Winner: The Hansbrough family. Ben, senior guard at Notre Dame, was selected Big East player of the year. His older brother, Tyler, won a national championship as a senior at North Carolina. Can younger brother Ben pull off the same feat for the Irish, who some are predicting as a number one seed in the NCAA Tournament?
Loser: Jim Tressel. Ohio State suspended Tressel, the head football coach, for the first two games of the 2011 season after he acknowledged that he did not inform OSU of potential NCAA rules violations. Tressel was also fined $250,000.
Winner: Marcus Morris. Morris, a junior on the #2 Kansas Jayhawks hoops squad, was chosen Big 12 Player of the Year. Those who saw Marcus, and his twin brother Markieff, as freshmen would have been hard-pressed to have predicted this honor two years later.
Loser: The word "winning," given how it's become part of the Charlie Sheen lexicon.
Winner: Hopefully, college basketball fans. This year, the NCAA Tournament will be broadcast across four different networks--CBS, TNT, TBS and TruTV. Viewers can select which games they wish to watch versus reliance upon CBS' decision to cut from one game to the other.
Loser: Sunspots. Those in the Kansas City viewing area who watched KCTV-5 on Saturday understand.
Winner: Roy Williams. The North Carolina coach was named Coach of the Year in the ACC. It's hard to argue with the recognition given the Tarheels' 7-4 start followed by a 17-2 finish and first place finish in the conference.
Loser: Miami Heat. C'mon guys...quit crying.
Winner: Cam Newton. The Auburn QB looked good in his "pro day," in front of NFL executives, and redeemed himself for a poor NFL Combine performance.
Loser: Zack Greinke. The former Kansas City Royal and Cy Young winner will begin the season on the disabled list because of a fractured rib he suffered while playing pickup basketball in the offseason.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Over-and-under achievers...or bad predictors?
Now that the NCAA college basketball regular season is complete, it's time to look back at the preseason predictions to see which outlets were closest to the current set of rankings, and which teams have been the biggest disappointments and over-achievers.
A review of Sports Illustrated, The Sporting News, Athlon and Lindy's preseason publications showed that Duke and Michigan State were the odds-on favorites for the #1 and #2 slots--Duke was chosen as the preseason favorite by three of the pubs and was second in another while Michigan State was #1 in SN and #2 or #3 in the others.
Who were the biggest surprises, based upon current rankings and/or the lack of mention by these four publications? BYU would likely qualify as the biggest surprise, given its current status as a possible #1 or #2 seed compared to its lack of mention in preseason top 20 lists, or low ranking on those lists. Another surprise is Texas, a non-top 20 team by SI, SN and Athlon. Ohio State over-achieved, according to the predictors, as most had Michigan State and Purdue as the top two teams in the Big Ten. Kansas was not expected to win their seventh straight conference championship nor was Notre Dame expected to be a top ten team.
As for disappointments, look no further than the Big 12's Baylor, selected #8 by SI, #16 by SN, #10 by Athlon and #15 by Lindy's. Another Big 12 squad, Kansas State, was predicted to win the league and finish in the top five or top ten by all four publications. The biggest disappointment, though, has to be Tom Izzo's Spartans, firmly planted on the NCAA Tournament bubble even though these four pubs thought highly of them and had them ranked #1 through #3.
It's not that these magazine writers and editors did a bad job of predicting, it's that too much emphasis was placed on late season 2010 performance (see Kansas State) or the media fell in love with the prior season's Cinderella story (see Butler, selected #12 by SI, #19 by SN and #8 by Lindy's.) Re-predicting at the end of December would likely provide a better set of potential final rankings versus the guessing game engaged in by the media when these various publications close their deadlines in late summer prior to the coming season.
The beauty of all this? We now get to decide a true champion--in the coming week we'll engage in post-season conference tournaments leading into Selection Sunday, a week from today, and the 68-team field which will then determine the real #1. Let March Madness begin!
