Apr 1 2013

Royals 2013

Wait, did I just see the Royals on ESPN? I have caught myself thinking this more already than any other season in recent years. Dayton Moore and the Royals have finally gone all in for this 2013 season. With a huge trade for James Shields, the Royals were finally able to go from being one of the worst starting rotations in the history of the MLB to one of the better rotations in the AL. To go with a better rotation, they Royals have offensive threats that could contribute to a rare winning season.

The biggest X-factor this season is health. The Royals have invested so much this season, so if James Shields or Salvador Perez gets injured, fans can kiss this season goodbye. Concerning health, the major statistic I see is which starter pitches the most innings. Last year, the starters went just six innings too often. Though the bullpen was dominant, the relievers were typically worn out. The Royals trade for Shields has given Kansas City a workhorse. It has also given the Royals and Ned Yost options for their rotation and bullpen.

The starting rotation is bound to be better this year than last, but by how much? As I said earlier, the inning the starters consume will show the specific talents the Royals have in the bullpen. Right now, here is how I see the starting rotation shaping out:

2012 Statistics

1. James Shields: 15-10, 3.52 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 223 Ks, 58 Walks in 227.2 Innings

2. Ervin Santana: 9-13, 5.16 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 133 Ks, 61 Walks in 178 Innings

3. Jeremy Guthrie: 8-12, 4.76 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 101 Ks, 50 Walks in 181.2 Innings

4. Wade Davis: 3-0, 2.43 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 87 Ks, 29 Walks in 70.1 Innings

5. Luis Mendoza: 8-10, 4.23 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 106 Ks, 59 Walks in 166 Innings

Remember when I said they Royals will have options this season? Well, what should the Royals do with Luke Hochevar and Bruce Chen? I have always been a huge believer that the best way to motivate and get the best out of players is through pure competition. I hope Ned Yost has made it clear that no one’s starting spot is a lock. Mendoza has been pitching extremely well so far this offseason and spring training. While this does not matter too much, it does show that he is coming in ready to compete for a job. This season, the Royals will have something they have not had since they traded away Zack Greinke. The Royals will once again have a pitcher with whom they will expect a win no matter what in James Shields. “Big Game James” actually thrives off of pitching in games against the best teams and will get his opportunity in the Royals opener against Chicago White Sox. Plus, Shields will bring playoff experience to the staff.

The Royals’ bullpen has been the strongest part of the team because of young prospects coming in and producing immediately. Greg Holland and Aaron Crow are the “Leaders of the Relievers”. Both can come in with confidence that they will get the team out of any jam. The 5 players below are current locks on having a spot in the rotation due to how they have fared in the majors so far. Holland will close and Crow will be the set-up man just like last year. With Luke Hochevar being put in the bullpen, the relievers are starting to form a complete group.

Greg Holland: 7-4, 16 Saves, 2.96 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 91 Ks, 34 Walks in 67 Innings

Kelvin Herrera: 4-3, 2.35 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 77 Ks, 21 Walks in 84.1 Innings

Tim Collins: 5-4, 3.36 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 93 Ks, 34 Walks in 69.2 Innings

Aaron Crow: 3-1, 3.48 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 65 Ks, 22 Walks in 64.2 Innings

Louis Coleman: 0-0, 3.71 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 65 Ks, 26 Walks in 51 Innings

Nate Adcock, Will Smith and Everett Teaford are all fighting for one spot in the bullpen and it will most likely be this way the entire season. Will Smith did a better job than most expected last year as a starter but did not perform at a high enough rate to retain his role in the rotation.

The Royals will not intimidate opposing pitching staffs with their power, but will with their ability to run the bases, hit for contact and situational hitting. The biggest difference from last year to this year’s offensive attack is having Salvador Perez healthy. Along with Perez, look for Alex Gordon and Billy Butler to carry the load for this lineup For the most part, Gordon and Butler have been consistent. I expect Butler to finally jump into the thirty home run club and be the sole member from the Royals. Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas could both take major strides this year as well. Hosmer should benefit immensely from playing with the USA team because he gets to see how the best players prepare themselves on a daily basis. I do not expect Perez to hit in the .300’s but around .280 mark. Though the Royals may lack strength in power, they more than make up for it in their athletic youth.

