Why Kansas State (and the 13 others) can win the Big 12 Tournament
With another Big 12 Tournament starting on Tuesday, the Big 12 has over 50% of its members set to play in the NCAA Tournament. A few still float on the wrong side of the bubble and have hopes they could sneak in. To avoid any bubble concerns or to move up a seedline, winning the Big 12 Tournament is a team’s best path. Here is why Kansas State and every team in Kansas City this week can win it all and secure the automatic qualifier spot in March Madness. Ordered from most likely to least likely to win.
Why Houston can win the Big 12 Tournament
It is easy to make Houston’s case. The Cougars cruised to a Big 12 regular season title, two games clear of the nearest team. They have the league’s player of the year in Jamal Shead, coach of the year in Kelvin Sampson, and play suffocating defense. The Cougars also haven’t lost since February 3rd.
Why Iowa State can win the Big 12 Tournament
The Cyclones owned Kansas City over the last decade. In the last ten years, no one has matched the four championships Iowa State has secured. Iowa State fans flock to T-Mobile Center and make their presence felt. They also boast a top-ten team that plays defense at a high level and can get multiple guys hot on offense.
Why Baylor can win the Big 12 Tournament
At their peak, the Bears have the best offense in the Big 12. Shooters from the outside, plus the quick development of freshman Yves Missi make Baylor a scary threat. Jalen Bridges also went wild last year in KC, scoring 28 against Iowa State in a losing effort.
Why Texas can win the Big 12 Tournament
Max Abmas and Dylan Disu are the best one-two punch in the Big 12 when both are healthy. They are also coming off Tyrese Hunter’s best game since leaving Iowa State. The bad is really bad at times for Texas, but their talent can get hot and rip through the league like they have twice in the last three Big 12 Tournaments. They face Kansas State to start their run on Wednesday night.
Why BYU can win the Big 12 Tournament
It took the first half of Big 12 play to adjust to a power conference, but once BYU did, they became a major threat. The only team to boast a win in Allen Fieldhouse this season, they did it off shooters littering the floor and taking care of the basketball. With their offensive talent and execution, maximizing possessions is what BYU does best.
Why Kansas can win the Big 12 Tournament
One of the three teams with the largest fan contingent certainly helps. When Kevin McCullar and Hunter Dickinson are on the floor together it is a dangerous offensive duo. But both have injury concerns and there is a chance the Jayhawks don’t push too much in Kansas City. But in a season of highs and lows, ending in disappointment in the Big 12, maybe Bill Self sees something for his team to prove. More likely than not the Jayhawks rest their stars.
Update: Bill Self revealed on his radio show Monday that the Jayhawks will be without McCullar and Dickinson in the Big 12 Tournament. Maybe Towson Nick Timberlake will show up. Doubtful.
Why Texas Tech can win the Big 12 Tournament
Texas Tech has been the steadiest team in 2024. Being able to not stray too high or low and knowing what you will get can sometimes be a blessing in the Big 12 Tournament.
Why TCU can win the Big 12 Tournament
Jamie Dixon’s teams at TCU have always been about wildly volatile performances. His team has the high of beating Houston this season but also lost at home to UCF to close the regular season with a chance to finish above .500 for the first time in Big 12 history. If the Frogs get on a heater with their league-best three-point shooting and are forcing turnovers, they can win it.
Why Kansas State can win the Big 12 Tournament
One of the fringe bubble teams in the Big 12 that would rather just lockdown a spot than leave it up to the committee and their shoddy resume. When right, Kansas State’s top three can be one of the best trios the Big 12 has to offer. Winning the Big 12 Tournament looks like those three at the peak of their game and getting contributions without errors from David N’Guessan and Will McNair. Maybe the Wildcats get crazy and even limit their turnovers. Could K-State reach its full potential at the right time in March?
Why Cincinnati can win the Big 12 Tournament
Despite just a 2-2 record in their last four games, the Bearcats appear to be hungry to fight for their March lives. The desperation can be a good thing and they get favorable matchups early on. They will face a West Virginia team they beat by 40 over the weekend, followed up by a Kansas team that might be willing to rest players and not go full bore. After that, it is low-ceiling offenses like K-State, Texas and Iowa State.
Why Oklahoma can win the Big 12 Tournament
The Sooners play angrily in Kansas City amid heavy rumors that Porter Moser is leaving for the DePaul job.
Why UCF can win the Big 12 Tournament
Jaylin Sellers makes one final selling point to transfer portal suitors this offseason, pulling UCF on a run with him along the way.
Why West Virginia can win the Big 12 Tournament
Raequan Battle gets unreasonably hot for five straight games and gets help from some of the other solid pieces along the way.
Why Oklahoma State can win the Big 12 Tournament
Haha, just kidding. I can’t lie to myself on this one. Mike Boynton should just grab a mic and start doing TV before the Cowboys even tip-off on Tuesday at 11:30 AM.
