Big 12 Conference Tournament preview and predictions

This will be the last Big 12 Tournament as we know it. Missouri and Texas A&M are headed to the SEC, while West Virginia and TCU will be in the Big 12 next season. Who do I predict to win the Big 12 Tournament? Find out below along with my picks for every game.

Top 5 Players

1. Thomas Robinson, Kansas ( Jr.) – Robinson is the most strongest and explosive player in the nation. For the year he is averaging a double double with 18 points and 11.9 rebounds. The rebounds are best in the Big 12. In my mind he is the favorite to win National Player of the Year. He is also averaging 1.8 assists and 1.1 blocks.

2. Marcus Denmon, Missouri (Sr.) – Denmon is playing like the best shooting guard in the country. Denmon is the second leading scorer in the Big 12 with 18 points per game. Denmon is making 2.9 three pointers per game, that’s second in the Big 12. Denmon is also averaging 5.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists.

3. J’Covan Brown, Texas (Jr.) – Brown is leading the Big 12 in scoring with 20 points per game. He is also averaging 3.8 assists, 3.1 rebounds and making 2.4 threes per game.

4.Tyshawn Taylor, Kansas (Sr.) – Taylor is averaging 17.2 points per game 4th in the Big 12. He is also averaging 4.9 assists per game. Taylor has improved his shooting; he is shooting over 43 % from three.

5. Rodney McGruder, Kansas State (Jr.) –McGruder is leading a much underrated Kansas State team in points this season with 15.5 points per game. He is also a good rebounder for a guard averaging 5.4 rebounds per game. McGruder is also a very good three point shooter.

NCAA Tournament

Locks for the Tournament: Kansas, Missouri, Baylor, Kansas State, Iowa State

On the Bubble : Texas

1st Round

Oklahoma/ Texas A&M – The Aggies had a really disappointing season. They were picked to be a top the league but they finished with a 4-14 record in the Big 12. It did not help that their best player Khris Middleton battled injuries most of the season. In the final regular season game Oklahoma beat A&M; I like the same outcome in this game. The Sooners will have the best player on the court in Steven Pledger. Romero Osby will also dominate inside.

Oklahoma State/ Texas Tech - The Red Raiders are one of the worst teams in the nation. They finished with a 1-17 record in the Big 12. Oklahoma State will roll in this one; it won’t even be close. The Cowboys are capable of making a run in this tournament especially if Keiton Page continues his hot play. Le’Bryan Nash has also been impressive as a freshman.

Quarterfinals

Baylor/ Kansas State – These two teams have played two this season, both games were decided by a total of 3 points. Baylor might have the most pure talent of any team out there, but they don’t always play like that. Perry Jones really needs to step his game up. Rodney McGruder, one of the most underrated players in the nation is on fire lately. He and the inside play of Jamar Samuels and Angel Rodriguez will lead Kansas State to victory.

Kansas/ Oklahoma – To me this is the best coaching job of Bill Self’s career. Kansas lost 4 starters from last year’s team and the Jayhawks are one of the top 4 teams in the country. Sure, it doesn’t hurt that Thomas Robinson is the best player in the nation in my opinion. These two teams played twice during the season and Kansas won by double digits both times look for the same outcome here.

Missouri/ Oklahoma State – Frank Haith has done an outstanding job in his first year with Missouri. Sure, he had a lot of talented players leftover but the previous coaching staff couldn’t get the job done. The Tigers are a very tough team to play against because of their unique style. They play 4 guards who are all really quick and are deadly from three. Missouri will roll here mainly because I don’t think the Cowboys can guard Missouri on offense.

Iowa State/ Texas – What a job Fred Hoiberg has done during his second year at Iowa State. His team is mostly led by transfers. Texas has one star J’Covan Brown and a bunch of talented freshmen. Texas will be good next year but I can’t see them getting past Iowa State. Texas will have no answer for Royce White inside. Scott Christopherson and Chris Allen will hit a couple of big three’s here. Texas will sweat it out on selection Sunday.

Semifinals

Kansas State/ Kansas – Kansas has owned Kansas State throughout the years. This is true of late,also, with Kansas winning 9 of 10. However, I think this game will be very close but I see Kansas pulling it out late. Kansas has two stars in Thomas Robinson and Tyshawn Taylor compared to KSU’s one Rodney McGruder. If the Wildcats try to stop Robison watch out for Jeff Withey, who had 18 points last time they played.

Missouri/Iowa State – This will be a great game if you like to watch up and down basketball and three point shooting. These two teams meant twice during the regular season with the Tigers winning both times. I just think Missouri has too many weapons and they will win this game kind of easily. Marcus Denmon is the best shooting guard in the country. Kim English and Michael Dixon are both also two dangerous three-point shooters. Ricardo Ratliffe, the lone big guy on this team is also capable of having a big game.

Finals

Kansas/ Missouri – This game will have a lot riding on it. Winner will likely get a number one seed and the winner will also have bargaining rights. With Missouri heading to the SEC, this will likely be the last meeting in a while between the two rival schools. They have split in their two regular season match ups. Both games where epic games that featured epic comebacks. This game doesn’t need analysis. The Kansas Jayhawks will win the Big 12 Championship thanks to one player Thomas Robinson. In the two match ups against Missouri Robinson has scored 25 and 28 points. Missouri’s lack of size and lack of depth inside really hurts them. They just have no answer for Robinson. Look for him to have another 20 plus scoring game as the Jayhawks beat the Tigers for the last time that both schools are in the Big 12.

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