CBS Way Early look at the Big 12

[CycloneErik]

Conference Catchup: Realignment, new personnel belie Big 12's depth - NCAA Division I Mens Basketball - CBSSports.com News, Scores, Stats, Schedule and RPI Rankings

Seems about right. Solid respect for Fred and the team; Kansas picked to win, as they should until somebody finally knocks them off.

Good read. He expected that 8 teams just might be in the fight for tourney bids all the way until the end.

[Stewo]

I see ISU finishing in the top 5 this season. They could very well end up in 2nd.

[CycloneErik]

I see ISU finishing in the top 5 this season. They could very well end up in 2nd.

Me, too. I see us in the top 4 again.

I loved that they listed Fred as a strength. People are catching on that Fred never fails.

[cyclones12321]

Good read def should be in top 5 but oh well

[Cyched]

We finished third last year. I see no reason we can't equal or do better this year, considering Mizzou is gone. West Virginia could contend, but I see the conference title race going down to the wire between KU and us.

[awd4cy]

We finished third last year. I see no reason we can't equal or do better this year, considering Mizzou is gone. West Virginia could contend, but I see the conference title race going down to the wire between KU and us.

I agree. I would still throw Baylor in there as well. Also, won't be surprised if Will Clyburn gets first team all Big 12.

[cyclones500]

I could see ISU have a slight drop in overall record, conference record and finish a little lower in conference than 2011-12, and still get a better seed.

[HFCS]

KU should really always be #1 pre-season pick (ISU is statistically the second best #1 B12 pick, haha).

WVU and Baylor have generally been the second and third best programs over the past five years or so. I think ISU has moved level with UT and KSU with much more positive momentum than KSU has.

UT always has the chance to jump up with key recruits, the awesome thing is it seems like Fred can do the same and we have a more vicious home court for teams to play at.

I think that's a pretty good writeup but ISU would make just as much sense in his 4 spot as KSU.

[CyFan61]

I could see ISU have a slight drop in overall record, conference record and finish a little lower in conference than 2011-12, and still get a better seed.

I agree with this. I think a 4th place Big 12 finish with something like 22 wins and 11 conference wins, landing a 7 seed.

[madcityCY]

I like others think maybe KSU and Texas are a bit weak in their spots. That's not to say they couldnt end up there or better - I just don't think KSU (who has decent but no great players outside of McGruder), and Texas (who will again be young) are "strong picks". Even Baylor might not be as good. They still have a lot of talent, but will be younger, and of course have to overcome their head coach. I see OSU as a darkhorse, and barring injuries or other personnel issues I think Iowa State should be Top 4 or better.

[isulive2train]

[cyclones500]

I agree with this. I think a 4th place Big 12 finish with something like 22 wins and 11 conference wins, landing a 7 seed.

Sounds reasonable.

I think Big 12 might not have too many teams in seeds 1-4, but could have 8 teams at or near tournament level. Non-conference schedule is bound to be stronger.

[Goothrey]

We'll finish in the top 5. I'd risk my 38 million credits on that.

[CascadeClone]

I could see ISU have a slight drop in overall record, conference record and finish a little lower in conference than 2011-12, and still get a better seed.

Meaningless pre-season positive press leads to meaningful improvements in seeding come March.

Too bad we couldn't find our way to a #7 last year... oh, what might have been.

[josh4isu]

anywhere from 1-3 in the league. Undefeated at home. Clyburn 1st team. Book it.