Busting Brackets
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Big 12 Basketball Power Rankings: Kansas holds strong at the top

By Jason Kinander

LAWRENCE, KANSAS - DECEMBER 01: Lagerald Vick #24 of the Kansas Jayhawks celebrates after making a three-pointer during the game against the Stanford Cardinal at Allen Fieldhouse on December 01, 2018 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KANSAS - DECEMBER 01: Lagerald Vick #24 of the Kansas Jayhawks celebrates after making a three-pointer during the game against the Stanford Cardinal at Allen Fieldhouse on December 01, 2018 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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LAHAINA, HI – NOVEMBER 20: Michael Jacobson #12 of the Iowa State Cyclones defends Da’Monte Williams during the second half of the game at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 20, 2018 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images)
LAHAINA, HI – NOVEMBER 20: Michael Jacobson #12 of the Iowa State Cyclones defends Da’Monte Williams during the second half of the game at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 20, 2018 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) /

5. Iowa State Cyclones (9-2)

Previous Ranking: No. 4

Iowa State was viewed at as a potential huge sleeper team heading into this season. Well, after about a month of play, it’s safe to say that Iowa State isn’t exactly a sleeper anymore. The Cyclones have picked up solid wins all season long while losing only to a pair of quality opponents in Arizona and Iowa.

Iowa State has demolished “easy” opponents while making quick work of power conference opponents as well. Despite being 9-2, the Cyclones have struggled with health, as Lindell Wigginton has missed a majority of the season with a foot injury and senior Marial Shayok has dealt with a couple of nagging injuries. Despite the injuries, Iowa State has held its own thus far, as unexpected contributors have played great in the absence of key players.

Freshman Talen Horton-Tucker has been a huge playmaker early on and will look to continue to contribute even after Wigginton returns. Wigginton’s foot injury should be healed relatively soon, and while it’s still unknown if the sophomore guard will be healthy by the start of conference play, his return will be a huge lift for the Cyclones regardless of when it comes.

Wigginton will bring the perimeter scoring that Iowa State has lacked in 2018, and should provide the energy on offense that can make a young Iowa State team even more deadly than they’ve shown to be in non-conference play. Iowa State will begin their conference play against Oklahoma State in Oklahoma on Jan. 2 after finishing up non-conference play against Eastern Illinois.

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