Big 12 men’s basketball power rankings entering conference play

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Nov 29, 2024; Paradise Island, Bahamas, BHS; Arizona Wildcats guard KJ Lewis (5) and West Virginia Mountaineers guard Toby Okani (5) dive for a loose ball during the second half at Imperial Arena at the Atlantis resort. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The Big 12 may not have the most AP Top 25 teams or the most programs built for lengthy NCAA Tournament runs, but it may be the richest in talent of any men’s college basketball conference.

Several Big 12 teams were thrust into the fire throughout nonconference play, facing some of the nation’s finest. From the Gonzaga Bulldogs of misty Spokane to the Florida Gators of sweltering Gainesville, the Big 12 has gone near and far to prove its superiority over other collections of talent.

Every team in the conference emerged from these slates with a winning record, including the four newbies: the Colorado Buffaloes, Arizona Wildcats, Arizona State Sun Devils and Utah Utes. And while the standings indicate several equally-matched teams in terms of record, some teams are clearly superior.

Here are our updated Big 12 men’s basketball power rankings with conference play set to begin Monday:

Dec 17, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas State Wildcats head coach Jerome Tang reacts during the second half against the Drake Bulldogs at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

The Wildcats are off to a rocky start in head coach Jerome Tang’s third season. Three straight losses to St. John’s, Drake and Wichita State have K-State desperately needing a turnaround if it intends to return to the Elite 8.

Next game: Dec. 30 vs. No. 17 Cincinnati Bearcats, 5 p.m. MT (CBS Sports Network)

15. Utah Utes (8-3)

Feb 24, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Utah Utes center Lawson Lovering (34) dunks the ball in the first half against the Colorado Buffaloes at the CU Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Fortune has favored the Utes with eight wins in 11 contests, though with a pillow-soft schedule that may leave their most…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/big-12-mens-basketball-power-165814331.html

Author : Buffaloes Wire

Publish date : 2024-12-27 16:58:00

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