAA Tournament, Scott Drew will be looking for a bounce back year by program standard’s. The Bears bring in a very skilled freshman class, headlined by five star recruit and projected lottery pick Ja’Kobe Walter, who will be expected to have an immediate impact on the wing. Finland national team member, Miro Little, who most recently represented the Fins at the FIBA World Cup, will be incorporated extensively in the Bears’ future development.
Baylor added several key pieces from the portal this offseason. Toledo transfer RayJ Dennis proved to be a stat sheet stuffer last year in the MAC, ranking top 5 in both points (19.5) and assists (5.8) in the conference last season. Jayden Nunn also enters as a proven contributor from VCU, who will provide additional depth at the guard spot.
Senior forward Jalen Bridges will be the most pivotal player in determining this team’s success, seen as one of the best athletes in the Big 12 this year and Baylor’s most proven player returning from 2023.
The biggest question heading into this season: can this team return to being a top-10 defense nationally or will they be one of the worst in the league for a second straight year? The Bears ranked 107th in defensive efficiency last season and was the root of all struggles for this team. The additions of Jayden Nunn on the wing and Juco transfer Yanis Ndonja should improve this number heavily.
Starters:
PG - RayJ Dennis (19.5 PTS, 5.8 AST, 37% 3PT | Toledo)
G- Langston Love (6.3 PTS, 36% 3PT)
SF - Ja’Kobe Walter (#5 recruit)
PF - Jalen Bridges (10.3 PTS, 5.6 REB, 32% 3PT)
C- Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua (5.1 PTS, 4.8 REB)
Bench:
G - Jayden Nunn (9.3 PTS | VCU)
PG - Miro Little (#43 recruit)
C - Yanis Ndonja (13.5 PTS, 8.3 REB | New Mexico Military Institute)
G - Dale Bonner (4.7 PTS)
PF - Caleb Lohner (3.2 PTS)
C - Josh Ojianwuna (4.2 PTS)
G - Dantwan Grimes (Redshirted in ‘23)
C - Yves Missi (#42 recruit)
Iowa State
2022-23 Record: 19-14
The Gazette
Projected Big 12 Finish: 9th
Torvik Preseason Rank: #49
As is tradition since the days of Fred Hoiberg at the helm of the program, Iowa State is built on the transfer portal in 2024. Likely starters Curtis Jones (Buffalo) and Keshon Gilbert (UNLV), along with Jackson Paveletzke (Wofford) will all fill big roles in the backcourt after averaging 11+ points at their previous stops.
Omaha Biliew, an Iowa native and the Cyclones’ highest ranked recruit in school history, is a projected one-and-done NBA prospect that will be an immediate impact player in Ames. The biggest concern for this team will revolve around the bench’s depth, which will feature five newcomers – 4 of these being freshmen, and only 10 points per game returning outside of the starting five. The backcourt of the second unit is also a bit suspect, with more than half of the roster’s buildup featuring frontcourt players.
Last year, the Cyclones fell off a cliff the second half of the season. Outside shooting will need to be much improved, as the transfer additions should significantly help in this regard. If sophomore point guard Tamin Lipsey can add an offensive spark, this could be a sleeper team in the conference poised to make a run in March.
Starters:
PG - Tamin Lipsey (7.3 PTS, 4.4 AST)
G - Curtis Jones (15 PTS, 4.8 REB, 3 AST, 36% 3pt | Buffalo)
G - Keshon Gilbert (11.4 PTS, 3.8 REB, 38% 3pt | UNLV)
F - Omaha Biliew (#13 recruit)
C - Robert Jones (5.7 PTS, 3.8 REB)
Bench:
G - Jackson Paveletzke (15.1 PTS, 3.7 AST, 39% 3pt | Wofford)
PF - Tre King (6.1 PTS, 4.8 REB)
PF - Milan Momcilovic (#37 recruit)
C - JT Rock (#100 recruit)
SF - Demarion Watson (1.7 PTS)
PF - Hason Ward (2.8 PTS)
PF - Kayden Fish (#163 recruit)
G - Jelani Hamilton (#195 recruit)
Kansas
2022-23 Record: 28-7
247Sports
Projected Big 12 Finish: 1st
Torvik Preseason Rank: #2
Eat. Sleep. Win. Repeat.