A review of Sports Illustrated, The Sporting News, Athlon and Lindy's preseason publications showed that Duke and Michigan State were the odds-on favorites for the #1 and #2 slots--Duke was chosen as the preseason favorite by three of the pubs and was second in another while Michigan State was #1 in SN and #2 or #3 in the others.
Who were the biggest surprises, based upon current rankings and/or the lack of mention by these four publications? BYU would likely qualify as the biggest surprise, given its current status as a possible #1 or #2 seed compared to its lack of mention in preseason top 20 lists, or low ranking on those lists. Another surprise is Texas, a non-top 20 team by SI, SN and Athlon. Ohio State over-achieved, according to the predictors, as most had Michigan State and Purdue as the top two teams in the Big Ten. Kansas was not expected to win their seventh straight conference championship nor was Notre Dame expected to be a top ten team.
As for disappointments, look no further than the Big 12's Baylor, selected #8 by SI, #16 by SN, #10 by Athlon and #15 by Lindy's. Another Big 12 squad, Kansas State, was predicted to win the league and finish in the top five or top ten by all four publications. The biggest disappointment, though, has to be Tom Izzo's Spartans, firmly planted on the NCAA Tournament bubble even though these four pubs thought highly of them and had them ranked #1 through #3.
It's not that these magazine writers and editors did a bad job of predicting, it's that too much emphasis was placed on late season 2010 performance (see Kansas State) or the media fell in love with the prior season's Cinderella story (see Butler, selected #12 by SI, #19 by SN and #8 by Lindy's.) Re-predicting at the end of December would likely provide a better set of potential final rankings versus the guessing game engaged in by the media when these various publications close their deadlines in late summer prior to the coming season.
The beauty of all this? We now get to decide a true champion--in the coming week we'll engage in post-season conference tournaments leading into Selection Sunday, a week from today, and the 68-team field which will then determine the real #1. Let March Madness begin!
Breaking down the Big 12
- This is the last season of the current membership of the Big 12 conference. And, in the 15 seasons of Big 12 basketball, Kansas has won or shared 11 of the titles, including the past seven in a row. The longest stretch for KU without a title was 1999-2001, when Texas and Iowa State (twice) won the conference crown. Over the course of its conference dominance, Kansas went undefeated once, 15-1 three times, 14-2 four times, 13-3 twice, and 12-4 once.
- The Kansas City Star announced its All-Big 12 team, Most Valuable Player and Coach of the Year. I agree with the first team of Marcus Morris, Kansas; Jacob Pullen, Kansas State; Marcus Denmon, Missouri; Alec Burks, Colorado; and Jordan Hamilton, Texas. I also agree with Kansas' Bill Self as Coach of the Year. My one small beef is with the Star's pick for Player of the Year--Jacob Pullen. I would select Pullen as the MVP, given the value of his leadership and performance to Kansas State's late season surge. However, I'd select Marcus Morris as Most Outstanding Player given Morris' consistent performance throughout the Big 12 season and his status as the "go to" guy on the conference champion.
- How do you overcome 24 turnovers? If you're Kansas, one of the ways is to dramatically outrebound your opponent. In yesterday's KU-Missouri game, the Tigers forced 24 Jayhawk turnovers. Yet, Kansas pulled down 20 more rebounds than Missouri--a gap which was consistent with the difference in game one between the two teams. In the two games played between KU and MU this season, Kansas had 86 boards compared to Missouri's 48. Given Kansas's shooting average for the season, that equates to approximately 42 points.
- If today were Selection Sunday, the Big 12 would only get five teams in the NCAA Tournament--Kansas, Texas, Texas A&M, Kansas State and Missouri. Colorado, Nebraska are on the bubble and listed on Joe Lunardi's (ESPN) "last four out," as is Baylor. The Bears needed a win against Texas last night and now must win no less than three games in the Big 12 Tournament to get in. Colorado could get in with two tournament victories but that will require beating Kansas State in the quarterfinals.
