The Big 12 looked to be the best conference in college basketball throughout 2015-16, but they floundered in the NCAA tournament. With several teams losing big-name players, the Big 12 will be more open than ever in 2016-17, meaning that several teams will have a chance to break into the top of the conference. Here are the way-too-early top-five power rankings for the Big 12.
5. Iowa State Cyclones
Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY SportsBeating out the Oklahoma Sooners by a tiny margin, the return of Monte Morris should be enough to make this one of the top teams in the Big 12. Unfortunately for the Cyclones, nearly every squad in the Big 12 is a top team.
4. Oklahoma State Cowboys
Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY SportsOne of the worst teams in the Big 12 last season, Oklahoma State gets a new coach in Brad Underwood and returns Phil Forte and Jawun Evans. If they can start winning on the road, watch out.
3. West Virginia Mountaineers
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY SportsI had West Virginia at No. 2 until Devin Williams signed with an agent, but the Mountaineers should still be one of the better teams in the conference. Do not be surprised if they push No. 1 the most out of any team in the Big 12.
2. Texas Longhorns
Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY SportsShaka Smart and the Longhorns will be without Isaiah Taylor next season, but they should still be an NCAA tournament team.
1. Kansas Jayhawks
Aaron Doster-USA TODAY SportsThe Jayhawks might have lost Perry Ellis, Wayne Selden and Co., but returners like Frank Mason III and Devonte’ Graham will have this team locked into, at worst, the top 10 before the season even begins.
Share 
