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Kansas basketball: Big12/SEC challenge pairings boring

By Stan Unruh

LAWRENCE, KS - NOVEMBER 24: Mitch Lightfoot #44 of the Kansas Jayhawks and Nick Daniels #2 of the Oakland Golden Grizzlies battle for a rebound during the game at Allen Fieldhouse on November 24, 2017 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KS - NOVEMBER 24: Mitch Lightfoot #44 of the Kansas Jayhawks and Nick Daniels #2 of the Oakland Golden Grizzlies battle for a rebound during the game at Allen Fieldhouse on November 24, 2017 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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The matchups for this winter’s Big12/SEC challenge are set. Kansas basketball fans are fortunate, the other matchups are boring.

Kansas basketball fans received some fun news this past week. The Jayhawks get the opportunity to beat another Wildcat team next season. In addition to the contest with the state’s other Big 12 team, Bill Self’s squad will travel to Rupp Arena on January 26 for sixth annual Big 12/SEC challenge.

The Jayhawks and Wildcats in Lexington is the best among the made for TV feature matchups that weekend. As a matter of fact, the others are a little boring. Just like a year ago.  It would be interesting to know just how the games are selected. Who has the final say and why is only one team from a Columbia included?

The Kansas State at Texas A&M game will allow two former Big 12 teams to face each other. However, they had did play a home and home series as recently as 2014-15 and 2015-16. Seeing Frank Martin in Manhattan again is a much better idea. Certainly, someone mentioned that when they discussed potential matchups.

While the Kansas game at Rupp Arena is outstanding, why not send Iowa State there. The Cyclone head coach spent many seasons as an assistant and then head coach in the Bluegrass State. I’m sure a few Murray State fans would enjoy seeing him beat John Calipari.

Rick Barnes has one of the nation’s best teams returning at Tennessee. This would be the year to see him take the Vols to Austin and teach the Longhorns a lesson. We don’t want the Big 12 teams to lose but the Barnes return to Texas is a fun matchup that we won’t see.

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We also won’t see the Drew brothers in Nashville. Scott will take his Baylor Bears to Birmingham. Bryce and Vanderbilt travel to Norman for a contest with the Sooners.

The Big12/SEC challenge is a great for both leagues to get some TV attention on a non-football weekend. The SEC got the best of the Big last season. Bill Self and the Jayhawks did their part and expect a fourth straight win over the ‘Cats. I just wish the other matchups were more fun.

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