- Speaking of Selection Sunday, how do the Big 12 tourney contenders rate in the various computer rankings through yesterday's games? The Sagarin rankings, which may be the best predictor of all, have the teams as follows: Kansas, #2; Texas, #8; Kansas State, #25; Missouri, #27; Texas A&M, #34; Nebraska, #55; Colorado, #56; and Baylor, #71. The RPI has Kansas, #1; Texas, #14; Kansas State, #19; Texas A&M, #30; Missouri, #31; Oklahoma State, #54; Nebraska, #72; Baylor, #76; and Colorado, #79.
- The Big 12 tournament has some interesting first round match-ups and potential quarterfinal match-ups. Kansas will face the winner of Nebraska-Oklahoma State, two teams which played KU tough during the regular season. Colorado must beat Iowa State in round one, if it hopes to advance to the NCAA, but then would face Kansas State. The likely scenario in the upper portion of the bracket is a semi-final game between KU and KSU. In the lower portion of the bracket, Missouri opens with Texas Tech, a team they beat by eight but who gave the Tigers a tough game in Columbia. Baylor opens with Oklahoma, a team they split with during the regular season. Look for the quarterfinals to feature a rematch of Baylor-Texas and Missouri advancing to play Texas A&M. My predicted semi-final games are Kansas-Kansas State and Texas-Missouri. In the final, I see KU with a revenge victory over Texas, the team which stopped the Jayhawks' 69 game home winning streak.
- The Kansas City Star announced its All-Big 12 team, Most Valuable Player and Coach of the Year. I agree with the first team of Marcus Morris, Kansas; Jacob Pullen, Kansas State; Marcus Denmon, Missouri; Alec Burks, Colorado; and Jordan Hamilton, Texas. I also agree with Kansas' Bill Self as Coach of the Year. My one small beef is with the Star's pick for Player of the Year--Jacob Pullen. I would select Pullen as the MVP, given the value of his leadership and performance to Kansas State's late season surge. However, I'd select Marcus Morris as Most Outstanding Player given Morris' consistent performance throughout the Big 12 season and his status as the "go to" guy on the conference champion.
- How do you overcome 24 turnovers? If you're Kansas, one of the ways is to dramatically outrebound your opponent. In yesterday's KU-Missouri game, the Tigers forced 24 Jayhawk turnovers. Yet, Kansas pulled down 20 more rebounds than Missouri--a gap which was consistent with the difference in game one between the two teams. In the two games played between KU and MU this season, Kansas had 86 boards compared to Missouri's 48. Given Kansas's shooting average for the season, that equates to approximately 42 points.
- If today were Selection Sunday, the Big 12 would only get five teams in the NCAA Tournament--Kansas, Texas, Texas A&M, Kansas State and Missouri. Colorado, Nebraska are on the bubble and listed on Joe Lunardi's (ESPN) "last four out," as is Baylor. The Bears needed a win against Texas last night and now must win no less than three games in the Big 12 Tournament to get in. Colorado could get in with two tournament victories but that will require beating Kansas State in the quarterfinals.
- Speaking of Selection Sunday, how do the Big 12 tourney contenders rate in the various computer rankings through yesterday's games? The Sagarin rankings, which may be the best predictor of all, have the teams as follows: Kansas, #2; Texas, #8; Kansas State, #25; Missouri, #27; Texas A&M, #34; Nebraska, #55; Colorado, #56; and Baylor, #71. The RPI has Kansas, #1; Texas, #14; Kansas State, #19; Texas A&M, #30; Missouri, #31; Oklahoma State, #54; Nebraska, #72; Baylor, #76; and Colorado, #79.
