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College players often make their biggest jump in productivity between freshman and sophomore year, and that should be the case with this Texas wing. A five-star recruit out of high school, Hamilton averaged 10 points and 3.7 rebounds per game off the bench as a true freshman, but he'll be taking on a central role for this season's Longhorns. He displayed flashes of brilliance last season (27 points in just 19 minutes at Oklahoma State), but also struggled mightily at times. Look for a more consistent showing in 2010-11.
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Even after the transfer of Dominique Sutton to North Carolina Central for family reasons, Kansas State still boasts one of the nation's deepest frontcourts. This group is led by Kelly, who really expanded his influence in the second half of last season, chipping in 21 points, eight rebounds and five blocks in a thrilling Sweet 16 win over Xavier
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The Tigers are regularly underrated to start the season, and the 2010-11 campaign doesn't appear to be any different. While Kansas State, Kansas and Baylor are receiving most of the preseason attention, Mike Anderson's team has a very promising cast of players, led by English. The 6-foot-6 guard struggles with shooting consistency and turns the ball over too much, but he made great strides in his game last season and there's no reason to think he won't do the same as a junior.
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As the highest-rated recruit ever to commit to Baylor, Jones is a rare talent and projects as a high lottery pick in the 2011 NBA draft. At 6-11, he is a matchup nightmare at the college level, boasting extreme athleticism, ball-handling ability and a steady midrange jumper. Simply put, there are few things that the freshman can't do on the basketball court, as evidenced by his regular comparisons to Tracy McGrady.
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The senior guard has started every game since he first set foot on Boulder, and he hopes to finish his career by leading Colorado back to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2003. Higgins finished fourth in the Big 12 in scoring last season (19.4 ppg on a sterling 50.5 percent shooting from the field) and has led the conference in steals the last two season.
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Burks may be the best player you've never heard of. The Big 12's 2009-10 Freshman of the Year burst on the scene last season, leading the conference in shooting percentage (53.8) and finishing seventh in scoring (17.1). With one more year of seasoning (and weight-lifting), could develop into a first-round pick in the 2011 NBA draft.
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Having lost Sherron Collins, Cole Aldrich and Xavier Henry from last year's squad, it'd be understandable for the Jayhawks to take a large step back. But that's not likely to be the case, especially if freshman guard becomes eligible. The NCAA has cleared one of the nation's top recruits academically, but his amateurism status is still under review. In terms of athleticism, quickness and next-level talent, Selby is actually an upgrade over Collins. (Obviously, the freshman won't be able to replicate Collins' veteran savvy right out the gates.)
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Overshadowed by his talented teammates, Morris made grand strides last season, averaging 14.2 points and 7.3 rebounds in conference play. He's a beast in the post and flashed an improving midrange game at times last season. Teaming this specimen up with his twin brother Markieff, Kansas should boast one of the nation's best frontcourts.
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At the moment, Dunn's season is in limbo. The star guard remains on indefinite suspension, facing a felony charge for allegedly hitting his girlfriend and breaking her jaw (Dunn's girlfriend disputes the charges). Losing Dunn would be a crushing blow to the Bears. Even though Baylor lost a lot from last year's Elite Eight team, expectations remain high, largely because of Dunn's prolific talent. If he returns, he's on pace to set the Big 12 career scoring record this season.
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Jacob Pullen gave his signature beard a bit of a trim in the offseason, but as the senior guard told the Kansas City Star, "It's growing back, so the town is going to be OK." Pullen enters this season as one of the leading candidates for national player of the year honors, leading a team with legitimate Final Four aspirations. Not only does he excel on the offensive end of the floor (19.3 ppg), but he's also a stifling defender on the perimeter.
