2009-2010 Big 12 men’s basketball predictions

(CU Independent/Beth Schonberger)

Editor’s note: Welcome to the CU Independent’s five-day season preview of Colorado Buffaloes basketball. Each day, we will delve into the world of CU basketball leading up to the men’s season-opener against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Friday, Nov. 13. On Day 4, we will predict how the Big 12 Conference will shake out.

What’s more worthless than preseason college basketball predictions?

Ranks with blanks.

It’s where No. 1 has none and being last has no past. It’s a world of mush-covered nonsense, and that’s before it enters your bowels. That’s why all I really have to say is…

Let the dribble begin!

Welcome to the Big 12 Conference men’s basketball prediction headquarters. We’re the place to foretell all of your 2009-2010 college basketball stories and scores, including the answer to who will be the Big 12 champion.

The foretelling answer is Colorado will defeat Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Friday in Boulder. Is it too soon to know? Not for me, it ain’t!

But here’s what you’ve all been waiting for, so get out your dolla dolla bills and rev up your calculators ‘cause here is what the Big 12 standings will look like in March 2010.

1. Kansas – With the returning gang of Cole Aldrich, Tyshawn Taylor and of course, NBA talent Sherron Collins, everybody knew Kansas would be headed towards the top of the bunch. But with newcomer Xavier Henry added to the punch, the Kansas Jayhawks will win the Big 12. Henry has NBA talent and expect him to blow up the scoreboard by mid-season.

2. Texas – The only team who can give Kansas trouble in skipping to the title is Rick Barnes’ bunch. It will come down to Texas’ ability to score toe-to-toe with a nearly flawless Kansas offense. Guys such as forward Damion James will have to step up his offensive game monumentally to have a chance to overtake the Jayhawks. Texas’ chances? The crystal ball says, “Psh, please.”

3. Oklahoma State – Four of last season’s top six scorers for the Cowboys return. Little guy Ray Penn, at 5-feet-9 inches, is the up-tempo, explosive athlete the Cowboys need to create lots of points in a short amount of time. That’s why they say it’s the little things that win games.

4. Oklahoma – Sophomore Willie Warren will lead the Big 12 in scoring and Oklahoma will be dancing in March. Warren said he welcomed the pressure of becoming the face of the Sooners with the departure of Blake Griffin. I’ll say it once, I’ll say it twice and I’ll say it 10 dang times: Never, ever compare yourself with the prettiest girl in school, especially when she’s giant and can destroy you.

5. Missouri – This was an Elite Eight team last year and has the ingredients to play with anyone in the league, minus Texas and Kansas. This team was noted for their defense last year. Now, all they need is to rekindle their offense and you’re looking at a major threat in the NCAA Tournament.

6. Kansas State – A great recruiting class will get the Wildcats as far as midship in this Conference, but it doesn’t mean they are not a Top 25 team, ‘cause they are. Denis Clemente will lead this team as far as K-State’s talent can take them, which is No. 6.

7. Texas A&M – The Aggies have too many holes to be any better than seventh in the Big 12. They lost guys such as Chinemelu Elonu, who was as equally fun to watch play as it was to say his name six times fast, and three-year starter Josh Carter. Both guys will be missed and there is no sign the Aggies have enough weapons to make up for those losses.

8. Iowa State – Craig Brackins? CRAIG BRACKINS?! Funny you should ask about him because here’s a no-name who was the second leading scorer in the Big 12 last year. He also ripped down nearly 10 boards a game and no one knows this guy. But by year’s end, we all will.

9. Baylor – Tweety Carter is the real deal. His arrival has helped take the Bears out of the shambles in the Big 12. By year’s end, when Tweety tweets on his twitter page, will there be a NCAA tournament bid in his hand? No. But the good news is Baylor should be fun to watch.

10. Colorado – The Buffs had the most heart out of any team in the Big 12 last year. They were in most of their games and expect them to win a couple of those games this year. Cory Higgins should be the rally horse for this bunch and expect him to be the breakout player of the year, unofficially, in the Big 12.

11. Texas Tech – They allowed 79 points a game last season. You would think your team would be able to play defense when one of your best player’s last name is Singletary. Ah yes, that was a simpler time, though.

12. Nebraska – Cookie Miller, Nebraska’s starting point guard for the past two years, has transferred to Miami (Ohio). They had enough trouble scoring last year with Miller, so a betting man would say losing your starting point guard isn’t a good way to fix things.

Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Brent Wilson New at Brent.new@colorado.edu.