Alex Gordon (LF): .294/.368/.455, 14 HR’s, 72 RBI, 93 Runs in 161 Games

Alcides Escobar (SS): .293/.331/.390, 5 HR’s, 52 RBI, 68 Runs, 35 SB’s in 155 Games

Eric Hosmer (1B): .232/.304/.359, 14 HR’s, 60 RBI, 65 Runs, 16 SB’s in 152 Games

Billy Butler (DH): .313/.373/.510, 29 HR’s, 107 RBI, 72 Runs in 161 Games

Mike Moustakas (3B): .242/.296/.412, 20 HR’s, 73 RBI, 69 Runs in 149 Games

Salvador Perez (C): .301/.328/.471, 11 HR’s, 39 RBI, 38 Runs in 76 Games

Jeff Francoeur (RF): .235/.287/.387, 16 HR’s, 49 RBI, 58 Runs in 148 Games

Lorenzo Cain (CF): .266/.316/.419, 7 HR’s, 31 RBI, 27 Runs, 10 SB’s in 61 Games

Chris Getz (2B): .275/.312/.360, 17 RBI, 22 Runs, 9 SB’s in 64 Games

Come September, I expect the Royals to finish at 79-83. Lorenzo Cain’s health will be crucial as this team aims to achieve a winning record. With major injuries to any of the starting lineup, the Royals winning chances diminish because they do not have the depth to plug another player in without a great drop off. Furthermore, the Royals do not have the pieces or money to make trades to improve the roster in the middle of the season. The Royals are all in this year and pitching will tell the story for the Blue Crew.

Spencer Montgomery

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Mar 19 2013

March Madness Bracket Group

Here is the link that will lead you to the sign up for the group bracket. Costs $10 and winner gets 75% and second place gets 25%. Enjoy the competition. Password is kcyoungguns

http://tournament.fantasysports.yahoo.com/t1/group/186244

Mar 19 2013

Future betting tips on the top MLB teams

Future betting means gambling on sporting events several months in advance of them taking place, and is a very popular way of betting on major sporting events like the new season – as the early odds for the teams are released well in advance by the sports betting sites. Already the odds, and thus the favourites for both the American and National Leagues and the World Series have been made available – establishing teams like the Los Angeles Angels and the Washington Nationals amongst the favourites at this stage.

However a lot can change once the action gets underway, which is why the single most important tip for those considering MLB futures betting to consider, is that it is better to wait until further into the season before placing a bet. This is because, if one of the top teams performs as expected, their odds will not really change much, but if they don’t, you will avoid losing money betting on a pre-season favourite that doesn’t live up to expectations. After all, there are many factors – including injuries to key players –that can cause this to happen. This is why another major tip to remember is that you need to research form and injury records for key players before making a futures bet on the MLB.

It is not as if there aren’t other ways of mixing betting and a love of the MLB, while you are waiting – as a game like the baseball slot Hot Shot offers great entertainment and betting. Hot Shot, which is available at online casino sites like LuckyNugget is a nine pay line, five reel, non-progressive slot, which has reels designed to look like baseball caps, pitchers, catchers mitts, and baseball snacks like fries and popcorn. It also has a backdrop of a baseball field and the sound effects – including crowd noise (murmurs which rise to a roar when you get a winning reel with the gold cup scatter symbol) – and a baseball bat hitting a ball, when you get a winning reel without the scatter, really add to the appeal of the game.

Mar 7 2013

Seattle’s DB Richard Sherman Rips on Skip Bayless

Jan 22 2013

Is It That Bad?

When Steve Nash signed with the Los Angeles Lakers on July 11th of last year, Kobe Bryant finally received the true point guard he needed. After Dwight Howard signed in early August, the Lakers had a roster that seemed to guarantee a Finals appearance. They would once again run the NBA. Today, the Clippers have taken over Los Angeles, the Oklahoma City Thunder have the title as the best team in the NBA, and the Los Angeles Lakers have fallen to a 17-24 record.

Metta World Peace believed this Laker team had a serious opportunity to finish with a 73-9 record, never done before in the NBA. However, that dream was shattered on December 4 against the Houston Rockets, their tenth loss of the season. Kobe Bryant even said, “Obviously this isn’t working.” The situation has left many fans of the game scratching their heads, with such a high caliber team, why are the Lakers losing?

Image from Chicago Tribune

The team is fifth overall in the NBA in points per game, scoring an average of 102.6. They are third in rebounds per game with 45.6. However, the Lakers turn the ball over an average of 15.4 times per game. A more notable aspect of the game that the Lakers seem to be struggling with is free throws. The team shoots an average of 69.4 percent from the line, which is second worst in the NBA. There have been many instances this season in which missed free throws have cost the Lakers a shot at victory late in games.

Given the offensive struggles, you couldn’t think it could get much worse. Then you look at the team’s defense. They are giving up 101.4 points per game, and sport a 1.4 assist to turnover ratio. With so much size down low, and debatably the fastest backcourt in the division, one still wonders, why aren’t they getting it done?

