Big 12 Basketball: Midseason recap, awards, and observations

Top five teams

5. Kansas State Wildcats 15-5 (5-3)

Next to Iowa State, this Wildcats team didn’t really have a star player coming into conference play. But an injury forced Barry Brown to become the focal point of the offense and he’s run away with it. Other players like Cartier Diarra have played well with increased minutes, making this team a tough out in the league.

4. Oklahoma Sooners 15-4 (5-3)

The Sooners saved their hopes for a Big 12 title with a Monday win over Kansas but does need to worry about if Trae Young can continue carrying the team. Remember, most of these guys were part of the worst team in the league just a year ago. The other role players need to step up for Oklahoma to be a Final Four threat.

3. Texas Tech Red Raiders 16-4 (5-3)

Everyone knows that the Virginia Cavaliers are the top defensive team in the country, but few might realize that the Red Raiders are No. 2 in scoring defense. Texas Tech is also unbeaten at home, providing a very difficult environment for opponents to play at.

2. West Virginia Mountaineers 16-4 (5-3)

“Press Virginia” has certainly turned opponents over, but also has committed some themselves. With a ton of young players still developing, along with Esa Ahmad returning back into the fold, now we’ll see how good this team is.

1. Kansas Jayhawks 16-4 (6-2)

It doesn’t matter that half of the scholarship players are unable to play either from transfer rules or questionable decisions involving cars, Kansas has one of the best starting fives in the country, followed by one of the top coaches. Until the trophy is officially taken away from the Jayhawks, it’s always will be theirs to lose.