Big 12 men's basketball 2022-23: Can Baylor, anyone dethrone Kansas?
Baylor was a No. 1 seed in last season’s NCAA Tournament. Adam Flagler is expected to move to point guard. Flo Thamba returns at center. West Virginia transfer Jalen Bridges could have a breakout year.
Baylor's chance at a national title comes down to health. Langston Love will make his debut after missing last season with a torn ACL. Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua will miss the start of the season.
The Cyclones were the surprise of the conference last year. They finished with a run to the Sweet 16. The team added St. Bonaventure transfer Osun Osunniyi and Temple transfer Jeremiah Williams.
Iowa State's defense is expected to be stout, but the team's offense struggled last year.
The defending national champions are reloading under coach Bill Self. Forward Jalen Wilson returns as the team’s most talented player. Point guard Dajuan Harris Jr. is more experienced and ready to lead a team with newcomers like freshman Gradey Dick.
The Jayhawks lack a traditional center that dominates, but Self is a master at adjusting to his roster. Wilson's development into the go-to guy will be key.
Jerome Tang takes over a program undergoing a rebuild with only two returning players. Markquis Nowell (12.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 5.0 apg) is expected to carry the load. Keyontae Johnson, who has not played in two years due to a heart condition, is the biggest addition. Junior forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin is also expected be a big contributor after starring at Chipola (Florida) College.
The Wildcats’ new look will have growing pains.
Nevada transfer Grant Sherfield will be relied on heavily to boost the offense. Joe Bamisile was added from George Washington. Sophomores Bijan Cortes and CJ Noland are expected to take a step forward. Senior forward Tanner Groves and his brother Jacob could be the biggest keys.
The Sooners have the talent to make the NCAA Tournament, but they need Sherfield to become a star and Groves to be an inside force to win more games.
After a tumultuous .500 season, the Cowboys are looking for a second NCAA Tournament berth in three seasons. Moussa Cisse is co-Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. Guards Avery Anderson III (12.1 ppg) and Bryce Thompson (10.6 pPG) will carry the load offensively. John Michael Wright (18.4 pgs, 3.3 apg) from High Point gives coach Mike Boynton a true point guard for his system.
OSU is back in the postseason. The Cowboys have valuable experience and key pieces of a dynamic defense. They need to improve their shooting to make a tournament run.
Chris Beard's first season as coach of the Texas Longhorns ended in the second round of NCAA Tournament. Three starters return, including forward Timmy Allen (12.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg). Marcus Carr (11. 4 pPG, 3.3 apg) is looking to rebound from a down year. Dylan Disu is healthy for the first time since transferring and expected to be a key contributor. Sir’Jabari Rice arrives to boost the backcourt.
The Longhorns are looking for improved shooting from beyond the arc. Texas could push for the conference title and more.
Mike Miles Jr. is a favorite to win the Big 12 Player of the Year. Damion Baugh, Damian Miller and Emanuel Miller are also returning. Eddie Lampkin Jr., who is 6-11 and 263 pounds, is the team's tallest player.
The Horned Frogs went 8-10 in conference play last year with a nearly identical roster. To take a step forward, they need Miles to carry the way and the offense to shoot better from deep and cut down on turnovers.
Baylor is rebuilding under second-year coach Mark Adams. Kevin Obanor is the lone returning starter. De’Vion Harmon is a former Oregon and Oklahoma guard. Kerwin Walton, Jaylon Tyson and Fardaws Aimaq are other key transfers.
Adams is focusing on improving the Red Raiders’ 3-point shooting and their elite defense. There are a lot of unproven players on the roster.
Bob Huggins rebuilt the roster after a last-place finish in the Big 12. Tre Mitchell is the biggest name to join the team. Erik Stevenson is on his fourth stop in five seasons. Emmitt Matthews Jr. returned after he spent a year away at Washington. Iowa transfer Joe Toussaint will be a key contributor.
On paper, this team could be an NCAA Tournament team. It all comes down to how well the new-look roster fits in Higgins’ longtime system.
Baylor and Gonzaga are playing each other on December 2. They are two top-10 teams that have won at least 81 games over the past three seasons.
Kansas and Kentucky are playing in the Big 12/SEC Challenge on January 28th. Last year, Kentucky beat Kansas 80-62 inside Allen Fieldhouse.
Texas at Texas Tech was a WWE main event last season.
Baylor plays Kansas on February 18th. The winner will be in a strong position to wrap up the Big 12 title.
Mike Miles Jr., G, TCU is the Big 12's player of the year.
Keyonte George, G, Baylor is the Big 12 rookie of the year.
Adam Flagler, Keyonte George, Mike Miles Jr., Timmy Allen, Jalen Wilson and Jalon Wilson are the players to watch in the Big 12 men's basketball 2022-23.
Avery Anderson III, G., Sr., Oklahoma State, is the Player of the Year. Dajuan Harris Jr., G, R- Jr. is a junior at Kansas. Tyrese Hunter is so far a sophomore at Texas. Kevin Obanor is S-Sr., Texas Tech. Moussa Cisse is C, Jr, Oklahoma.
Baylor signed five-star shooting guard Keyonte George. Kansas signed Gradey Dick, Zuby Ejiofor and Ernest Udeh Jr. and has the Big 12's top class. Texas signed Dillon Mitchell and Arterio Morris.
Texas Tech has a new coach, Mark Adams, and a class with three four-star recruits.
