1. Oklahoma State
Taking over the wing will be Markel Brown (10.5 ppg). Brown is a very explosive guard that had some highlight dunks last season. He led the team in assists and was 2nd in rebounding last season. Joining Brown in the backcourt will be very highly touted freshman Marcus Smart. Like Nash, Smart already has a NBA body. He is a very tough defender. Smart will take over the point guard duties. Starting at the 3 spot will be Brian Williams (9.6 ppg). This could recive a boost when J.P. Olukemi joins the fold (9.4 ppg). Right now he has an eligbilty issues, also last season was cut short for him because of an ACL injury. Also providing depth are JUCO transfer Kirby Gardner and sharp shooting freshman Phil Forte.
2.Kansas State
Leading the Wildcats will no doubt be guard Rodney McGruder (15.8 ppg). Simply he can do it all; he has no weakness. He is the 2nd returning leader scorer in the Big 12. Plus last season he was among the top in the league in rebounding, FG percentage, three point percentage and steals. Running the point guard duties will be Angel Rodriguez (8.3 ppg). He is coming off a strong freshman season in which he led the team in assists and steals. He will need to cut back on his turnovers. Also starting in the backcourt will be Will Spradling (9.3 ppg). He is a very scrappy player, who can also run the point. He is capable of being a better shooter. The Wildcats have quality depth here. The top two options off the bench will be Shane Southwell (3.2 ppg) and Martavious Irving (5.5 ppg). Also providing depth here will be Omari Lawrence (.6 ppg) and freshman Michael Orris.
3. Baylor
Leading Baylor will be point guard Pierre Jackson (13.8 ppg). Jackson, the JUCO transfer led Baylor in points, assists and steals. Jackson is extremely quick and he is a very good three point shooter. Though small he gets to the free throw line a lot because he attacks the rim. Joining him in the backcourt is Brady Heslip (10.2 ppg). He is a deadly shooter, last season he made 100 of them while shooting 46 %. Starting at the 3 spot will likely be Deuce Bello (10.3 ppg). Bello is an effective defender and athlete but he should produce more on offense with more playing time. Baylor has very good depth here. Providing depth here will be Gary Franklin (2.1 ppg) , A.J. Walton (3.6ppg) and highly touted freshman L.J. Rose. Walton is a very good defender.
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