NCAA Basketball: Ranking the 10 Big East vs Big 12 matchups for 2021-22 season
4. Xavier Musketeers at Oklahoma State Cowboys
Few teams were affected by covid pauses and cancellations more than the Musketeers last season, limited to just 21 total games played. The good news is that they return just about all of their production for another year, led by star big man Zach Freemantle (16.1 ppg and 8.9 rpg) and double-digit scoring senior guards Nate Johnson and Paul Scruggs. Transfers Jerome Hunter and Zach Nunge add frontcourt depth alongside Freemantle as well.
The Cowboys will be without star guard and future No. 1 NBA Draft pick Cade Cunningham but they will have just about everyone else back, including double-digit scoring guard Avery Anderson and do-it-all guard Isaac Likelele. Former five-star prospect Bryce Thompson is coming over from Kansas, along with frontcourt transfers Woody Newton and Tyreek Smith.
Both teams have a lot to play for next season but for different reasons. This is a must-win campaign for Xavier Basketball, while OK State has to prove that they’re more than just Cunningham. This will be a matchup of top-30 teams with the winning getting a big resume-builder.
Prediction: Xavier
3. Texas Longhorns at Seton Hall Pirates
New head coach Chris Beard has completely revamped the Longhorns roster in the couple of months he’s been in charge, adding Kentucky guard Devin Askew, along with transfer forwards, Timmy Allen, Dylan Disu, and Christian Bishop. With returning guards Courtney Ramey and Andrew Jones coming back as well, Texas will have one of the best 8-man rotations in the country next season.
The biggest problem for Seton Hall last season was that despite star forward Sandro Mamukelashvili’s best efforts, there wasn’t much supporting production besides Jared Rhoden. Rhoden will be back, along with 20 ppg scoring transfer guard Jamir Harris. Syracuse transfer guard Kadary Richmond will be their lead ball-handler, while South Florida forward Alexis Yetna will try to replace what Mamu did last season.
Both teams have quality non-conference matchups for next season but this will be a great early litmus test for both sides. The Longhorns are will be viewed as the favorite on paper but this game being at the Pirates evens things out. There’s a lot to be interested in with this game and could be a big victory for the winner.