Big 12 power rankings: Little movement across conference as Kansas, Houston keep rolling
The Big 12 is still flexing its muscles, especially in holiday tournament time.
The traditional powers are shining. The newcomers are making waves.
That’s led to little change in this week’s power rankings, though. Still, there is plenty to enjoy and be thankful for around the conference.
Let’s get to the rankings.
More: Oklahoma State basketball vs. New Orleans: 3 takeaways from Cowboys' win over Privateers
1. Kansas
Last week: 1
This week: At Maui Invitational
What to know: Big man Hunter Dickinson was named the Big 12’s Player of the Week and Newcomer of the Week after his monster performance in a win over Kentucky last week. Is it too early to write him in for the season awards?
2. Houston
Last week: 2
This week: vs. Montana (Friday)
What to know: The Cougars lost three starters from a team that made the Sweet Sixteen. But one replacement was LJ Cryer from Baylor. Naturally, Cryer was named the Most Outstanding Player at the Charleston Classic. Seems like Houston will be just fine.
3. Texas
Last week: 3
This week: vs. Wyoming (Sunday)
What to know: The Longhorns got their first true Max Abmas experience with a game-winning shot at the buzzer to beat Louisville. The NCAA Tournament darling hits big shots. That’s a fact.
4. Baylor
Last week: 4
This week: vs. Oregon State (Wednesday); vs. Pitt or Florida (Friday)
What to know: After a six-point win over Auburn to open the year, Baylor has three wins by an average of 26.3 points. It’s about the most ho-hum start possible for the Bears.
5. Kansas State
Last week: 5
This week: vs. Central Arkansas (Wednesday)
What to know: Kansas State already has a few blemishes on its record with losses to USC and Miami but kudos to the remade Wildcats and second-year coach Jerome Tang for playing a challenging schedule.
6. TCU
Last week: 6
This week: vs. Alcorn State (Tuesday); vs. Houston Christian (Monday)
What to know: While Kansas State has played a tough schedule, the Horned Frogs have mostly done the opposite. Not one opponent rated higher than No. 264 by KenPom.com. Still, they’ve left little doubt in each game.
7. BYU
Last week: 7
This week: vs. Arizona State (Thursday); vs. NC State or Vanderbilt (Friday)
What to know: The Cougars likely won’t keep up the pace, but they won two games last week by an average of 50 points. FIFTY!
8. Iowa State
Last week: 8
This week: vs. VCU (Thursday); vs. Boise State or Virginia Tech (Friday); TBD (Sunday)
What to know: The Cyclones have yet to be tested, beating four opponents by an average of 45.5 points. Tougher days are ahead.
9. Texas Tech
Last week: 9
This week: vs. Villanova (Wednesday); TBD (Thursday and Friday)
What to know: The Red Raiders are grinders as usual, a mantra in the past and now present with new coach Grant McCasland.. That can go a long way early in the season.
10. Oklahoma
Last week: 11
This week: vs. Iowa (Thursday); vs. Seton Hall or USC (Friday)
What to know: A year ago, the Sooners were a mess. Give props to coach Porter Moser. He’s used the transfer portal well. But sophomore star Otega Oweh is living up to the hype.
More: John Hugley IV leads 3 in double figures off OU bench, Sooners rout UT Rio Grande Valley
11. Cincinnati
Last week: 10
This week: vs. Georgia Tech (Wednesday)
What to know: The Bearcats get a huge boost this week with the addition of 7-footer Aziz Bangaogo to the rotation. He was granted eligibility after a lengthy appeal to the NCAA following his second transfer.
12. UCF
Last week: 12
This week: vs. Stetson (Sunday)
What to know: It’s far from pretty at times. But the Knights are finding ways to win. That’s all a team few expected to dominate can ask for at this point.
13. West Virginia
Last week: 13
This week: vs. Virginia or Wisconsin (Wednesday); vs. Bellarmine (Sunday)
What to know: Inconsistency is the best way to describe the rebuilt Mountaineers. And they have arguably the worst loss in the conference — a stunner to Monmouth.
14. Oklahoma State
Last week: 14
This week: vs. Houston Christian (Friday)
What to know: Cowboys coach Mike Boynton is trending in the wrong direction in Year 7, even with injuries mounting and inexperience showing. And the pressure only builds.i
Jacob Unruh covers Oklahoma State athletics for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Jacob? He can be reached at junruh@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @jacobunruh. Sign up for the Oklahoma State Cowboys newsletter to access more OSU coverage. Support Jacob’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com or by using the link at the top of this page.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Big 12 basketball power rankings: Kansas, Houston are title contenders
