Four years! Four years!
To the Big 12 Conference, that’s not a political campaign slogan but how much time has elapsed since the league put a team into the men’s Final Four.
For a power conference, that’s too long to retain much respect. But undefeated Kansas could end the drought. The third-ranked Jayhawks boast athleticism and experience and appear to have all the pieces for a national championship run.
There’s flash and dash on the perimeter with Brandon Rush, Mario Chalmers, Russell Robinson and Sherron Collins. Darrell Arthur, Darnell Jackson and Sasha Kaun provide strength and scoring underneath. The bench is deep.
“Kansas may be the best team in the country,” first-year Texas A&M coach Mark Turgeon said Thursday during the Big 12 teleconference. “Their guards are fantastic and with their big guys, they have a couple of (future) pros, too.
“They play with a poise about them and a calmness about them like, ‘Been there, done that.’ ”
Conference play begins Saturday. Eleventh-ranked Texas A&M and No. 12 Texas have successfully replaced All-Americans (guard Acie Law by the Aggies and national player of the year Kevin Durant by Texas).
By the way, Oklahoma State, in 2004, is the last Big 12 team to reach the Final Four.
Winning as expected: Kansas.
Returning four starters from last season’s 33-5 team, juggernaut Jayhawks are rolling.
Unexpected challenger: Texas.
Longhorns are every bit as good without the 25.8 points and 11.1 rebounds that Durant provided.
Struggling, as expected: Colorado.
New coach Jeff Bzdelik starts a lineup with nobody taller than 6-feet-6.
Unexpected disappointment: Oklahoma State.
T. Boone Pickens, er, the athletic director can’t be pleased with a 9-5 start.
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com
Players to watch
D.J. Augustin, G, Texas, So. — Preseason player of the year averaging 20.5 points, 6.1 assists.
Michael Beasley, F, Kansas State, Fr. — Tops the Big 12 with Kevin Durant-like numbers of 24.3 points, 13.3 rebounds.
Brandon Rush, G, Kansas, Jr. — Averaging just 10.8 points, but look out when he becomes fully recovered from ACL surgery.
Darrell Arthur, F, Kansas, So. — Called most improved player on the Jayhawks’ roster, which means trouble for the league.
A.J. Abrams, G, Texas, Jr. — Deadly 3-point shooter third in Big 12 scoring (18.4).
Newcomers to watch
Michael Beasley, F, Kansas State, Fr. — As Kevin Durant did last season at Texas, this 6-foot-10 forward has lived up to the hype.
James Anderson, G, Oklahoma State, Fr. — The Arkansas native tops OSU in scoring (16.8) and athleticism.
DeMarre Carroll, F, Missouri, Jr. — Transfer from Vanderbilt leads Tigers in scoring (14.8) and rebounding (6.8).
DeAndre Jordan, C, Texas A&M, Fr. — A 7-foot, 240-pounder, he runs and jumps with the athleticism of a guard.
Bill Walker, F, Kansas State, Fr. — High-wire act regained year of eligibility after ACL surgery early last season.
Blake Griffin, F, Oklahoma, Fr. — Projected to be better than his Sooners brother, Taylor, and he is.
Biggest wins
Texas 63, UCLA 61
Texas A&M 70, Ohio State 47
Nebraska 88, Oregon 79 (OT)
Texas Tech 73, Gonzaga 63
Kansas 85, Boston College 60
Worst losses
Drake 79, Iowa State 44
Stephen F. Austin 66, Oklahoma 62
North Texas 82, Oklahoma State 73
Sam Houston State 56, Texas Tech 54
Centenary 70, Texas Tech 66
Five games to watch
Jan. 16, Texas A&M at Texas Tech
Jan. 30, Kansas at Kansas State
Feb. 11, Kansas at Texas
Feb. 23, Oklahoma at Texas
March 8, Kansas at Texas A&M
