Big 12 member Kansas took home the title last season but after massive graduation and NBA defections, they are full of newcomers and while possessing tremendous talent, will falter early on because their youth and inexperience. The contenders for the Big 12 title fall to Oklahoma and Texas.
It seems like Rick Barnes loses NBA talent every season and still puts together a quality team. He is a fantastic recruiter and this team is no different from some of his others in the past. His main scoring option will be senior AJ Abrams. He may be short in stature at 5-11 but his ability to shoot and score points in unparalleled. If Rick Barnes chooses to go with three guards, watch out for the steady handed Justin Mason to play the small forward spot and freshman PG Dogus Balbay to handle the point. If Balbay emerges, it could free up Abrams to primarily focus on scoring. Up front are Damion James, Gary Johnson, and Connor Atchley. James has made significant strides the last two seasons and this could be the year he becomes an All-American.
Oklahoma looks like the slight favorite over Texas because of their experience (three starters back) and especially sophomore PF Blake Griffin, a possible top five NBA draft pick in 2009. Along side Griffin will be his brother, Taylor, sweet shooting senior Austin Johnson, and McDonald's All-American guard Willie Warren. Look for UCLA transfer Ryan Wright to have a nice impact in the post off the bench for the Sooners.
Nipping at the heels of the top two will be Baylor. Scott Drew has stockpiled talented guards and is working with Curtis Jerrells, LaceDarius Dunn, Henry Dugat, and Demond "Tweety" Carter. They will push the ball at every opportunity and will make every game a track meet. The big question will be if Kevin Rogers, Qunicy Acy, Josh Lomers, and Mamadou Diene can hold down the fort up front. The long term success of this team depends on the development of their frontcourt players.
1. Oklahoma, 2. Texas, 3. Baylor, 4. Kansas, 5. Kansas State, 6. Texas A&M, 7. Missouri, 8. Oklahoma State, 9. Texas Tech, 10. Nebraska, 11. Iowa State, 12. Colorado.
Awards Section:
Player of the Year: Blake Griffin, F/C, Oklahoma
Freshman of the Year: Marcus Morris, F, Kansas
Most Improved Player: Cole Aldrich, C, Kansas
Coach of the Year: Frank Martin, Kansas State
All- Big 12 1st Team:
F/C Blake Griffin, Oklahoma
PF Damion James, Texas
SF James Anderson, Oklahoma State
SG AJ Abrams, Texas
PG Curtis Jerrells, Baylor
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