Big 12 Basketball: 10 questions looming for the 2021-22 season

Apr 3, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Baylor Bears head coach Scott Drew talks with guard Jared Butler (12) and guard Davion Mitchell (45) and forward Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua (23) and guard Mark Vital (11) during the first half against the Houston Cougars in the national semifinals of the Final Four of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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Bill Self Kansas Jayhawks Big 12 Basketball Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

The Kansas Jayhawks have some competition now when it comes to Big 12 basketball. Granted, key departures from the likes of the Baylor Bears and Oklahoma State Cowboys takes away some of the star power from a year ago, but 2021-22 opens up a load of opportunities.

The Big 12/Big East Battle enters its third year with some exciting matchups in December. Then following that, the Big 12/SEC Challenge enters Year 9 as two Power 5 conferences give fans some exciting non-conference matchups.

Expectations are high in Big 12 basketball even with some coaching turnover. There will be four new faces on the sidelines for the Texas Longhorns, Texas Tech Red Raiders, Iowa State Cyclones, and Oklahoma Sooners.

While Chris Beard makes the leap from the Texas Tech sidelines to Texas, Mark Adams and TJ Otzelberger make their debuts on sidelines they’ve roamed in recent years at Texas Tech and Iowa State.

Oklahoma State head coach Mike Boynton’s star power is growing in the Big 12 and he looks to keep that going with a strong group of transfers in 2021-22.

The retirement of Lon Kruger opened the door for the hiring of Porter Moser from Loyola-Chicago. He’ll look to keep things going entering a new era.

There’s a ton more to look forward to in Big 12 basketball this season. Here’s a look at 10 looming questions heading into 2021-22.

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