Big 12 basketball power rankings: Is it time to believe in BYU, this week’s biggest riser?

Is it finally time to believe in BYU?

The Cougars are just 3-4 in their first seven Big 12 games. That’s good enough for ninth place entering this weekend.

Ninth. Place.

Yet, BYU is No. 22 in the latest AP Top 25. They’re No. 6 in the NCAA NET rankings. They’re top 10 in KenPom.com’s rankings.

On and on, people believe in the Cougars.

Maybe it’s the offense, which is second in scoring in the Big 12. Maybe it’s a defense that is also top five.

Or maybe it’s just their ability to win at home.

Either way, the Cougars made quite a leap in this week’s Big 12 power rankings. But like much of the league, that could change very quickly.

Let’s get to this week’s power rankings.

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1. Houston

Last week: 1

This week: at Kansas (Saturday); vs. Oklahoma State (Tuesday)

What to know: Jamal Shead might be the best player in the conference. He certainly played like it in Austin on Big Monday. He’s also top five in steals (2.2) and assists (5.8) in the conference. And his numbers are up across the board from his previous three seasons.

Texas basketball vs. Houston: Longhorns fall to Cougars in overtime

2. Iowa State

Last week: 2

This week: at Baylor (Saturday); at Texas (Tuesday)

What to know: Freshman Milan Momcilovic has been a revelation for the Cyclones, who have exceeded expectations at a level few in the country can claim. Some of that is Hilton Magic (the non-espionage kind). But can Iowa State win big games on the road? Four of its next six are away from Ames.

3. Kansas

Last week: 3

This week: vs. Houston (Saturday); at Kansas State (Monday)

What to know: The Jayhawks had no issue against Oklahoma State without Kevin McCullar Jr., a Big 12 Player of the Year contender, due to a bone bruise. But if that injury lingers, the chances of…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/big-12-basketball-power-rankings-191922833.html

Author : The Oklahoman

Publish date : 2024-02-01 19:19:22

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