After 41 games, the answer is simple: the Lakers are not motivated to win. Their lack of effort on both sides of the ball have cost them numerous games this season. Those games could come back to haunt the Lakers as they continue to fight for a playoff spot.

Drew Agnello

Jan 9 2013

The Race for the MVP

Over the course of this year’s NBA season, certain players across the league have impressed the world night in and night out. Since the start of the season back in November, four players have established themselves as the best in the league. Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul and LeBron James have been the most consistent, dominate players this year, and here is why each athlete should be considered for the MVP award at the end of the season.

Carmelo Anthony predicted everything. When he was traded to the New York Knicks almost three years ago, Anthony thought that the first two years would be rough, but the third would be their year. It would be the year he led the Knicks to an NBA Championship. As of now, Anthony is fulfilling his prophecy. Melo is averaging 29 points per game and has New York at a 23-11 record. More importantly, without Carmelo Anthony’s offensive production, the New York Knicks would not be where they are right now. He is, with no doubt, a legitimate contender for the MVP award this season.

Chris Paul has to have his name mentioned in the MVP race. CP3 averages about 19 points a game and almost 10 assists a game. Along with those impressive numbers comes his momentum making ability. His beautiful lobs to Blake Griffin and company are what essentially control any crowd’s mood. The most significant part of where Paul’s play is has put the Los Angeles Clippers is first in the Western Conference with a 27-8 record. If Chris Paul was not in L.A., this Clippers team would be like the ones from 2010 and earlier: unbelievably awful. When MVP voting time comes around, voters need to look at Chris Paul’s impact on the Los Angeles Clippers.

Chris_Paul_Clippers_1st_Game

The Durantula is doing it again this season. One difference this year is the ferocity Kevin Durant is playing with. There is just a different style to the way Durant plays with that was not seen in his previous years. This year K.D. received his first ejection. It is not like that is a good thing, but in some eyes, it is a sign Kevin Durant is hungry for an NBA Championship. He has won the scoring title the last three years, and right now he puts up about 27 a game. However, there is a concern for his MVP status because his numbers in nearly every category are now from last season. Durant has the Oklahoma City Thunder at a 26 and 8 record.

Of course, there is the Sportsman of the Year LeBron James. Believe it or not, the Miami Heat would be more than likely fighting for a playoff spot if it was not for James. LeBron leads Miami in points, rebounds and assists, putting up 26.4, 7.2 and 6.9 respectively. His team sits atop the Eastern Conference with a 23 and 10 record. Dating back to last season, LeBron has scored 20 or more points in 54 straight games. The three time MVP is certainly playing like he is the front-runner for number four.

These four athletes were teammates over the summer at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Each are great friends with one another off the court and can be seen together at dinners. On the court, all four can not stand one another. They fight hard until the final buzzer for the win, and you should expect the four to fight hard for both the NBA Championship and the MVP.

Drew Agnello

Jan 8 2013

What a Roll

I wanted Notre Dame to win the National Championship. I am a fan of the Irish and I honestly thought this was their year—the year Notre Dame would finish undefeated and win the National Championship. But the team from Tuscaloosa, absolutely crushed the dream I have visioned for so long. For all Irish fans, the drought continues and we will have to wait at least another year for Championship. I will quit beating around the bush, though. The Alabama Crimson Tide was undoubtedly the best team in college football this year, and should be for the upcoming years.

Certain aspects of the game really stood out to me. The Alabama defense seemed to control the Notre Dame offense. The Alabama offense seemed to control the Notre Dame defense. A.J. McCarron was red hot in the pocket. He completed 20 of his 28 attempted passes for 264 yards along with four touchdowns. Alabama’s run game was also impressive. Eddie Lacy was similar to a truck in the game. He broke tackles and literally tossed defenders to account for 140 rushing yards and a touchdown. Freshman T.J. Yeldon also contributed to the rushing, tacking on 108 yards and a touchdown. One of the most impressive stats of the night was Alabama’s time of possession, controlling the ball for just over 33 minutes. Notre Dame simply had no answer to anything Alabama put their way.

Personally, I think Alabama could beat a few NFL teams. The way they manhandled Notre Dame is mind-boggling to me. Going into the game, I predicted a low scoring 13 to 10 win for the Irish. Leaving the game, I will never try to predict a score again. Alabama’s 42 to 14 win made me think, “Is this the greatest college football dynasty ever?” I believe they are, but that does not matter. There are enough stats to prove that they are. Their 15 National Championships puts them among the most of all time. This 2012-2013 team is stacked with future NFL players. However, their one loss this year puts a blemish on their “Best Team of All Time” status. I do believe they did not lose that game to Texas A&M, but to Johnny Manziel. That, also, does not matter and I can save that for another argument. Alabama’s play in the National Championship made the game one of the largest blowouts in BCS Championship history.

