The Big 12 was clearly down last year, with a lower than normal average KenPom rating, only two Sweet Sixteen teams, and zero Elite 8 teams. This year, most teams look like they will be stronger. In fact, ESPN predicts five of the top nine teams to be from the Big 12, including #1 Kansas, #4 Houston, #6 Baylor, #7 Iowa State, and #9 Arizona. They also have Cincinnati in the top 20.

If ESPN is right, BYU could be a legitimate top 15 team and still finish only 6th or 7th in the Big 12. I will be thrilled if we can match last year's fifth place finish. I would also love to see the conference do much better in the tourney next year.