Big 12 Basketball: 2023 conference tournament preview and predictions
Bracketology
The Big 12 will be well represented in the NCAA Tournament, regardless of what happens this week in Kansas City. That’s not to say there’s nothing at stake though, because quality wins are everywhere you look.
Kansas is a lock to be a 1-seed regardless of their performance, but getting the number 1 overall seed is definitely in play with a Big 12 Tournament victory. The Jayhawks lead the nation by far in quality wins, and will go into the Big Dance as one of the favorites.
With their strong resume, Texas seems to be a lock for a 2-seed. As of now, Joe Lunardi also has Baylor as a 2, but if the Bears can’t get at least one win, there’s a good chance they drop to a 3.
Taking their spot could be Kansas State, who should be no worse than a 3 regardless of outcome. The Wildcats will have a very strong case for a 2 just by beating TCU, especially if they can knock off Texas in the next round.
TCU and Iowa State are two teams that could benefit tremendously from a Big 12 Tournament title, as the number of quality wins they could potentially earn may vault them up to high as a 4-seed. Joe Lunardi has them both currently on the 5 line, but a 6 or even a 7 isn’t out of the question for Iowa State if they have a poor showing, especially considering their late-season struggles.
West Virginia is a team that has found their game at just the right time, winning three out of their last four to get safely in the field. The latest Bracketology has them as an 8 thanks to wins over Iowa State and Kansas State, and a couple more victories could help them avoid a 1-seed in the second round of the tournament. They should be no worse than a 10 even with a loss to Texas Tech, but will most likely end up in the 8/9 matchup.
As mentioned above, Oklahoma State has work to do thanks to its late-season swoon. They draw rival Oklahoma first, and would likely have to beat the Sooners and the Longhorns in the next round to safely make the field. A deeper run would likely keep them out of the First Four in Dayton.
Lastly, Texas Tech and Oklahoma both likely need an improbable run to the title to garner an automatic bid. Texas Tech may have a chance if they can reach the finals by beating West Virginia, Kansas, and the winner of Baylor vs. Iowa State, but that is obviously a tall order.