Big 12 Basketball: Big XII Preseason Team Power Rankings

Mar 27, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Oklahoma Sooners forward Ryan Spangler (00) talks to guard Jordan Woodard (10) during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans in the semifinals of the east regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

3. Oklahoma Sooners

The Sooners return former Big 12 Player of the Year Buddy Hield, and three other starters in Jordan Woodard, Ryan Spangler, and Isaiah Cousins. That’s all good and well, right? Not quite. They barely added anyone of substance, and might struggle to replace the offensive output from starting power forward Tashawn Thomas, and will also have a very thin bench.

This isn’t to say the Sooners won’t be good. As long as Buddy Hield is playing basketball games, the Sooners will contend for the Big 12 title, national title, and everything in between. But their depth is going to be a legitimate concern. Last year’s sixth man, Frank Booker, transferred. Eighth man Khadeem Lattin is probably going to slide into the starting lineup. A thin bench may have gotten even thinner.

Oklahoma will win the conference if…

they find a reliable second scorer to Buddy Hield. Isaiah Cousins is the most likely candidate for this, and he fits the bill in half of the Sooners games. But he’s so erratic and inconsistent, it’s tough to rely on him for nightly production. Ryan Spangler probably isn’t developing any post moves soon, and Jordan Woodard can’t convert from many places but the free throw line.

Khadeem Lattin is someone who I’m really high on, and if he can slide into Thomas’ role and give the Sooners a few back-to-the-basket buckets every night, that might just be enough. But that’s a lot to ask for someone who played just 12 minutes last season and committed two fouls per game in those 12 minutes. This is going to be an interesting development.

Next: 4. Baylor Bears