Big 12 Hoops: FanShots

Big 12 Tournament Preview: A Seven-Strong Scrum

2010-03-10T00:01:52Z

Big 12 Tournament Preview: A Seven-Strong Scrum

Mar 9, 2010 - For a while now, the Big XII has been the most underrated conference in college basketball, and this year is no exception. While the Big East was truly exceptional a year ago, that conference has become to college basketball what the SEC is to college football, so I fully expect the talking heads to over-hype the Big East's bid for 10 bids while under-discussing the strength of the Big XII -- which was both the nation's best conference in non-con play and closes the season with the strongest top-six in the nation. A quick glance at the Basketball Rankings Bible (Ken Pomeroy's ratings) reveals that among the Top 25 rated teams in the country, no conference can match the Big XII at the top.

Tweet of the Day: Big 12 Conference

2010-03-09T14:12:07Z

Tweet of the Day: Big 12 Conference

Wrapping up the prep day at Sprint Center in KC - Check Facebook for our behind the scenes album! http://tweetphoto.com/13754902

via @Big12Conference

Higgins and Gilstrap Named Men’s Basketball Weekly Award Winners

2010-03-08T15:02:42Z

Higgins and Gilstrap Named Men’s Basketball Weekly Award Winners

Cory Higgins (Colorado) and Marquis Gilstrap (Iowa State) have been selected as the Phillips 66 Big 12 Player and Rookie of the Week, respectively, for games of March 1-6 in voting by a panel of media covering the Conference. Higgins picked up his second career player honor, while Gilstrap received his sixth rookie recognition of the season.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Cory Higgins, Colorado, Jr., G, 6-, 180, Danville, Calif./Monte Vista/The Pendleton School [Fla.]
Higgins averaged 24.5 points and 4.5 rebounds as the Buffaloes picked up victories at Nebraska (81-68) and against Texas Tech (101-90). The junior guard started with 19 points, a team-high six rebounds, four steals and four assists versus the Huskers. He followed that performance with a game-high 30 points, three rebounds and two steals against the Red Raiders. It was his third 30-point game of 2009-10 and the fifth of his career. In two contests, he shot 71.4 percent from the field (15-of-21), including 1-of-3 from beyond the arc. Higgins also made 18-of-24 (.705) free throws.

ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
Marquis Gilstrap, Iowa State, Sr., F, 6-7, 215, Covington, Ga./East Side/Gulf Coast CC [Fla.]
Gilstrap posted two double-doubles, while averaging 14.0 points and 13.0 rebounds in a 1-1 week for the Cyclones. In a 69-67 loss to Missouri, The senior scored 15 points with 13 rebounds and shot 50 percent (7-of-14) from the field. He then notched 13 points and 13 boards in an 85-82 overtime win at No. 5 Kansas State. Over two games, he connected on 8-of-12 (.667) free throws with an assist, two blocks and three steals. Gilstrap led the league in rebounding in conference action with 10.3 per contest.

via big12sports.com

Tweet of the Day: Baylor coach Scott Drew

2010-03-08T14:19:57Z

Tweet of the Day: Baylor coach Scott Drew

Baylor finishes tied for 2nd in the Big 12 and 24 wins is the 2nd most in school history!!! Hope to see everyone @ in KC!

via @BUDREW

Schedule Set For 2010 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s Basketball Championship

2010-03-07T01:52:19Z

Schedule Set For 2010 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s Basketball Championship

2010 PHILLIPS 66 BIG 12 MEN’S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
Kansas City, Missouri (Sprint Center)

Wednesday, March 10 TV Time (CT)
No. 8 Colorado vs. No. 9 Texas Tech - Big 12 Network 11:30 a.m.
No. 5 Missouri vs. No. 12 Nebraska - Big 12 Network 2:00 p.m.
No. 7 Oklahoma State vs. No. 10 Oklahoma - Big 12 Network 6:00 p.m.
No. 6 Texas vs. No. 11 Iowa State - Big 12 Network 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 11
No. 1 Kansas vs. CU/TTU winner - ESPN2 11:30 a.m.
No. 4 Texas A&M vs. MU/NU winner - Big 12 Network 2:00 p.m.
No. 2 Kansas State vs. OU/OSU winner - Big 12 Network 6:00 p.m.
No. 3 Baylor vs. ISU/UT winner - ESPN2 8:30 p.m.

Friday, March 12
Thursday Afternoon Winners - Big 12 Network 6:00 p.m.
Thursday Evening Winners - Big 12 Network 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 13
Semifinal Winners - ESPN 5:00 p.m.

via big12sports.com

Tweet of the Day: Big 12 Conference

2010-03-05T14:36:12Z

Tweet of the Day: Big 12 Conference

Trying to find out where your team might be seeded at the Big 12 Men's Basketball Championship? Check out scenarios at http://bit.ly/drq7Ao

via @Big12Conference

If Mizzou beats Kansas, the Tigers are the: * • No. 2 seed if Kansas State (at home vs. Iowa S...