Since the inception of the Big 12 in 1996, Kansas has more regular season conference titles than their-now 13 league foes combined. Amongst writers within the college basketball sphere, Bill Self’s team is viewed as either as a top 2 team in the country. Returners Dajuan Harris (2023 Big 12 DPOY), Kevin McCullar, and KJ Adams will be three of the best defensive players in the conference in 2024.
Outside of these defensive anchors, KU’s roster has been entirely revamped. Michigan transfer and our Big 12 preseason POY Hunter Dickinson is a top 10 player in the sport after being the Wolverines’ main focal point for the past three seasons. Other key transfers on the roster include expected starter Nicolas Timberlake (Towson) and Parker Braun (Santa Clara), both of whom are expected to play a contributing role in Lawrence.
With only ten scholarship players, freshmen newcomers Elmarko Jackson, Jamari McDowell, and Aussie late bloomer Johnny Furphy will all play valuable minutes, with Jackson projected as a top 5 impact freshmen, according to On3.
Based on the amount of experience and firepower this team added in the transfer portal, anything less than a Big 12 championship and return to the Final Four will be seen as a failure, a typical expectation for Kansas fans.
Starters:
PG - Dajuan Harris (8.9 PTS, 6.2 AST, 41% 3pt)
G - Nicolas Timberlake (17.7 PTS, 42% 3pt | Towson)
SF - Kevin McCullar (10.7 PTS, 7 REB)
PF - KJ Adams (10.6 PTS, 4.3 REB)
C - Hunter Dickinson (18.5 PTS, 9 REB, 42% 3pt | Michigan)
Bench:
CG - Elmarko Jackson (#20 recruit)
SF - Johnny Furphy (#35 recruit)
PF - Parker Braun (7.7 PTS, 5.8 REB | Santa Clara)
G - Jamari McDowell (#88 recruit)
K-State
2022-23 Record: 26-10
On3
Projected Big 12 Finish: 5th
Torvik Preseason Rank: #40
After being projected to finish last in the Big 12 last season, the Cats exceeded all expectations and reached the Elite Eight as a 3-seed in the NCAA Tournament. Built on additions via the transfer portal, Jerome Tang has comprised his roster in similar fashion after the loss of team leaders Keyontae Johnson (17.4 PTS) and Markquis Nowell (17.6 PTS, 8.3 AST).
North Texas grad transfer Tylor Perry (2023 C-USA POY) will be one of the most dynamic guards in the Big 12 this season, while Arthur Kaluma of Creighton will add a much needed defensive and slashing presence on the wing (11.8 PTS). Ques Glover will serve a large role off the bench after joining the team at the start of the school year after stints at Florida, Samford, and most recently BYU.
While the returning production on this team is limited, 6’10” forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin, arguably the team’s best NBA prospect is expected to only further bolster his statlines, despite entering only his sixth year of playing organized basketball. Cam Carter (6.5 PTS) may be one of the most underappreciated players in the conference and will continue to service role of #2 on the wing.
Starters:
PG - Tylor Perry (17.3 PTS, 2.1 AST, 41% 3pt | North Texas)
G - Cam Carter (6.5 PTS, 3 AST, 33% 3pt)
F - Arthur Kaluma (11.8 PTS, 6 REB, 31% 3pt | Creighton)
PF - David N’Guessan (6.4 PTS, 3.5 REB)
PF - Nae’Qwan Tomlin (10.4 PTS, 5.9 REB)
Bench:
Ques Glover (14.7 PTS, 38% 3pt | Samford)
Dai Dai Ames (#83 recruit)
Will McNair (3.3 PTS | Mississippi State)
Macaleab Rich (#106 recruit)
Dorian Finister (2 PTS)
Jerrell Colbert (RS in 2023)
Taj Manning (RS in 2023)
RJ Jones (#98 recruit)
Oklahoma State
2022-23 Record: 20-16
ESPN
Projected Big 12 Finish: 9th
Torvik Preseason Rank: #56
With a roster that returns only three players from 2023, the Pokes are in full rebuild mode this year. Mike Boynton and his staff have brought in nine newcomers, with a monster recruiting class in terms of overall numbers. Five true freshmen will be featured on this year’s squad, with McDonald’s All-American big Brandon Garrison likely anchoring the starting five-man spot. Top 40 recruit Eric Dailey Jr. of IMG Academy will also be expected to play meaningful minutes.
