Big 12 team analysis

By Taylor Bern

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Baylor (26-8, 11-5)

Coach Kim Mulkey’s Lady Bears return four of five starters, including senior guard Angela Tisdale, who averaged 10.8 points per game last season. Baylor finished third in the Big 12 last season and could contend for the title again this year.

Colorado (13-17, 6-10)

The Buffaloes lost four key players off the bench but did return four starters. Big 12 coaches predicted Colorado to finish 11th this season, but it has a great chance to finish in the middle of the pack and push for a postseason berth.

Iowa State (26-9, 10-6)

Bill Fennelly is the longest-tenured women’s basketball coach in the Big 12, entering his 13th year at Iowa State. The Cyclones broke out with 26 wins last year, but two starters and a key bench player graduated. Fennelly’s crew could be headed to the bottom of the pack unless they can keep an impressive record at Hilton Coliseum.

Kansas (11-20, 4-12)

The Jayhawks lost two starters but no one else. The large group of experienced sophomores must prove that they’re ready to lead this team. The team should win 15 to 20 games this season, but an injury or two could keep that from happening and force them to stay in the bottom half of the conference.

Kansas State (19-15, 4-12)

The Wildcats suffered through an ugly Big 12 season, 4-12, but their 19 overall wins was enough for the Women’s NIT. Once there, Kansas State made it all the way to the semifinals before losing to eventual champion Wyoming. Kansas State brings back four official starters and two players who each started 16 games but suffered injuries. This squad is almost a lock for 20 wins.

Missouri (17-14, 5-11)

Missouri brings back only one starter and will be in a similar position as Kansas last season, being forced to start several inexperienced players. The Tigers will really struggle inside because they’re tallest player is Nicole Wilson at 6’3”. Wilson has been on the Mizzou volleyball team for the past four years and hasn’t played basketball since high school.

Nebraska (22-10, 10-6)

The Cornhuskers rolled through their season until a four-game losing streak in February left a black mark on their year. Kelsey Griffin is the only returning starter, and with just one senior on the roster this team could be good in 2008-09, but not this year.

Oklahoma (28-5, 13-3)

Coach Sherri Coale has reached the postseason for the past nine years, and this season won’t be any different. Preseason Big 12 Player of the Year Courtney Paris led the Sooners to the Sweet 16 last year, and with the help of her twin sister Ashley, this squad could be hunting for a national championship.

Oklahoma St.

(20-11, 8-8)

The Cowgirls should benefit from a weak nonconference schedule, but once conference games start they could struggle. Oklahoma State will hurt for depth because seven letter winners graduated.

Texas (18-14, 6-10)

The Longhorns welcome former Duke coach Gail Goestenkors, but don’t expect a drop-off because of the change. Gostenkors has one of the best reputations amongst female coaches, and she’ll have plenty to work with at Texas.

Texas A&M (25-7, 13-3)

Texas A&M returns all five starters from the team that shared last season’s regular season Big 12 title with Oklahoma. That’s why the Aggies were picked to win the conference by the Big 12 coaches and several publications have them in the top five in the country. This is another team with Final Four aspirations.

Texas Tech (15-16, 6-10)

The Lady Raiders lost eight of their last nine games and will struggle to stay above .500 throughout the season.

Edited by Luke Morris

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