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

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MANHATTAN, KS – DECEMBER 15: Dean Wade #32 of the Kansas State Wildcats receives help leaving the court after hurting his right foot, by Xavier Sneed #20 and team trainer Luke Subaer (L) during the second half against the Georgia State Panthers on December 15, 2018 at Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /

4. Kansas State Wildcats (7-2)

Previous Ranking: No. 3

Kansas State has slipped as of late after entering the month ranked at No. 12 in the country. The Wildcats lost to both Marquette and Tulsa on the round to open up the month before finally winning their first game of December against Georgia State. However, that win came at a cost, as star senior forward Dean Wade went down with an unspecified foot injury, and is reportedly out indefinitely.

The injury is bad news for the Wildcats, as Wade is their leading rebounder at eight rebounds per game. Senior guard Barry Brown will need to continue to play big in Wade’s absence as the Wildcats still have three games remaining in December, including a game on December 22nd against 6-2 Vanderbilt. Other than the Vanderbilt game, Kansas State will have a chance to gain experience playing without Wade, hosting a pair of likely wins in Southern Miss and George Mason.

Its unknown how long the injury will hold Wade out for, but if it is for an extended period of time, its a huge loss for the Wildcats. Brown has the ability to step up as a shot maker in Wade’s absence and he’ll have to do it pretty well if the Wildcats want to stay in the Top-25.

Kansas State will play host to the Texas Longhorns to tip off conference play on Jan. 2.

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