2010-11 Outlook: Big 12

Projected Order of Finish

1. Kansas - Cole Aldrich, Sherron Collins, and Xavier Henry are now lacing them up in the Association, but the Big 12 championship still goes through Lawrence.

2. Kansas State - Jacob Pullen's beard and a deep frontcourt return, but will Crazy Frank Martin's squad recapture the magic of last year's 29-win season?

3. Missouri - Top recruit Tony Mitchell is ineligible (questions remain as to whether he will ever suit up for the Tigers), and defensive aficionados everywhere mourn having lost the chance to see Mitchell in Mike Anderson's 40 Minutes of Hell defense.

4. Texas - After a year of underachieving and disappointment, the question is whether the Longhorns have found a semblance of chemistry.

5. Baylor - Lots of length and athleticism, but I'm not sure the Bears have a point guard to run the show.

6. Texas A&M - Expect a breakout season from junior forward David Loubeau.

7. Texas Tech - Seniors John Roberson and Mike Singletary will make the Red Raiders competitive, but Pat Knight will most likely find a way to mess things up in Lubbock.

8. Oklahoma State - As usual, depth will be a problem for the seemingly always undermanned Cowboys.

9. Colorado - Senior Cory Higgins and sophomore Alec Burks are two of the country's best kept secrets, but they don't have much help.

10. Oklahoma - The rebuilding begins now for the Sooners, as Willie Warren turned pro after an unimpressive sophomore campaign, and former McDonald's All-Americans Tiny Gallon and Tommy Mason-Griffin lasted all of one season in Norman.

11. Iowa State - Cyclones have no way of replacing Craig Brackins and Marquis Gilstrap.

12. Nebraska - Do they still play basketball at Tyronn Lue University?

All-Conference

John Roberson, Texas Tech, sr, guard
Jacob Pullen, Kansas State, sr, guard
J'Covan Brown, Texas, soph, guard
LaceDarius Dunn, Baylor, sr, guard
Marcus Morris, Kansas, jr, forward

Player of the Year

Jacob Pullen, Kansas State - It will be interesting to see if Pullen can pile up the points with the opposition no longer having to worry about backcourt mate Denis Clemente.

Top Freshman

Tristan Thompson, Texas - Nice body and smooth moves around the rim.

Top Defender

Dogus Balbay, Texas - Hailing from Istanbul, Balbay is relentless on the defensive end and an excellent on-ball defender.