Big 12 men’s basketball: team by team

1. Kansas: Two national Player of the Year candidates and one of the country’s top newcomers in guard Xavier Henry. No wonder Bill Self’s biggest problem at the moment is deciding who to redshirt. The Jayhawks should be in the Final Four.

2. Texas: The Longhorns have gone from guard-challenged to an overabundance of backcourt talent. Add to that a slimmer Dexter Pittman, the overlooked return of forward Alexis Wangmene and the new leadership role of Damion James, and UT could be back in the Final Four for the first time since 2003.

3. Kansas State: The Wildcats have finished fourth or better in the last four seasons and there is no reason to believe this season won’t be five. The veteran backcourt of Denis Clemente and Jacob Pullen and the addition of Wally Judge, plus some inside help, will put K-State in the NCAA Tournament.

4. Oklahoma: A nice blend of experience and newcomers under the leadership of Player of the Year contender Willie Warren keeps the Sooners among the Big 12’s elite and in the NCAA Tournament. Forward Tiny Gallon (6-foot-9, 296) will have to adjust to playing down low from time to time, and two other key freshmen — Tommy Mason-Griffin and Steven

Pledger — must adjust to the level of competition.

5. Texas A&M: The Aggies could move higher if they avoid a too-familiar midseason fade. With point guard Dash Harris, Donald Sloan at his more-natural two-guard spot, 3-point ace B.J. Holmes, defensive stopper Derrick Roland, a slimmer Bryan Davis and key wing additions Khris Middleton and Naji Hibbert, the Aggies could be a force.

6. Oklahoma State: All-conference scorer James Anderson and regulars Obi Muonelo, Keiton Page and Marshall Moses are the core. Freshman point guard Ray Penn appears to be the answer to the loss of Byron Eaton. Transfer forward Matt Pilgrim could be a real help, as could freshman guards Fred Gulley and Reger Dowell down the line.

7. Iowa State: The reason is not just Craig Brackins and newcomer Marquis Gilstrap. The Cyclones have a roster that includes seven players who played in 23 or more games for a team that set school records for successful 3-point field goals and fewest turnovers.

8. Missouri: This is not a knock on the Tigers or coach Mike Anderson. MU will be a tough out with Zaire Taylor, J.T. Tiller and crew, plus its in-your-face style. But it will take time to mold a team that lost last season’s three top full-season scorers — DeMarre Carroll, Leo Lyons and Matt Lawrence.

9. Texas Tech: For the first time since the long day’s journey into Knight, the Red Raiders have a roster that includes some talent down the line to blend with the best recruiting class in a decade. Mike Singletary and John Roberson are the highest quality players among the seven of Tech’s top eight returning scorers. Defense will be much improved, but can the Raiders play well enough to move up?

10. Baylor: The Bears will look more like a complete team and less guard-oriented, which might or might not prove beneficial. Transfer Ekpe Udoh adds defense and rebounding. Point guard Tweety Carter, guard LaceDarius Dunn, post Josh Lomers and forwards Quincy Acy and Anthony Jones have experience. Finding a strong rotation, including newcomers such as versatile Nolan Dennis from Richland, will be a key.

11. Nebraska: Doc Sadler finally might have a couple of guys his guards can throw the ball to inside, but his traditional grind-you-down defense might suffer with the added height. Guards Sek Henry, Ryan Anderson and Toney McCray can play, and Sadler added some quality recruits. But Nebraska might not match last season’s 8-8 record.

12. Colorado: The Buffs are getting there, but it’s hard to tell in this league, although the players who accounted for 87 percent of the points and 90 percent of the rebounds last season return. JC transfer Marcus Relphorde could be a big addition.— Mike Jones

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