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Big 12 basketball tiers for the 2023-2024 season; Kansas, Houston lead the way

By Tony Zuzzio

LAWRENCE, KANSAS - FEBRUARY 28: Members of the Kansas Jayhawks celebrate with the Big 12 conference trophy after their 67-63 win over Texas Tech Red Raiders at Allen Fieldhouse on February 28, 2023 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KANSAS - FEBRUARY 28: Members of the Kansas Jayhawks celebrate with the Big 12 conference trophy after their 67-63 win over Texas Tech Red Raiders at Allen Fieldhouse on February 28, 2023 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OHIO – MARCH 05: Ody Oguama #33 of the Cincinnati Bearcats attempts a layup past Samuell Williamson #11 of the SMU Mustangs in the first half of the game at Fifth Third Arena on March 05, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO – MARCH 05: Ody Oguama #33 of the Cincinnati Bearcats attempts a layup past Samuell Williamson #11 of the SMU Mustangs in the first half of the game at Fifth Third Arena on March 05, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Tier 3: Welcome to the toughest conference in America, and OU, don’t let the door hit you on the way out!

Cincinnati Bearcats

Cincinnati returns several key contributors from last year’s squad, but gone is their leading scorer Landers Nolley II, who averaged nearly 17 PPG. Several top 100 recruits and multiple transfers, including CJ Frederick from Kentucky, will keep them competitive most nights, but they won’t have the firepower to keep up with the big dawgs in the Big 12. They will find the step up to their new conference is pretty steep.

Oklahoma Sooners

The Sooners lost most of their production from last year.  They will have a new squad of new players and shouldn’t be a factor all year.  Good luck in the SEC and enjoy getting destroyed all year in your last year in the Big 12!

BYU Cougars

Welcome to the Big 12 gauntlet. BYU returns several double-digit scorers, including Traore and Johnson. Add in several transfers and incoming freshmen and this could be a building season for BYU. They have shown they are capable of winning games and making the tourney, but this year they will discover the Big 12 is simply a different beast.

UCF Knights

With fertile recruiting ground and location to pitch, the Knights could become a player in the Big 12 at some point. That day is not today. They lost NBA talent Taylor Hendricks and several other key contributors from last season. Several returners and transfers will lead the way as they fight to stay out of the cellar of the Big 12.

In the end… Kansas still runs Big 12 basketball

The pick is in and, to no one’s surprise, the Kansas Jayhawks reigns supreme again. Led by Bill Self and dominant big man Hunter Dickinson and an elite defensive squad KU will grind out wins on the road and Allen Fieldhouse will be Allen Fieldhouse where opposing teams wilt.

As always Rock Chalk and Let’s Go!!

Next. Bill Self looking to level up on his revenge tour. dark

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