2023-11-11 22:49:11
OU men’s basketball coach Porter Moser talks about Sooners’ win vs. Central Michigan
OU men’s basketball coach Porter Moser talks about Sooners’ win vs. Central Michigan
Even the Big 12, arguably the nation’s top men’s basketball conference, was susceptible to mid-major upsets in the opening week of the season.
Oklahoma State had the high-profile opening night loss to Abilene Christian. West Virginia later followed suit with a loss to Monmouth.
It’s early. Way early, to be exact.
But that’s what led to a shakeup in the bottom of this week’s Big 12 power rankings.
1. Kansas
Last week: 1
This week: vs. Kentucky (Tuesday)
What to know: Legendary coach Bill Self now has what amounts to a life-time contract. Glad that’s out of the way so the uber-talented Jayhawks can remain focused on running through their non-conference schedule.
2. Houston
Last week: 2
This week: vs. Stetson (Monday); vs. Towson (Thursday)
What to know: One week into its new conference, things went about as smoothly as possible. And talented guard Emanuel Sharp is so far living up to his last name.
3. Texas
Last week: 3
This week: vs. Rice (Wednesday); vs. Louisville (Sunday); vs. UConn or Indiana (Monday)
What to know: It’s early, but if you bet that sharpshooter Max Abmas would not be the Longhorns’ leading 3-point shooter, congrats. Enjoy it while it lasts. Oh, and that title belongs to journeyman Ithiel Horton after one week.
4. Baylor
Last week: 4
This week: vs. Missouri-Kansas City (Tuesday)
What to know: Scott Drew has a way of finding superstar freshmen. The latest? Ja’Kobe Walter. But a strong start being keyed by Langston Love is a welcome sight.
5. Kansas State
Last week: 5
This week: vs. South Dakota State (Monday); vs. Providence (Friday); vs. Georgia or Miami (Sunday)
What to know: Not even the momentum of making the Elite Eight could push the Wildcats to a big upset of USC to open the season. But that’s far from a sign of what to expect under Jerome Tang in Year 2.
6. TCU
Last week: 6
This week: vs. Texas-Rio Grande (Tuesday); vs. Mississippi Valley State (Friday)
What to know: JaKobe Coles is a March hero for the Horned Frogs, hitting the game-winner over Arizona State in the opening round of the tournament last season. And so far he’s November’s hero and leading scorer.
7. BYU
Last week: 12
This week: vs. Southeastern Louisiana (Wednesday); vs. Morgan State (Saturday)
What to know: Welcome to the Big 12, Cougars. The first sign they belong came with an upset of San Diego State.
8. Iowa State
Last week: 7
This week: vs. Grambling (Sunday)
What to know: Mid-major problems? Not in Ames. The Cyclones outscored their first two opponents 93.5-45.5.
9. Texas Tech
Last week: 8
This week: vs. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (Thursday)
What to know: A new coaching staff means changes, right? Not in Lubbock. The Red Raiders’ defense is still a problem for opponents.
10. Cincinnati
Last week: 11
This week: vs. Northern Kentucky (Sunday)
What to know: The Bearcats won on the court but lost elsewhere when 7-footer Aziz Bandaogo’s waiver was denied by the NCAA.
11. Oklahoma
Last week: 13
This week: vs. Texas State (Tuesday); vs. Texas-Rio Grande Valley(Friday)
What to know: Who would have guessed that Sooners fans could turn to basketball for comfort after the football team suffered a Bedlam loss?
More: ‘It just came to him’: OU’s Otega Oweh has career night in win vs. Mississippi Valley State
12. UCF
Last week: 14
This week: vs. Cal State Fullerton (Thursday); vs. South Dakota State (Sunday); vs. Charlotte or George Mason (Monday)
What to know: The Knights had a tough time in South Beach. They were short-handed. Miami raised a Final Four banner and then proceeded to run away from UCF, ending Week 1 of the season on a sour note.
13. West Virginia
Last week: 9
This week: vs. Jacksonville State (Tuesday)
What to know: A tumultuous offseason has carried over into the start of the regular season, which is a problem for the Mountaineers.
14. Oklahoma State
Last week: 10
This week: vs. St. Bonaventure (Thursday); vs. Auburn or Notre Dame (Friday)
What to know: Losing to South Alabama in football was bad, but it sparked the Cowboys. Can losing to Abilene Christian do the same on the hardwood?
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