Read the debates by Bleacher Fan and Sports Geek.
Normally, today’s debate would have me supporting the ACC, a tournament I always enjoy watching. It is exciting, and usually filled with very good teams. That is not the case this year.
While Sports Geek is choosing the Big East and Bleacher Fan is arguing for the Big Ten, I am confident that the Big XII tournament, which takes place in Kansas City beginning next Wednesday, is going to be the most exciting conference tournament of this postseason.
Obviously, the Kansas Jayhawks are the team to beat, and “Rock Chalk Jayhawk” nation will surround Kansas City for much of the tournament, as the Kansas campus is located just 40 miles away - Talk about a home-court advantage! The Jayhawks, just two years removed from cutting down the nets as National Champions, are once again a national power, having been at or near the top of the polls all season.
But I don’t anticipate it being a cakewalk for Kansas.
There are several contenders who could crash Bill Self’s party. This week, the AP Poll has seven different Big XII teams either ranked or receiving votes (Kansas, Kansas State, Baylor, Texas A&M, Texas, Oklahoma State, and Missouri), and all seven of those teams have at least 20 wins. The competition will be heated, and I’ve got my eye on two specific teams other than Kansas.
Kansas State is having its best season in years. Entering play this weekend, the Wildcats are 24-5, and despite the loss to Kansas on Wednesday, it is not out of the realm of possibility that the Wildcats could sneak into the NCAA tournament as a number one seed if they were able to win the Big XII tournament. Obviously, some other things may have to happen but it is definitely possible. Keep in mind also that the Wildcat campus in Manhattan is only 121 miles away, so there should be plenty of Kansas State fans in attendance.
Also, despite a 6-7 in their last 13 games, I still think everyone needs to keep their eye on the Texas Longhorns, who did start the season at 17-0. Remember that the Longhorns were ranked number one in the country back in January for two weeks before losing to the aforementioned Wildcats.
Finally, Baylor, Texas A&M, Oklahoma State, and Missouri are also likely participants in the Big Dance, and are also threats to make a deep run in this tournament.
As I stated earlier, the Jayhawks are the heavy favorite, but that doesn’t make this conference tournament any less exciting.
Kansas City, are you ready?
