Big 12 Basketball: 2019-20 power rankings heading into conference play

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - MARCH 15: Devon Dotson #11 of the Kansas Jayhawks drives toward the basket as Derek Culver #1 of the West Virginia Mountaineers defends during the semifinal game of the Big 12 Basketball Tournament at Sprint Center on March 15, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

8 of 11

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 28: Jahmi’us Ramsey #3 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

468. . 9-3. Previous: . Red Raiders . 4. team

After a really tough stretch of games towards the end of November, which saw Texas Tech drop three straight, Chris Beard’s team has righted the ship a bit. Their best performance was a commanding victory over then number-one Louisville 70-57. Tech showed signs of their potential in that game as they held one of the best teams in the nation to 34% shooting, and they frustrated Jordan Nwora all night. Still, the Red Raiders are having some major issues on offense as they rank just 113th nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency.

Freshman standout Jahmi’us Ramsey is the Red Raider who has shown the best ability to create his own shot. He has battled through injury issues, but he has had an impressive start to his collegiate career, averaging 17.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. The offense runs through him when he’s on the floor, but he needs some additional help. Davide Moretti was thought to be a key offensive piece entering the year. He had the reputation as a sharpshooter, but he has really struggled offensively this season. Moretti’s true shooting percentage has dropped by 10% from last season as he has taken a slightly bigger role in the offense.

Virginia Tech transfer Chris Clarke has been really impressive off of the Texas Tech bench. In a sixth-man role, he is averaging 7.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. He is a good shooter, and he fits the Red Raider team perfectly. He is leading the team in assists and rebounds despite being a bench player when the team is at full strength.

Nobody in the conference will look past Texas Tech after their run to the title game last season. Overall, they don’t seem to have that same top-level potential this season, however. Ramsey is a special player, but he and Clark haven’t quite picked up the slack left by the departures of Jarrett Culver, Tariq Owens, and Matt Mooney. Tech’s stifling defense will still keep them in every game, but they appear to be a way behind the top three teams in the conference.

Home/Big 12