Big 12 Basketball: Preseason mailbag entering 2021-22 campaign
By Andrew Tineo
What is Oklahoma State’s ceiling?
If there’s one team to buy stock in to exceed expectations, it’s Oklahoma State. The Cowboys have the most complete roster since Head Coach Mike Boynton has been in Stillwater and has the depth for this team to be a serious threat in March.
The Cowboys’ lone loss is Cade Cunningham while bringing in impact transfers in Kansas guard Bryce Thompson and Memphis center Moussa Cisse.
Kalib Boone has been consistently solid on the defensive end and his offensive game is growing. Avery Anderson is the team’s most complete player and was behind only Cunningham in points per game.
Rondel Walker is creating his own niche as a defensive threat and is hoping to create more offense as a sophomore.
With guard Isaac Likekele returning, this team could go nine deep and there would not be much drop-off.
I think the Cowboys ceiling is the Elite 8 and could finish in the Top 3 of the conference if Baylor or Texas doesn’t live up to expectations.
What is Baylor’s ceiling?
The Bears lost a handful of talent, but return a roster that is slightly more athletic. Adam Flagler and Matthew Mayer headline as the returners, with Johnathon Tchamwa Tchatchoua and LJ Cryer looking to get more minutes.
The Bears brought in a duo of impact players in freshman forward Kendall Brown and senior guard James Akinjo, that can bring instant offensive and consistent shot-creating.
At six-foot-eight, Brown has a chance to be a one-and-done player and shows great athleticism and a niche for a smooth shot.
The question for me is what are the Bears going to be elite at, in order to reach their ceiling. Although this team is capable of making three-pointers, it’s very unlikely they’re going to duplicate their nation-leading 41.3% three-point percentage.
If the Bears start Mayer and Brown, having three six-foot-eight or taller players on the court can increase the rebounding rate and lead to more second-chance opportunities. The Bears aren’t expected to have a top 10 defense either.
The bears have an Elite 8 ceiling like the Cowboys, but I am less confident the Bears will make it there than I am with Oklahoma State.