Big 12 Basketball: Big XII Preseason Team Power Rankings
Mar 19, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Baylor Bears forward Johnathan Motley (35) tries to drive against Georgia State Panthers forward T.J. Shipes (31) in the first half of a game in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Jacksonville Veteran Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
4. Baylor Bears
I feel like I’m repeating myself, but the Bears return most of their starters this year, losing only point guard Kenny Chery and forward Royce O’Neal. Luckily for them, they have two guys that have already played a ton of productive minutes ready to step in in Ishmail Wainwright and Lester Medford.
But the real guy to watch for the Bears this year is Taurean Prince. He can score from all over the floor, averaging 14 points per game in only 26 minutes per game last season. Scott Drew should bump those minutes up to 32-ish per game this year, and that will vault him up with the elite scorers in the Big 12, and possibly thrust him into Big 12 Player of the Year discussion.
Baylor will win the conference if…
Lester Medford can play an admirable point guard. Kenny Chery was probably the most underrated point guard in the NCAA (definitely in the Big 12) last season. He was responsible for breaking down opposing defenses and finding open men for much of Baylors offense. The problem this year is that Lester Medford isn’t really that type of player.
He’s a nice player, don’t get me wrong. But he’ll never be a huge scorer like Chery was. He shouldn’t have to be, with Prince, Motley, and Rico Gathers (who hopefully added some post moves!) in the starting lineup. If he can initiate Baylor’s offense, take care the ball, and knock down some open threes, that should be enough,
Next: 5. West Virginia Mountaineers