Big 12 Basketball: Buy or sell Kansas, Iowa State, Baylor, Texas and TCU?

Iowa State Cyclones

The Cyclone was a major surprise a year ago, going from two total wins the season prior to 22 and a Sweet 16 appearance. But after losing star guard Izaiah Brockington and Tyrese Hunter to Texas, AND, having projected starting point and Temple transfer Jeremiah Williams suffer a season-ending injury, they were supposed to struggle.

Instead, they’re No. 12 in the country and just beat No. 5 Kansas State at home this week to become 6-2 in league play. Gabe Kalscheur, who wasn’t a great shooter last year after transferring over from Minnesota, is averaging 18.0 ppg in league play while shooting 46% from three-point range. Jaren Holmes, who has taken over at point, has been dishing out four assists a game.

Iowa State has the guards and the frontcourt, as Tre King, Robert Jones, and St. Bonaventure transfer center Osun Osunniyi have held their own in Big 12 Basketball. They’re a top-10 defensive scoring unit and have the perimeter shooting to be a threat.

Now, do I believe that this is sustainable? That’s a tough call because if Kalscheur and Caleb Grill aren’t making shots from the perimeter, their ceiling crumbles. But I refuse to have egg on my face for a second straight year after doubting the Cyclones last season. What they’re doing is working so why doubt them now?

Buy