2010-03-04T17:52:01Z

If Mizzou beats Kansas, the Tigers are the:

* • No. 2 seed if Kansas State (at home vs. Iowa State), Baylor (at home vs. Texas) and Texas A&M (at Oklahoma) all lose. Not a likely scenario, admittedly, but it's out there.
* • No. 3 seed if only one of the three among Baylor, Kansas State and Texas A&M win.
* • No. 4 seed if two out of three among Baylor, Kansas State and Texas A&M win.
* • No. 5 seed if Baylor and Kansas State both.

If Mizzou loses to Kansas, the Tigers are the:

* • No. 3 seed if Baylor (at home vs. Texas) AND Texas A&M (at Oklahoma) lose.
* • No. 4 seed if Baylor loses.
* • No. 5 seed if Baylor and Texas A&M both win.

via mutigers.com

Seth Davis: Collins' KU farewell ends in triumph

2010-03-04T15:37:14Z

Seth Davis: Collins' KU farewell ends in triumph

LAWRENCE, Kan. -- Over the last few days, several members of Sherron Collins' family have been taking bets over how long he would last during his Senior Day speech before he broke down and cried. The Senior Day speech is a tradition at Kansas, and Collins, KU's 5-foot-11 point guard from Chicago, was slated to take his turn at the microphone Wednesday night, win or lose, following the second-ranked Jayhawks' game against No. 5 Kansas State at Allen Fieldhouse.

Tweet of the Day: KU Sports

2010-03-04T14:07:43Z

Tweet of the Day: KU Sports

Bill Self's introduction of #sherroncollins and intro video before his senior speech: http://bit.ly/cv5bJD #kubball

via @KUSports

3/02/1962 - The 100-point game

2010-03-02T20:26:13Z

3/02/1962 - The 100-point game

"Once we were far ahead, the Knicks disregarded trying to win the game and concentrated on stopping me," Chamberlain said. "If they hadn't just tried to stop me without regard to whether they would win or not, I could have scored a lot more."

via Inhistoric

Tweet of the Day: Kansas coach Bill Self

2010-03-02T14:13:47Z

Tweet of the Day: Kansas coach Bill Self

Had a day to analyze sat. Can't discuss in only 140 characters. Can't wait 4 practice today and ksu prep. #4 needs a grand finally.

via @CoachBillSelf

James Anderson and Matt Pilgrim (Oklahoma State) have been chosen as the Phillips 66 Big 12 Player...

2010-03-01T17:12:23Z

James Anderson and Matt Pilgrim (Oklahoma State) have been chosen as the Phillips 66 Big 12 Player and Rookie of the Week, respectively, for games of Feb. 22-28 in voting by a panel of media covering the Conference. Anderson wins his third player honor of 2009-10, while Pilgrim is picked as top rookie for the first time.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK
James Anderson, Oklahoma State, Jr., G, 6-6, 205, Junction City, Ark./Junction City
Anderson averaged 20.5 points and seven rebounds in two games last week, including a victory over top-ranked Kansas. Despite foul trouble, he also scored 14 points in a loss at Texas while grabbing six boards. Against No. 1 KU, the 6-6 guard scored 27 points and grabbed eight rebounds, shooting 47.4 percent (9-of-19), including 4-of-6 from beyond the three-point arc. Anderson also made 5-of-6 free throws and tallied three assists, two steals and two blocked shots.

ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
Matt Pilgrim, Oklahoma State, Jr., F, 6-8, 235, Cincinnati, Ohio/Hampton
Pilgrim scored 18 points and grabbed six rebounds in the victory over Kansas, connecting on 8-of-8 field goals and both of his free-throw attempts. He also had a block and a steal in 23 minutes against the Jayhawks. Pilgrim did not play against Texas, but in the last seven games, he is 36 of 42 (85.7%) from the floor.

via big12sports.com

Big 12: 7 Kansas (1), Kansas State (2), Baylor (5), Missouri (6), Texas (7), Texas A&M (7),...

2010-03-01T15:43:08Z

Big 12: 7
Kansas (1), Kansas State (2), Baylor (5), Missouri (6), Texas (7), Texas A&M (7), Oklahoma State (9)

SB Nation Bracketology: Duke Opens March On Top Line; Nine Big East Teams In At The Moment

(Second) Tweet of the Day: CBS/SI analyst Seth Davis

2010-03-01T14:24:20Z

(Second) Tweet of the Day: CBS/SI analyst Seth Davis

IT'S MARCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

via @SethDavisHoops

Tweet of the Day: Nebraska coach Doc Sadler

2010-03-01T14:20:04Z

Tweet of the Day: Nebraska coach Doc Sadler

Just want to thank everyone for coming out yesterday. You were the difference. Hope to see you senior night

via @Coach_Sadler

Tourney-bound: Kansas (27-1), Kansas State (23-4), Texas (22-6) They've got work to do: Baylor,...

2010-02-27T14:59:47Z

Tourney-bound: Kansas (27-1), Kansas State (23-4), Texas (22-6)

They've got work to do: Baylor, Missouri, Texas A&M, Texas

Baylor (21-6, 8-5 RPI: 12)

• Marquee wins: Xavier; @ Texas

• Bad losses: Alabama; @ Colorado

• Remaining schedule: @ Oklahoma; @ Texas Tech; Texas

• Outlook: There's very little left to ask of the Bears. Their RPI and overall record look very good, so defeating mediocre Oklahoma on the road Saturday would put them into lock status. This group has been good late in games this year; that's why the Bears are on pace for, I'm guessing, a 7-seed.

