OKLAHOMA CITY — How many bubbles will turn into champagne? That’s what Big 12 Conference men’s basketball coaches — and their fans — must be asking themselves, wondering if all, or just some, among a quartet of bubble teams with 9-7 league records will impress the NCAA Tournament selection committee enough to celebrate Sunday.
“Think we’ve got six teams in the NCAA Tournament right now, and we have a chance at seven or eight,” Kansas coach Bill Self said. “It depends on how teams finish.”
Kansas (25-6) has no worries, of course. Neither does Oklahoma (27-4) or Missouri (25-6). But Kansas State (21-10), Texas (20-10), Texas A&M (23-8) and Oklahoma State (20-10) have some work to do. And Nebraska (18-11) could make a run and turn heads.
“I don’t think the Big 12 gets the respect it deserves, the respect that other conferences get,” said Kansas State coach Frank Martin, above. Time will tell. But those on the bubble had better hang around the Big 12 Tournament as long as possible so the selection committee keeps them fresh in its mind.
Most dangerous lower bracket seeds
No. 9 Baylor (17-13): The Bears were this season’s most disappointing team, having been picked to finish in a tie for third by the league’s coaches. But the talent is still there.
No. 7 Oklahoma State: One of the Big 12’s hottest teams, the Cowboys had won six straight before dropping the regular-season finale against Oklahoma.
NCAA outlook
Locks
Kansas: Regular-season champion was picked to finish tied for third in preseason poll. RPI: 8.
Oklahoma: Almost unbeatable before Blake Griffin suffered a late-season concussion. RPI: 5.
Missouri: To think there was preseason talk coach Mike Anderson might be on the hot seat. RPI: 12.
Texas: Despite being 9-7 in Big 12, nonconference wins over UCLA, Villanova and Wisconsin will impress the committee. RPI: 35.
Bubbles
Texas A&M: A six-game winning streak to end the regular season and nonconference wins over Alabama, Arizona and LSU might already be enough. RPI: 28.
Oklahoma State: Combination of a late-season surge and a superstar (James Anderson) is always eye-catching. RPI: 25.
Kansas State: Its most impressive nonconference win: Cleveland State. Ouch. RPI: 76.
Nebraska: Huskers posted their first .500 or better conference record in nine years. RPI: 68.
Five players to watch
Oklahoma F Blake Griffin The Big 12 player of the year and likely the national player of the year.
Kansas G Sherron Collins Assumed leadership role with exit of 80 percent of KU’s scoring offense from 2008 national title team.
Texas G A.J. Abrams The Big 12’s career leader in 3-pointers.
Oklahoma State G James Anderson On a scoring tear, averaging 25.6 points in his last eight games.
Missouri F DeMarre Carroll The Tigers’ renaissance is tied to his transfer from Vanderbilt.
Schedule
Today
Game 1: Nebraska vs. Baylor, 10:30 a.m., ALT
Game 2: Texas vs. Colorado, 1 p.m., ALT
Game 3: Oklahoma State vs. Iowa State, 5 p.m., ALT2
Game 4: Texas A&M vs. Texas Tech, 7:30 p.m., ALT2
Thursday
Game 5: Kansas vs. Game 1 winner, 10:30 a.m., ESPN2
Game 6: Kansas State vs. Game 2 winner, 1 p.m., ALT
Game 7: Oklahoma vs. Game 3 winner, 5 p.m., ALT
Game 8: Missouri vs. Game 4 winner, 7:30 p.m., ESPN2
Friday
Semifinal: Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner, 5 p.m., ALT
Semifinal: Game 7 winner vs. Game 8 winner, 7:30 p.m., ALT
Saturday
Championship: Semifinal winners, 4 p.m., ESPN