- The Big 12 tournament has some interesting first round match-ups and potential quarterfinal match-ups. Kansas will face the winner of Nebraska-Oklahoma State, two teams which played KU tough during the regular season. Colorado must beat Iowa State in round one, if it hopes to advance to the NCAA, but then would face Kansas State. The likely scenario in the upper portion of the bracket is a semi-final game between KU and KSU. In the lower portion of the bracket, Missouri opens with Texas Tech, a team they beat by eight but who gave the Tigers a tough game in Columbia. Baylor opens with Oklahoma, a team they split with during the regular season. Look for the quarterfinals to feature a rematch of Baylor-Texas and Missouri advancing to play Texas A&M. My predicted semi-final games are Kansas-Kansas State and Texas-Missouri. In the final, I see KU with a revenge victory over Texas, the team which stopped the Jayhawks' 69 game home winning streak.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Turnover: KCTV-5 and CBS
If you ever wondered what the world would be like when tons of people are upset, and had a common outlet for their frustration, then today is your day. KCTV 5 (CBS) cut away from the Kansas-Missouri basketball game today, with 3:46 to play, in order to show the Michigan-Michigan State game. The subsequent outrage, from Kansas and Missouri fans alike, sent the Facebook world and Twitter world into social media overdrive.
The online assault on the local CBS affiliate caused a response...but, a response which then set off round two of social media zingers given KCTV's lame attempt to excuse the mistake. And, let's call this for what it is--a horrible mistake by CBS nationally and locally.
The national mistake was cutting away from the first game of the day in a market which is full of Kansas and Missouri alums and fans. It's common practice to cut away from one game in order to get to another which is of higher interest locally. The exact reverse of that happened today--instead of KU-MU, Kansas Citians were treated to unranked Michigan playing unranked Michigan State.
The local mistake was twofold: one, why didn't the local affiliate make more of an attempt to correct the wrong by getting corporate CBS to cut back to KU-MU, and two, once the crime was committed, why didn't KCTV run a scroll at the bottom of the Michigan-Michigan State telecast, acknowledging the issue and apologizing for the mistake? The lame attempt at an excuse was feeble, late in coming, and disingenuous.
Shame on CBS and KCTV-5.
The online assault on the local CBS affiliate caused a response...but, a response which then set off round two of social media zingers given KCTV's lame attempt to excuse the mistake. And, let's call this for what it is--a horrible mistake by CBS nationally and locally.
The national mistake was cutting away from the first game of the day in a market which is full of Kansas and Missouri alums and fans. It's common practice to cut away from one game in order to get to another which is of higher interest locally. The exact reverse of that happened today--instead of KU-MU, Kansas Citians were treated to unranked Michigan playing unranked Michigan State.
The local mistake was twofold: one, why didn't the local affiliate make more of an attempt to correct the wrong by getting corporate CBS to cut back to KU-MU, and two, once the crime was committed, why didn't KCTV run a scroll at the bottom of the Michigan-Michigan State telecast, acknowledging the issue and apologizing for the mistake? The lame attempt at an excuse was feeble, late in coming, and disingenuous.
Shame on CBS and KCTV-5.
Dimes and dunks
- One could institute a new drinking game based upon how many times Digger Phelps of ESPN says "get it done." (Diggers says "get it done" and a contestant has to take a drink.)
- When ESPN set up its GameDay schedule months ago, the match-up today of Texas and Baylor looked pretty appealing as both were predicted to contend for the Big 12 title. Now, not so much even though this game, along with Kansas-Missouri, will determine whether KU shares the Big 12 title or owns it outright. A Texas victory combined with a Kansas loss means the two teams tie for the league crown--UT would own the #1 seed going into next week's Big 12 tournament in Kansas City.
- Who would have thought, a month ago, that North Carolina would be playing for the conference title tonight against Duke? The Tarheels are 11-1 since Kendall Marshall took over as point guard, showing yet again the importance of having the right guy at this vitally important position.
- James Naismith's Rules of Basketball are in Kansas City just in time for next week's Big 12 tournament. The rules are being displayed at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art.
