Big 12 Basketball Power Rankings
Note: Number in parenthesis indicates that team's previous ranking.
1. Kansas (2)
Early on it looked like the Jayhawks would have an uphill battle to overcome Baylor for the top spot. Surprisingly, the Bears have dropped two in a row and are now searching for answers. Meanwhile, KU put on an offensive clinic on Saturday against West Virginia. David McCormack was unstoppable in the paint and is arguably the best big in the league. Once again, the Big 12 runs through Lawrence.
2. Texas Tech (6)
The Red Raiders did just lose to K-State but they have some very big wins already in their back pocket over Kansas and Baylor. To be the best in the league, you have to beat the best. Texas Tech has done that so far.
3. Baylor (1)
Baylor has lost two in a row and now has to travel to Morgantown to face a ticked off West Virginia team that got embarrassed in its last outing against Kansas. Things aren't going to be easy for them to get it turned around but they are still one of the most talented teams in not only the Big 12, but the country.
4. Iowa State (3)
The Cyclones caught everyone off guard with their hot start but have since fell back down to earth. That said, two of their three conference losses have come against Kansas and Baylor. They do own a win over Texas Tech, so I'm not ready to tab them as "overrated" just yet.
5. Texas (4)
Defense is Chris Beard's calling card and he'll need to rely on that a lot this season considering his team only shoots 31% from three and barely averages 70 points per game.
6. West Virginia (5)
WVU is a middle of the road type of team right now in the Big 12. Until they can find consistency outside of Taz Sherman and Sean McNeil, they'll remain in the middle of the conference. Jalen Bridges has shown some flashes here and there along with Isaiah Cottrell and Malik Curry but they need more out of those guys.
7. Oklahoma State (10)
Mike Boynton's team may not be allowed to play in the NCAA Tournament but they are playing every game as if they can. Avery Anderson III, Isaac Likekele, and the Boone brothers are the veterans that Boynton leans on. Those guys are talented enough to keep OSU afloat.
8. TCU (9)
I just can't seem to get sold on Jamie Dixon having a quality team at TCU. There's potential there but that's all it's ever seemed to be with him at the helm. Until they start winning games agains the top half of the league, they'll remain in the bottom three or four.
9. Oklahoma (8)
Porter Moser is going to have a lot of success at Oklahoma but it may take a few years to get it going. He has an extremely young group and they're going through a growth stage right now. Better times ahead in Norman.
10. Kansas State (7)
The Wildcats may have just picked up a win over Texas Tech but it's going to be a challenge for this squad to win games in this conference consistently.
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