Big 12 Basketball Thread - '08-'09 Season

[AFBlue]

I know we're a few games into the season already, but I thought I'd get everyone who goes to, went to, or roots for a Big 12 school to post their thoughts on the '08-'09 basketball season...

[AFBlue]

Since I'm a Baylor alum, I'll start with the Bears Men's Basketball team...

They're good!

Coming off an impressive win against #14 Arizona State, the Bears are undefeated (6-0) and have really improved in all facets of the game over last year. For starters, they're a more "veteran" team, with four of their starting five as seniors....led by PG Curtis Jerrells.

Jerrells, traditionally a score-first guard, has really improved his passing ability and grown into the role as their primary playmaker....whether it's shooting or driving and dishing. The other two guards in the starting 5 are fellow senior Henry Dugat (sharpshooter) and junior "Tweety" Carter (defensive specialist).

But the real gem of their backcourt actually comes off the bench....LaceDarius Dunn. An absolute gunner, Dunn can score from any position on the floor and isn't a bad rebounder for his size (6'4, 200).

The frontcourt, a noted weakness in past seasons, has gotten high-efficiency production from one of its Freshmen....Quincy Acy. Acy is an athlete with a non-stop motor that just knows how to put the ball through the hoop....he's missed just two shots through six games (96%)! But the steadying production has come from its senior, Kevin Rogers, a 6'9 245lb F/C. Rogers is third in scoring (first among "bigs") and leads the team in rebounding.

While the team still relies heavily on the three-point shot for much of its production, they have improved their ball movement and most importantly their defense. They're a more "veteran" and deeper team than in past years, and I fully expect them to make a deeper run in this year's tourney than ever before.

It's an exciting time to be a Baylor Basketball fan.

[Doug Collins]

Nice write up. I've seen the Bears last 2 games and they look very solid. The Big 12 south is going to fight all season.

As an Aggie alum, I really don't know what to expect from them this season. The team will probably be rather inconsistent, but I think they'll be able to finish 5th in conference. They're missing the depth up front that they've had the past couple years, but the backcourt should be solid with sloan getting another year in. Roland and Carter should be good off the wings, but again this team is either hitting it's jumpshots or it's getting blown out. Defense will keep them in games, so I look forward to actually seeing them play.

[Whisky Dog]

Looks like it will be Texas, Baylor, and Oklahoma battling for the south this year. Should be fun to watch.

[samikeyp]

They don't do North and South for basketball but I think the teams you mentioned will fight it out for the title.

[Obstructed_View]

When I read the article about Baylor's players complaining that they should be a top 25 team, I knew they were going to lose to Wake. Always happens.