Big 12 Tournament

Today marks the start of Championship Week. Even though that's a term coined by ESPN to draw viewers into their coverage of the major basketball conferences' championship tournaments, that's what it is. The major tournaments are crammed into this week as well as many of the mid major conferences handing out their automatic bids. Well here in Kansas, this is Big 12 country. The Shockers had a good run in the MVC tournament and are likely headed to the NIT. For Championship Week, I wanted to analyze the Big 12 Tournament. I was going to give a little bit of info on the four teams I think can win the tournament and why. But I could only think of 3. Anyway, here they are.

Kansas- The list has to start with the Jayhawks. They finished with a four game lead in the conference rated the toughest in the RPI rankings. While the Big 12 had a good season from a national standpoint, it was still Kansas plus everyone else. They have the coach, experienced players and are playing their best basketball of the season so far. Kansas is the favorite to win this tournament.

Kansas State- The Wildcats get the #2 seed for the tournament and made a splash on the national scene, particularly with a win over Texas vaulting them into the top 10 in the national polls. They've lost a little momentum, going 0-2 in the week before the tournament, and a home loss to Iowa State doesn't look good. However, it doesn't take much for their guard combo to get hot and if they start lighting it up, it'll be hard to stop their roll since you play consecutive days.

Baylor- The Bears from Waco finished tied for second in the standings and get the #3 seed. Baylor is undoubtedly dangerous. They have a good guard combo in LaceDarius Dunn and Tweety Carter, but they're not weak down low either with Quincy Acy and Ekpe Udoh. They play a zone defense that you have to hit your outside shots to beat. They can light it up from three point range and like to play fast. Baylor hoisting a Big 12 title trophy? It could happen.

I considered adding Oklahoma State, the #7 seed, as a surprise pick if they get hot but I couldn't convince myself to do it. Who do you think will win the Big 12 Tournament? Are there any teams you could make a case for that I haven't touched on?