- Joe Lunardi of ESPN has Alabama, Colorado, Washington State, and Baylor as the first four teams out of the tournament. The two Big 12 teams on this list must win today to make the tournament--Baylor over a Texas team which would help the Bears' RPI and Colorado winning against fellow bubble team Nebraska at home. Both BU and CU could make it by winning the post-season tournament next week but, let's face it--no team who has to play four straight games over four days is going to win the conference tourney. My prediction: Baylor loses today and makes no noise next week in Kansas City, thus ending up in the NIT; Colorado beats Nebraska in Boulder, then wins a game next week to ensure its seeding in the field of 68.
- When ESPN set up its GameDay schedule months ago, the match-up today of Texas and Baylor looked pretty appealing as both were predicted to contend for the Big 12 title. Now, not so much even though this game, along with Kansas-Missouri, will determine whether KU shares the Big 12 title or owns it outright. A Texas victory combined with a Kansas loss means the two teams tie for the league crown--UT would own the #1 seed going into next week's Big 12 tournament in Kansas City.
- Who would have thought, a month ago, that North Carolina would be playing for the conference title tonight against Duke? The Tarheels are 11-1 since Kendall Marshall took over as point guard, showing yet again the importance of having the right guy at this vitally important position.
- James Naismith's Rules of Basketball are in Kansas City just in time for next week's Big 12 tournament. The rules are being displayed at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art.
- Joe Lunardi of ESPN has Alabama, Colorado, Washington State, and Baylor as the first four teams out of the tournament. The two Big 12 teams on this list must win today to make the tournament--Baylor over a Texas team which would help the Bears' RPI and Colorado winning against fellow bubble team Nebraska at home. Both BU and CU could make it by winning the post-season tournament next week but, let's face it--no team who has to play four straight games over four days is going to win the conference tourney. My prediction: Baylor loses today and makes no noise next week in Kansas City, thus ending up in the NIT; Colorado beats Nebraska in Boulder, then wins a game next week to ensure its seeding in the field of 68.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
March Madness advertising
For the first time ever, March Madness will be seen over four different channels later this month. This is an advertising sales challenge, right? Not so fast--according to officials at CBS Sports, commercial inventory is "virtually gone."
The upcoming tournament will be seen not only on CBS, but also on TNT, TBS and TruTV, which means that hoops junkies can see each game of the tournament, rather than the past regional broadcast format. Viewers will be able to switch to the game they want, rather than relying upon CBS to switch from game-to-game, which has been the past approach.
While the new format is a boon for viewers, it's a challenge for media planners, buyers and marketing execs. Brands involved with the tournament have to figure out how to purchase it across cable, where to place ads on each outlet, and how best to measure success. The networks have to determine contingency plans should ratings guarantees fall short of what's been promised to advertisers.
The approach is unique but will be the precedent for tournaments to come. CBS and Turner are spending $10.8 billion over 14 years for the rights to broadcast the three-weeks of March Madness, which has been expanded to 68 teams (from 65), on both television as well as digitally. Thus, the stakes are high given the rights fees coupled with the $600+ million spent (in 2010) on March Madness by advertisers.
This years, familiar brands like Coca-Cola, AT&T and Capital One will continue their NCAA Tournament involvement. The broadcasts will also feature Enterprise Rent-A-Car, The Hartford, LG Electronics, Infiniti and Unilever, among others. And, while the NCAA has long forbidden corporate signage in-game or in-arena, the new broadcast format opens up more places for advertising brands to be seen--in regular commercial pods as well as "at the half" and "pre-game" studio shows.
Let March Madness begin!
The upcoming tournament will be seen not only on CBS, but also on TNT, TBS and TruTV, which means that hoops junkies can see each game of the tournament, rather than the past regional broadcast format. Viewers will be able to switch to the game they want, rather than relying upon CBS to switch from game-to-game, which has been the past approach.
