Big 12 Basketball: Preseason power rankings entering 2024-25 season
10. UCF Knights
If there is one team in the Big 12 that is severely underrated, it’s the UCF Knights. Johnny Dawkins’ squad was surprisingly competitive in 2023-24 and they returned a talented backcourt in Jaylin Sellers and Darius Johnson.
Is the Darius Johnson/Jaylin Sellers among the most underrated backcourts in the Big 12?
— Cole Amundson (@playformarch) August 17, 2024
The duo accounted for 44% of UCF's scoring last season. Both return -- and that isn't including the additions of Jordan Ivy-Curry (UTSA) and Deebo Coleman (Georgia Tech) in the backcourt.
Welcoming in George Mason transfer Keshawn Hall, a 6-foot-7 G/F who led the Patriots in both PPG (16.6) and RPG (8.1) adds much-needed versatility in the lineup alongside transfers Jordan Ivy-Curry (UTSA) and Deebo Coleman (Georgia Tech.) The frontcourt is a bit weak after the departures of Omar Payne and Ibrahima Diallo which takes a hit on UCF’s overall upside but the veteran leadership is there, paving the way for a strong season in Orlando.
9. Kansas State Wildcats
The Kansas State Wildcats will look different entering year three of the Jerome Tang era. Returning less than 20% of its minutes with a hefty pool of NIL resources, Tang and staff attacked the transfer portal -- and all the signs point to an NCAA Tournament-quality team in the Little Apple.
The Wildcats will welcome eight transfers, highlighted by the highly-coveted Coleman Hawkins, who reportedly signed an NIL deal north of $2 million, according to Matt Norlander of CBS Sports.
Michigan transfer Dug McDaniel -- who fits the smaller-sized point guard pedigree Tang has had success with over the past two seasons -- should flourish as the lead guard alongside quality transfers in Max Jones (Cal State Fullerton), Achor Achor (Samford) and former four-star prospect Ugonna Onyenso (Kentucky) at the five.
With lots of new pieces and moving parts, the Wildcats may need some time to gel. However, the challenges K-State encountered last season will be left behind and long forgotten in the rearview mirror.