The core of this team will revolve around another former McDonald’s All-American in Bryce Thompson, who led OSU in scoring last season at 11.8 PTS per game. Starting point guard John-Michael Wright also returns to Stillwater, but will need to upgrade his passing and floor spacing abilities drastically in order to thrive alongside ECU transfer Javon Small (15.8 PTS).
Of the portal additions that the Cowboys have added, NC State transfer Isaiah Miranda may be the biggest mystery. A former consensus four star recruit, the 7’1” forward is unlike any big man that OSU has featured during Boynton’s tenure – as he largely relies on being able to attack on the bounce and space the floor.
Don’t expect a major turnaround for Oklahoma State this year. However, the vibes should be much higher this year, as this appears to be a fringe NCAA Tournament team on paper.
Starters:
John-Michael Wright (9.8 PTS, 2.0 AST, 34% 3pt)
Javon Small (15.8 PTS, 5.6 AST, 4.8 REB | East Carolina)
Bryce Thompson (11.8 PTS, 2.6 REB, 37% 3pt)
Isaiah Miranda (RS in 2023 | NC State)
Brandon Garrison (#45 recruit)
Bench:
Jarius Hicklen (12.5 PTS, 3.2 AST, 36% 3pt | North Florida)
Mike Marsh (10.5 PTS, 4.9 REB | Jacksonville)
Eric Dailey Jr. (#38 recruit)
Quion Williams (3.2 PTS)
Justin McBride (#134 recruit)
Jamyron Keller (#147 recruit)
Connor Dow (#250 recruit)
TCU
2022-23 Record: 22-12
TCU Athletics
Projected Big 12 Finish: 3rd
Torvik Preseason Rank: #19
Despite losing lead guard Mike Miles Jr. to the NBA (17.9 PTS), TCU is poised to make another run at their first Big 12 title. Delaware transfer Jameer Nelson Jr., son of St. Joe’s legend and long-time NBA vet Jameer Nelson, is set to fill the point guard role with little drop off.
Jamie Dixon’s roster features a well-balanced mold of returning production and portal additions, in addition to just Nelson. Second leading scorer Emanuel Miller will be one of the best wings in the conference this season, with Chuck O’Bannon Jr. slated to start on the wing as well. Avery Anderson III (11.1 PTS) of Oklahoma State will likely be paired with Nelson in the backcourt, which could be a truly special unit if Anderson can improve his perimeter shooting. Former McDonald’s All-American and Kansas transfer Ernest Udeh Jr. impressed folks in Lawrence last season in a limited role, but has a long road ahead to contribute at an all-conference like level.
The Frogs will likely go ten-deep this year in their rotation, with returners JaKobe Coles, Micah Peavy, and Xavier Cork all expected to be impact contributors off the bench. Mid-major transfers Trevian Tennyson and Essam Mostafa – both double digit scorers last year, will contend for starter level minutes as well.
On paper, this is one of the best rosters in the Big 12 and TCU should fight amongst Kansas and Houston for a conference title.
Starters:
PG - Jameer Nelson Jr. (20.6 PTS, 4.6 REB, 3.6 AST | Delaware)
G - Avery Anderson III (11.1 PTS, 3.4 AST | Oklahoma St.)
SF - Emanuel Miller (12.3 PTS, 6.5 REB, 39% 3pt)
F - Chuck O’Bannon Jr. (7.7 PTS, 3.4 REB)
C - Ernest Udeh Jr. (2.6 PTS, 1.8 REB | Kansas)
Bench:
PF - JaKobe Coles (8.6 PTS)
SF - Micah Peavy (7.0 PTS)
G - Trevian Tennyson (15.7 PTS, 40% 3pt | Corpus Christi)
PF - Essam Mostafa (12.4 PTS, 10.0 REB | Coastal Carolina)
PF - Xavier Cork (4.4 PTS)
SF - Jace Posey (#96 recruit)
PF - Isaiah Manning (#246 recruit)
Texas Tech
2022-23 Record: 16-16
Texas Tech Athletics
Projected Big 12 Finish: 12th
Torvik Preseason Rank: #41
Year one of Grant McCasland’s tenure in Lubbock likely won’t be a fun one for Tech fans. After finishing just 16-16 last season, the Red Raiders are in near full rebuild mode after the firing/resignation of Mark Adams, just four years after the program reached the national championship game.
