Big 12 men's basketball power rankings: Cincinnati proves its fast start is no fluke

Big 12 men’s basketball power rankings: Cincinnati proves its fast start is no fluke

Posted by Admin December 26, 2024 Basketball

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Big 12 men’s basketball play is here, just in time for the new year.

And with the calendar turning comes a new-look conference that’s reputation has taken a bit of a beating through non-conference play.

Is the Big 12 the best in the nation anymore? That’s more debatable than ever.

But now is the time to prove it is the best.

From Iowa State to Kansas to Houston and even Cincinnati, the Big 12 still has plenty of might. In fact, the Bearcats’ rise has only beefed up the conference.

Here is a look at this week’s power rankings as the real fun begins:

Last week: 1

This week: at Colorado (Monday)

What to know: When did the Cyclones last lose a home game at Hilton Coliseum? It wasn’t in 2024, let’s put it that way.

Last week: 2

This week: vs. West Virginia (Tuesday)

What to know: South Dakota State transfer Zeke Mayo is red hot. He’s made 10 of his last 17 3-pointers, five in each of the past two games.

Last week: 3

This week: at Oklahoma State (Monday)

What to know: The Cougars’ depth will be tested with conference play opening. Starting forward J’Wan Roberts is banged up. Reserve guard Ramon Walker Jr. is out until late January as well.

Last week: 5

This week: at Kansas State (Monday)

What to know: The Bearcats took down Dayton for their first top-25 win this season, showing they are not just beating bad teams. Next up: A trip to Manhattan, Kansas, for the first time since 1967.

Last week: 4

This week: vs. Arlington Baptist (Friday); vs. Utah (Tuesday)

What to know: Let’s just all be thankful Baylor is back playing basketball after a 16-day break. If you can remember that far back, the Bears beat Norfolk State behind Robert Wright III’s freshman-record 13 assists.

Last week: 6

This week: vs. UCF (Tuesday)

What to know: Darrion Williams’ versatility is key. Just look at his impact against Lamar. The 6-foot-6 forward played the 5 for the short-handed Red Raiders. And he thrived. Things like that will be key in the deep league.

Last week: 7

This week: at Kansas (Tuesday)

What to know: The Mountaineers have been a pleasant surprise this season. But the solid start will be tested as Tucker DeVries remains out and now big man Amani Hansberry deals with a lower leg injury.

Last week: 8

This week: at BYU (Tuesday)

What to know: Freshman Jayden Quaintance is one of the nation’s best shot blockers. But he’s also up to three double-doubles in his short career, the latest a 19-point, 11-rebound effort in a win over UMass.

Last week: 9

This week: vs. TCU (Monday)

What to know: It’s basically now or never for the Wildcats, a top-10 team entering the season that is now 0-5 in Quad 1 games. Getting star Caleb Love going would be the easiest remedy.

Last week: 10

This week: at Texas Tech (Tuesday)

What to know: Good news for the Knights: Leading scorer Jaylin Sellers is back after suffering a preseason back injury. They also got redshirt freshman Mikey Williams back from an injury.

Last week: 11

This week: vs. Iowa State (Monday)

What to know: Any chance the Buffaloes could get Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter to join the team? His dunks were impressive. And they could use every bit of talent returning to the Big 12.

Last week: 12

This week: vs. Arizona State (Tuesday)

What to know: The Cougars have played one of the weakest schedules in the country so far this season. But they do have budding freshman Kanon Catchings, the nephew of 10-time WNBA All-Star Tamika Catchings.

Last week: 14

This week: vs. Houston (Monday)

What to know: The Cowboys are far from perfect. But they are undefeated at home in non-conference play for the first time since the 2016-17 season, the lone season Brad Underwood led the program.

Last week: 15

This week: at Arizona (Monday)

What to know: Through all of the injuries, the Horned Frogs remain a stout defensive team. In fact, they are in the to 20 of KenPom.com’s adjusted defensive efficiency.

Last week: 13

This week: vs. Cincinnati (Monday)

What to know: Woof. After a 19-point drubbing by in-state rival Wichita State, maybe it’s safe to assume less is more for the NIL free-spending Wildcats, who are putting themselves further away from the NCAA Tournament each day.

Last week: 16

This week: at Baylor (Tuesday)

What to know: The Utes are 8-0 against Quad 4 teams. Unfortunately, that’s the total amount of wins they have. They are winless against the other quads.