Big 12 Basketball: Way-too-early preseason power rankings for 2019-20

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 08: Kyler Edwards #0 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders reacts after his teams 85-77 loss to the Virginia Cavaliers during the 2019 NCAA men's Final Four National Championship game at U.S. Bank Stadium on April 08, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

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SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – MARCH 23: Makai Mason #10 of the Baylor Bears reacts to a play against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during their game in the Second Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 23, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

6. Baylor Bears

The Baylor Bears were easily the biggest surprise in the Big 12 last season, defying last-place odds en route to a Round of 32 appearance.

However, the Bears’ star point guard Makai Mason has graduated, and Baylor is without their primary shot maker and facilitator.

Besides that, Baylor is bringing back quite a bit from last season’s overachievers.

Star freshman Jared Butler is back for his sophomore season, and will certainly be the centerpiece of the Baylor offense next year. Returning alongside Butler are Mark Vital, Mario Kegler, Tristan Clark, and Freddie Gillespie. The Bears will return a solid starting five that should have little problem filling in for Mason.

Baylor’s one problem is in recruiting, as they have just one recruit for next season in three-star forward Jordan Turner.

Baylor is ranked dead last in the Big 12 in recruiting and will need to count on the contributions of their returning impact-makers in order to follow up last season.

I think Baylor will, as Scott Drew’s group showed enough grind to make it through adversity once. Besides, Baylor had to battle without Mason due to injuries at times last season, and should not experience too much of a drop without him.

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