The Big 12 men’s basketball power rankings provide an insightful look into the current landscape of the conference, evaluating teams through analytics and common sense as the regular season heads toward its conclusion. While the Big 12 has met preseason expectations thus far, signs of potential trouble are emerging, particularly with the looming NCAA Tournament on the horizon.
Injuries to standout players, including Texas Tech’s JT Toppin and BYU’s Richie Saunders, are major setbacks for their respective teams, complicating their chances for a deep tournament run. Both teams are now facing challenges just when they need to peak, highlighting the fragility of player health during critical moments of the season.
As teams position themselves for the NCAA Tournament, the conference faces the possibility of sending between six and eight representatives. With Texas Tech secure in an at-large bid, UCF’s standing remains precarious amid a lackluster non-conference schedule. Additionally, TCU, viewed as the Big 12’s primary candidate for a seventh entry, is struggling with a string of disappointing losses that could further diminish the conference’s tournament footprint.
The top contenders for deep NCAA runs have narrowed, with Arizona, Kansas, and Iowa State emerging as the clear favorites after recent performances. Arizona’s current form, alongside an impressive NET ranking of No. 3, paints them as formidable contenders this season. Meanwhile, Iowa State remains a strong player despite a recent setback, and Kansas is a paradox of promise and pitfalls, showcasing both significant wins and baffling losses.
As March approaches, the dynamics within the Big 12 are shifting, leaving teams to strive for consistency amid rising uncertainties. The last two weeks of the regular season, along with the conference tournament, will be pivotal, influencing not just which teams qualify, but how far they might advance when it matters most.
With the excitement of March Madness ahead, there remains hope that the Big 12 can deliver a strong showing as teams aim to turn their fortunes around and position themselves favorably for the NCAA Tournament.