Big 12 Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2021-22 season
team. 463. . . . Wildcats . 9
Kansas State basketball was another squad in Big 12 basketball that limped its way to the finish line in 2020-21. While they did win one more conference game than they did in 2018-19, their 4-14 record in conference play got them a ninth-place finish this past year and this season, the outlook is grim under head coach Bruce Weber.
Weber and company are 20-41 across the past two seasons but return four of their five main producers from a year ago. Davion Bradford is their leading name returning in the frontcourt, after averaging 7.7 ppg and 4.3 rpg while shooting 62.1 percent from the field. He’s set to turn a corner around the rim for the Wildcats.
Kaosi Ezeagu did well in a backup role. Look for production to grow after averaging 5.2 ppg and 3.2 rpg.
6-foot-8 Ismael Massoud (Wake Forest) adds some versatility and length to the rotation. He put up 8.3 ppg and 3.4 rpg while shooting 33.6 percent from the perimeter in 2020-21 as mainly a reserve. He’s got the potential to do similar for the Wildcats on multiple fronts.
Nijel Pack and Mike McGuirl are their top two returning scorers in the backcourt. Pack produced 12.7 ppg, 3.8 apg, and 3.7 rpg and led the team in 3-point shooting percentage (40.5 percent). McGuirl averaged 11.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, and 3.6 apg on 31.6 percent shooting from 3-point range.
Selton Miguel is the third returning name that started in 22 of 29 appearances this past year, pouring in 7.2 ppg, 3.1 rpg, and 2.2 apg. He’s a 6-foot-4 with room for continued development.
Mark Smith (Missouri) is one new name that can improve the backcourt. He averaged 10.3 ppg and 4.0 rpg on 37.5 percent shooting from 3-point land in 2020-21 for Missouri basketball. He’ll look to improve their perimeter shooting with his addition.
Markquis Nowell (Little Rock) is another new face with the potential to boost their perimeter scoring and playmaking. He’s a speedy 5-foot-7 guard that put up 14.3 ppg, 5.0 apg, 3.9 rpg, and 2.3 spg across 15 games this past season. He’s got potential depending on how Coach Weber uses him.