While the new format is a boon for viewers, it's a challenge for media planners, buyers and marketing execs. Brands involved with the tournament have to figure out how to purchase it across cable, where to place ads on each outlet, and how best to measure success. The networks have to determine contingency plans should ratings guarantees fall short of what's been promised to advertisers.
The approach is unique but will be the precedent for tournaments to come. CBS and Turner are spending $10.8 billion over 14 years for the rights to broadcast the three-weeks of March Madness, which has been expanded to 68 teams (from 65), on both television as well as digitally. Thus, the stakes are high given the rights fees coupled with the $600+ million spent (in 2010) on March Madness by advertisers.
This years, familiar brands like Coca-Cola, AT&T and Capital One will continue their NCAA Tournament involvement. The broadcasts will also feature Enterprise Rent-A-Car, The Hartford, LG Electronics, Infiniti and Unilever, among others. And, while the NCAA has long forbidden corporate signage in-game or in-arena, the new broadcast format opens up more places for advertising brands to be seen--in regular commercial pods as well as "at the half" and "pre-game" studio shows.
Let March Madness begin!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Breaking down the Big 12
- I suspect that Kansas coach Bill Self sent colleague Frank Martin a text or e-mail today, thanking Martin for the Kansas State win over Texas in Austin last night. The Wildcat victory means KU is in sole possession of first place in the Big 12 and controls its destiny with a Senior Night home game against Texas A&M tomorrow, and a Border War clash at Missouri on Sunday.
- Texas is not finishing the season with momentum heading into the conference tournament. The Longhorns are losers of three of their last four games and must journey to Waco on Saturday for a game against under-achieving Baylor. This is very much a "get well" game for the Bears who are firmly on the NCAA Tournament bubble after tonight's loss at Oklahoma State. Even with a win over Texas, Baylor may need a tournament win in Kansas City to make it into the NCAA Tourney field of 68.
- Missouri has played itself out of a top four berth in the conference tournament. The Tigers lost tonight against Nebraska in Lincoln--their seventh conference road loss. MU, on the road, is losing by an average of eights points per game in conference. At home, the Tigers are winning by twice that margin--16 points per game.
- Texas A&M owns the tiebreaker advantage over Kansas State. I suspect that both teams will finish at 10-6 in the league but A&M will get the three seed and KSU the four seed. That means, like last year, that Kansas and Kansas State could face each other three times--twice in the regular schedule and once in the Big 12 tourney.
- Colorado has two very win-able games left--at Iowa State and at home against Nebraska--which could give the Buffs a 9-7 conference record and a 20 win season heading into the conference tournament.
- Kansas is not only #2 in the polls but also has the #2 RPI, following BYU. Texas has dropped to #13 in the RPI and Kansas State is #21. Following those three are Missouri, #28; Texas A&M, #30; then a big gap to Oklahoma State at #59; Baylor, #75; Colorado, #77; and Nebraska, #80.
- I don't want to state the obvious but Kansas, Texas, Texas A&M, Kansas State and Missouri are locks for the NCAA Tournament. Conventional wisdom is that six will go from the Big 12. Up until tonight, Baylor looked to be the sixth team with Colorado making a play as well. But, what of Nebraska? With recent wins against Texas and Missouri, the Cornhuskers are 7-8 heading to Colorado this weekend. Will an 8-8 record, coupled with a win in Kansas City next week, get them into the dance? Doc Sadler and crew have to be stewing about last Saturday's overtime loss at Iowa State. If the Huskers win that game, they could be firmly established as an NCAA participant.
- Who's your pick for Coach of the Year in the Big 12? Rick Barnes was the front-runner until a week ago. Tad Boyle is being mentioned given the job he's done in Boulder. And, Mark Turgeon deserves consideration for taking a less-than-talented Texas A&M team and placing them in the top four in the league. But, not surprisingly, the guy who gets my vote is Bill Self. Self lost two lottery picks and his captain and team leader from last year's conference champion and #1 NCAA Tournament seed. Yet, the Jayhawks have weathered those defections coupled with a star recruit who's only played in 17 games, injuries (Travis Releford, Thomas Robinson, Josh Selby), suspensions and family tragedy and are now in position to win their seventh consecutive Big 12 title.
