Preseason Big 12 men’s basketball power rankings

Feb 18, 2023; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard Javon Ruffin (11) makes a basket against Arizona Wildcats guard Pelle Larsson (3) during the second half at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Zachary BonDurant-USA TODAY Sports

Men’s basketball in the Big 12 Conference has long been one of the nation’s most competitive and legacy-building brands. This season, four former Pac-12 teams are added to the fold in the Arizona Wildcats, Arizona State Sun Devils, Colorado Buffaloes and Utah Utes to shape a deep, fascinating set of 16 teams vying for a title.

In the 2024-25 preseason USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll, five of the top 10 teams were from the Big 12. Despite a lack of deep NCAA Tournament runs last season, the conference has led the country in winning percentage in nine of the past 11 years.

Big 12 squads were extremely active in the transfer portal as well, mostly due to several disappointing March Madness runs. Per 247Sports, the conference landed nine of this offseason’s top 25 transfers.

Here are our preseason Big 12 men’s basketball power rankings:

16. Utah Utes

Feb 24, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Utah Utes forward Ben Carlson (1) and guard Deivon Smith (5) and guard Hunter Erickson (0) and center Lawson Lovering (34) and guard Gabe Madsen (55) during the first half against the Colorado Buffaloes at the CU Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Last season, the Utes reached the NIT semifinals but have since lost team-leading big man Branden Carlson to graduation. Key pieces in guard Gabe Madsen and center Lawson Lovering return, and former five-star Miro Little was added from the portal, but this squad has little hope of returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016.

First game: vs. Alcorn State, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. MT (ESPN+)

15. Oklahoma State Cowboys

Oct 23, 2024; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys head coach Steve Lutz talks to media during the Big 12 Men’s Basketball Media Day at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/preseason-big-12-mens-basketball-172114351.html

Author : Buffaloes Wire

Publish date : 2024-10-29 17:21:00

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