Big 12 Basketball power rankings: Texas Tech emerges as big threat to Kansas

3. Kansas State Wildcats (6-1)

Previous ranking: 2

In the month of November, there weren’t many close calls for Kansas State, who went unbeaten thanks to one of the best defenses in all of college basketball. They were giving up around 55 ppg and remained No. 12 in the country.

But the turn of December gave the Wildcats their toughest test to date. Marquette is an elite offense, presenting a contrast of strengths in the matchup with Kansas State. In a shocking lack of awareness, Kansas State allowed Marquette’s Markus Howard to off for 45 points on 11-17 shooting. Where he made his presence really felt was on the free throw line, going 19-21. Had the Wildcats simply slowed him down, they would’ve had a shot to beat them.

Even after the Marquette game, Kansas State still has a top-20 scoring defense. But the offensive issues still remain, particularly from the three-point line. They’re still in the 300’s attempts, makes and percentage and looks to grind out games rather than play in shootouts. That might not fly as much once Big 12 play happens in January.

Preseason Big 12 Player of the Year Dean Wade has been as advertised, leading his team in all main categories with 15.4 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 3.6 apg. But he and Barry Brown (14.4 ppg) had off nights in the Marquette loss. If the Wildcats have to rely on these two to provide much of the offensive production on a nightly basis rather than look for additional help, the ceiling of this team will be lower than expected –  regardless of how good the defense remains.