- How about your first team All Big 12? My picks are Marcus Morris (Kansas), Jacob Pullen (Kansas State), Alec Burks (Colorado), Marcus Denmon (Missouri), and Jordan Hamilton (Texas.) Yes, I know most will put LaceDarius Dunn from Baylor on the first team but Denmon means more to Missouri than Dunn does to a disappointing Baylor team. Pullen weathered a trying first half of the year and is now averaging over 27 points a game in the 'Cats last five games--all victories.
- Texas is not finishing the season with momentum heading into the conference tournament. The Longhorns are losers of three of their last four games and must journey to Waco on Saturday for a game against under-achieving Baylor. This is very much a "get well" game for the Bears who are firmly on the NCAA Tournament bubble after tonight's loss at Oklahoma State. Even with a win over Texas, Baylor may need a tournament win in Kansas City to make it into the NCAA Tourney field of 68.
- Missouri has played itself out of a top four berth in the conference tournament. The Tigers lost tonight against Nebraska in Lincoln--their seventh conference road loss. MU, on the road, is losing by an average of eights points per game in conference. At home, the Tigers are winning by twice that margin--16 points per game.
- Texas A&M owns the tiebreaker advantage over Kansas State. I suspect that both teams will finish at 10-6 in the league but A&M will get the three seed and KSU the four seed. That means, like last year, that Kansas and Kansas State could face each other three times--twice in the regular schedule and once in the Big 12 tourney.
- Colorado has two very win-able games left--at Iowa State and at home against Nebraska--which could give the Buffs a 9-7 conference record and a 20 win season heading into the conference tournament.
- Kansas is not only #2 in the polls but also has the #2 RPI, following BYU. Texas has dropped to #13 in the RPI and Kansas State is #21. Following those three are Missouri, #28; Texas A&M, #30; then a big gap to Oklahoma State at #59; Baylor, #75; Colorado, #77; and Nebraska, #80.
- I don't want to state the obvious but Kansas, Texas, Texas A&M, Kansas State and Missouri are locks for the NCAA Tournament. Conventional wisdom is that six will go from the Big 12. Up until tonight, Baylor looked to be the sixth team with Colorado making a play as well. But, what of Nebraska? With recent wins against Texas and Missouri, the Cornhuskers are 7-8 heading to Colorado this weekend. Will an 8-8 record, coupled with a win in Kansas City next week, get them into the dance? Doc Sadler and crew have to be stewing about last Saturday's overtime loss at Iowa State. If the Huskers win that game, they could be firmly established as an NCAA participant.
- Who's your pick for Coach of the Year in the Big 12? Rick Barnes was the front-runner until a week ago. Tad Boyle is being mentioned given the job he's done in Boulder. And, Mark Turgeon deserves consideration for taking a less-than-talented Texas A&M team and placing them in the top four in the league. But, not surprisingly, the guy who gets my vote is Bill Self. Self lost two lottery picks and his captain and team leader from last year's conference champion and #1 NCAA Tournament seed. Yet, the Jayhawks have weathered those defections coupled with a star recruit who's only played in 17 games, injuries (Travis Releford, Thomas Robinson, Josh Selby), suspensions and family tragedy and are now in position to win their seventh consecutive Big 12 title.
- How about your first team All Big 12? My picks are Marcus Morris (Kansas), Jacob Pullen (Kansas State), Alec Burks (Colorado), Marcus Denmon (Missouri), and Jordan Hamilton (Texas.) Yes, I know most will put LaceDarius Dunn from Baylor on the first team but Denmon means more to Missouri than Dunn does to a disappointing Baylor team. Pullen weathered a trying first half of the year and is now averaging over 27 points a game in the 'Cats last five games--all victories.
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