Big 12 Basketball: Kansas to earn 13th straight conference title?

By Doug Winkey | Oct 5, 2016

Mar 26, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Devonte' Graham (4) celebrates with teammates after a play against the Villanova Wildcats during the second half of the south regional final of the NCAA Tournament at KFC YUM!. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 2, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Jordan Woodard (10) and center Jamuni McNeace (4) speak on the court during the first half against the Villanova Wildcats in the 2016 NCAA Men’s Division I Championship semi-final game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Oklahoma Sooners

2015-2016 record: 29-8 (12-6 Big 12), NCAA Tournament Final Four

Key players gone: SG Buddy Hield, PG Isaiah Cousins, PF Ryan Spangler, G Dinjiyl Walker, C Akolda Manyang

Key returnees: PG Jordan Woodard, C Khadeem Lattin, PF Dante Buford, SG Christian James, SF Rashard Odomes, PF Jamuni McNeace

Newcomers: PG Darrion Strong (6’1″, 180, transfer from Coffeyville [KS] Community College), PG Jordan Shepherd (6’2″, 175), SG Kameron McGusty (6’5″, 170, 46th ESPN 100), PF Khristian Doolittle (6’7″, 215, 69th ESPN 100), PF Matt Freeman (6’10”, 217)

After a Final Four birth, head coach Lon Kruger could have a mild rebuild on his hands this year. The loss of Buddy Hield, Isaiah Cousins and Ryan Spangler means 60 percent of the team’s points are gone. The new rotation will mostly consist of a coalition of former role players and newcomers.

Plenty of bench guys are back. However, outside of Jordan Woodard, they combined for just 17 percent of the team’s points last year. Someone has a prime opportunity to break through with the massive amount of available minutes.

Woodard is the clear star, but he has some athletic help outside with top 100 freshman Kameron McGusty. Christian James and Rashard Odomes both have solid frames and will be important depth on the wing.

Up front you have the enforcer Khadeem Lattin, who could take a big jump in his junior season. His primary help could be the sophomores Dante Buford and Jamuni McNeace, who each bring their own effective style to the position.

Nobody is expecting Lon Kruger’s Sooners to drop off the map, but things are very different after so much firepower graduated. OU has a potential POY candidate in Woodard and a terrific recruiting class.

Things will hinge on just who steps up to fill the scoring gaps. The team still has plenty of talent to fight in the middle of the Big 12 and for another NCAA bid.

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