This season’s roster has been heavily constructed through the transfer portal, with only a handful of real contributors returning from last year’s team. Sophomore guard Pop Isaacs (11.5 PTS) leads this pack of returners in scoring – exceeding his projected role in 2023 as a true freshmen, averaging nearly 30 minutes per game. Former UNC transfer Kerwin Walton and sophomore Lamar Washington will also be featured heavily in this team’s rotation.
Six of Tech’s projected seven rotation pieces are new additions via the portal. A pair of Arizona State forwards Devan Cambridge (9.8 PTS) and Warren Washington (9.2 PTS) will be key pieces of the starting five this year and will need to both improve their production heavily on a roster lacking depth at the 4 and 5 spots.
Joe Touissant (9.4 PTS) will likely fill the void left by De’Vion Harmon at the point guard position, after serving as a backup at West Virginia last season. Darrion Williams (Nevada) and Chance McMillian will also play crucial roles on the wings this season for TTU.
Outside of UCF, this is likely the worst roster in the Big 12 on paper. However, the addition of Grant McCasland on the bench bumps this team up a spot in our power ranking, but don’t expect a NCAA tournament bid in year one of his reign.
Starters:
PG - Joe Touissant (9.4 PTS, 2.6 AST | WVU)
CG - Pop Isaacs (11.5 PTS, 38% 3pt)
SF - Darrion Williams (7.6 PTS, 7.3 REB | Nevada)
PF - Devan Cambridge (9.8 PTS, 5.4 REB | Arizona St.)
C - Warren Washington (9.2 PTS, 6.9 REB | Arizona St.)
Bench:
G - Chance McMillian (10.9 PTS, 44% 3pt | Grand Canyon)
F - KyeRon Lindsay (6.2 PTS, 5.2 REB | Georgia)
G - Kerwin Walton (3.6 PTS, 41% 3pt)
SF - Lamar Washington (3.4 PTS)
G - D’Maurian Williams (3.1 PTS)
F - Robert Jennings (2.7 PTS)
SF - Drew Steffe (#192 recruit)
PF - Eemeli Yalaho (NR recruit)
West Virginia
2022-23 Record: 19-15
Dominion Post
Projected Big 12 Finish: 7th
Torvik Preseason Rank: #60
The Mountaineers had by far the wildest offseason of any team in the Big 12 – and quite possible all of D1 hoops. Bob Huggins was fired, a plethora of transfers entered and exited the program, and projected starter Jose Perez was just dismissed from the program days ago.
Luckily for West Virginia and interim head coach Josh Eilert, the talent of this squad is worthy of still being ranked in the top half of the conference. Portalers Kerr Kriisa and Jesse Edwards will both be on our preseason Big 12 teams, after establishing solid careers at Arizona and Syracuse. Montana State transfer RaeQuan Battle (17.7 PTS) is the best player on this roster from a NBA perspective.
Former IMG Academy and HoopMixtape star Noah Farrakhan (12.1 PTS) will be an impact player for the ‘Neers off the bench, while Louisville/Iona transfer Quinn Slazinski will take the starting spot left behind by Jose Perez.
WVU may be the biggest mystery team in this conference, largely as a result of offseason shenanigans and a first-time head coach. Expect this team to be fighting for a NCAA tournament berth, but not for a Big 12 title.
Starters:
PG - Kerr Kriisa (9.9 PTS, 5.1 AST, 37% 3pt | Arizona)
G - Kobe Johnson (11.7 PTS, 3.1 AST)
G - RaeQuan Battle (17.7 PTS, 35% 3pt | Montana St.)
PF - Quinn Slazinski (11.3 PTS, 5.7 REB | Iona)
C - Jesse Edwards (14.5 PTS, 10.3 REB, 2.7 BLK | Syracuse)
Bench:
PG - Noah Farrakhan (12.1 PTS, 2.3 AST | East Carolina)
G - Seth Wilson (4.2 PTS, 42% 3pt)
PF - Akok Akok (6.5 PTS, 6.2 REB | Georgetown)
G - Jeremiah Bembry (RS in ‘23 | Florida St.)
F - Josiah Harriis (1.8 PTS)
PF - Patrick Suemnick (1.4 PTS)
Comentarios