1. Iowa State (9-1)
It’s hard to believe that this is the same Iowa State program that only won 2 games just four seasons ago. T. J. Otzelberger was brought aboard soon after and has a pair of Sweet Sixteen appearances already under his belt. This season, the Cyclones have an experienced lineup that knows how to win games and has their eyes on a much bigger prize than just the Sweet Sixteen.
A significant portion of last season’s talent is back, notably lead scorer Keshon Gilbert who’s been good for more than 16 points a game. One of last year’s surprises was Milan Momcilovic, who impressed as a freshman forward and has matched that production and then some early on in his sophomore season. Curtis Jones scored 15 points a night, Joshua Jefferson was a great addition from Saint Mary’s, and Dishon Jackson proved valuable since coming over from Charlotte. We haven’t even brought up Tamin Lipsey, who had a few struggles early on.
The only loss that Iowa State has taken came in one of the very best games of the entire season to date, falling by two points against Auburn at the Maui Invitational. The Cyclones took care of business against Dayton and Colorado out there and also have nice wins against Marquette and on the road over rival Iowa. They’ve unquestionably done what they’ve needed to do to prove that they’re a fantastic team and are ready for the tough journeys in league play.
These Cyclones score points, they don’t turn the ball over, and they get contributions up and down the lineup. The defense isn’t quite at the same level as last season but is still playing at a high level. Based on their play across these first ten games, it’s hard not to call Iowa State the early favorite in the Big 12, as Ames is a ridiculously hard place for these conference teams to come in and win. Will the Cyclones grab the league crown this year after their hot start?
We’ve seen a lot from these sixteen Big 12 programs over the course of nonconference play, but we won’t really get a firm handle until we see them playing each other in the coming weeks. Which of these do you think will make a stunning run in conference play? Which of them is going to disappoint against much stiffer competition?