Missouri (21-7, 9-4 RPI: 39)

• Marquee wins: Illinois; Kansas State; Texas

• Bad losses: Oral Roberts; @ Oklahoma

• Remaining schedule: @ Kansas State; @ Iowa State; Kansas

• Outlook: Another team that becomes a lock tomorrow with a road win. The Tigers' W would be more impressive than Baylor's for two reasons: 1) the opponent (Kansas State) is better, and 2) a win would mean a season sweep of the Wildcats. Over at CHJ I predicted this group gets the win in the Octagon of Doom. Missouri has done a great job considering it lost a lot of the guys on the team that got to the Elite Eight in 2009.

Texas A&M (19-8, 8-5 RPI: 18)

• Marquee wins: @ Missouri

• Bad losses: None

• Remaining schedule: Texas; Oklahoma State; @ Oklahoma

• Outlook: Few teams have more mystery than the Aggies. They've got some solid wins -- Clemson, Minnesota, Baylor -- but no home runs. A lack of bad losses is what's gotten them to this point. I think this team is destined for another 8/9 game, and that's OK (just not another matchup with BYU, please). Going 2-1 down the stretch would definitely lock them in, there's no doubt about it, but that's not a guarantee. I think Texas defeats them Saturday, then they've got what could be a just-as-desperate Okie State team after that. Lose there, and it's a road game at Oklahoma to decide whether or not you've got a .500 season in the Big 12 on your resume. Don't bother putting your finger in the wind; we still can't get a good enough gauge on this team yet, even though February is about to come to a close.

Oklahoma State (19-8, 7-6 RPI: 32)

• Marquee wins: @ Kansas State

• Bad losses: @ Oklahoma; @ Texas Tech

• Remaining schedule: Kansas; @ Texas A&M; Nebraska

• Outlook: That Kansas game tomorrow is a big one. As you can see, it's a big day all around the Big 12. Oklahoma State isn't expected to win against Kansas at home, but is it so much to ask for the upset in this spot? Running the table in your conference is so, so, so hard. Kansas hasn't done it yet. Is it due? And Oklahoma State could really use another prove-it performance. The difference between a win and a loss for the Pokes in this game, I'm guessing, about being the 70th team and the 58th team. Few games have more on the line Saturday than this one.

Bubble Breakdown: Three safe, three on the fringe and one in limbo in Big 12 on The Dagger

Tweet of the Day: CBS analyst Seth Davis

2010-02-26T13:50:11Z

Tweet of the Day: CBS analyst Seth Davis

Plus a request from YOU: I'm looking for candidates for 11th annual SI All-Glue team. Send me your glue guy nominations! RT this liberally.

via @SethDavisHoops

Colorado Student-Athlete Spotlight: Alex Burks

2010-02-25T19:29:51Z

Colorado Student-Athlete Spotlight: Alex Burks

University of Colorado standout Alec Burks is having one of the best freshman seasons in school history. Despite flying under the recruiting radar, Burks has been very visible to all the teams that overlooked him as a prospect.

"He’s 6’6, he grew a couple inches since we signed him," head coach Jeff Bzdelik said. "He’s very long and very athletic and very talented—extremely talented. He can go make a play in a variety of ways. He understands the physical and intensity level at which this game is played at this level. I’m going to go out on a limb and say this, it’s up to both him and me for him to realize his potential and if he does he has a chance to be really special."

Read the rest at big12sports.com

Missouri's Safford sidelined with torn ACL

2010-02-25T19:20:17Z

Missouri's Safford sidelined with torn ACL

Missouri basketball coach Mike Anderson announced today that starting forward Justin Safford suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during Wednesday night’s 92-63 win over Colorado.

Safford will miss Saturday’s showdown at No. 6 Kansas State. According to a news release from the university, the injury will be reevaluated next week and a decision will be made then on treatment options.

Anderson did say in an interview with WHB radio in Kansas City that "eventually he’s going to have to have surgery."

Safford, a 6-foot-9 junior, was injured while converting a layup 7 minutes into the Colorado game. He fell to the floor and grabbed his left knee after scoring.

To this point in a 21-7 season, Mizzou has relied almost exclusively on a three-forward rotation: Safford, Keith Ramsey and Laurence Bowers. Sophomore Steve Moore, who has appeared in all 28 games, and seldom-seen freshman John Underwood likely will get more playing time because of Safford’s injury.

Safford averages 20 minutes, 8.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game.

via StL Today

Tweet of the Day: Mizzou Graduate Assistant coach Mike Anderson Jr.

2010-02-25T14:03:59Z

Tweet of the Day: Mizzou Graduate Assistant coach Mike Anderson Jr.

Great win tonite! Enjoy this one til midnite, then it's time to get ready for the big, bad, cats in Manhattan! We'll b ready tho!

via @JrView13