Another question popped in my head when I realized Alabama had the game won after the first quarter: “Is Nick Saban going to be better than Bear Bryant?” To that, I also say yes. In the last four years, Nick Saban has brought three National Championships to Alabama, giving himself four all time. Bryant’s six championships poured into Alabama over a span of 24 years. If you do the math, that is once every four years. Nick Saban has three in four years. At this rate, Saban could easily surpass Bryant within 12 years. Enough with the math now. Nick Saban is now one of the best college football coaches of all time.

Notre Dame is still my team. I am devastated by this embarrassing loss that my team suffered. I weep for Manti Te’o, who worked so hard to get to the title game, where he was a non-factor. But I smile for Alabama. I am happy to witness one of the greatest dynasties in the history of college football. And the best part is, the dynasty has just begun. For the time being, Roll Tide.

Drew Agnello

Jan 6 2013

Too Close for Comfort?

The Kansas Jayhawks’ 69 to 62 win over the Temple Owls was a battle to say the least. KU’s home win streak rose to 30 as the Jayhawks had to come back towards the end in order to emerge as victors. After such a dominating performance at Ohio State two weeks ago, one would think the Jayhawks would handle an unranked Temple team at home very easily. That was not the case Sunday, but Kansas was fortunate to still come out on top.

KU’s offensive play was somewhat disappointing. The Jayhawks had a field goal percentage of 46 along with 36 three point percentage. Then again, we were used to the Jayhawks shooting an average 56 percent from the field going into the game. The most disappointing stat for KU was 14 turnovers. However, Kansas made shots when they needed to. Ben McLemore, who could not get much going, had a quiet 13 points, but some very audible dunks. KU was able to hang on late with a dagger of a three hit by Travis Releford with 37 seconds left in the game. However, the true stand-out, and biggest surprise, of the game was Kevin Young. Young’s 16 points and 10 rebounds was the key to the Jayhawks’ win.

Defensively, Kansas was lights out. The Jayhawks held Temple to a field goal percentage of just 30. Jeff Withey had 9 of Kansas’ 12 blocks and also had 11 rebounds. Kansas seemed to force Temple into some wild shots, and that was big from a defensive standpoint. While KU lacked a great number of forced turnovers, this was mostly because of the pace Temple runs. Kansas needs to make some defensive adjustments in order to force more steals against any sort of offense. In the end, the Jayhawks’ defense ceased to amaze and simply beat out the Owls.

The game was closer than many would have wanted, but some credit has to be give to Temple. The Owls can keep road games close, and have beaten top ten teams like they did to Syracuse earlier in the year. Temple is a good team who could have one this game. At Kansas, it is near impossible to win, especially when the Jayhawks are competing for a top spot in the country. Temple simply had no response to the perseverance shown by Kansas late in the game. KU had too much to lose and their execution towards the end won the game.

Drew Agnello

Dec 26 2012

Christmas Day Recap

Yesterday was Christmas, the time of festivity, presents being opened and time being spent with the family. It was the birth of Jesus and everything else tradition teaches us. Yesterday was also home to five intriguing NBA games. Potential Finals matchups, division foes and some of the most dynamic teams in the NBA were all on display yesterday, making it a Christmas to remember for all basketball fans.

First, the Boston Celtics traveled to southeast New York to face off against the Brooklyn Nets. In their previous meeting, there was an encounter between the teams which led to ejections and bitter memories. The memories carried into yesterday’s game, especially for the Celtics. Boston shot almost 50 percent from the field, along with 60 percent from three point range. The Celtics outrebounded the Nets and also committed fewer turnovers. The margin of loss for Brooklyn really stands out. 93 to 76, losing by 17 points to their rival on Christmas day is sure to stick with them. The Brooklyn Nets played awful and the Boston Celtics played great, but the game proved a lot about both teams.

The second matchup yesterday was between the red-hot New York Knicks and the struggling Los Angeles Lakers. The game was close from start to finish. Carmelo Anthony seemed to respond to any shot the Lakers made. His 34 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists added to his MVP like season, but individual statistics did not help the Knicks. Anthony’s stats were great, but Raymond Felton shot 5 of 19 from the field, adding just 10 points. The one player who seemed to disappoint many was Tyson Chandler. He had to rent out a suite in the Staples Center so he could bring all of his family and friends to the game. His six points and early dismissal from the game because of six fouls negatively impacted the outcome of the game. His strength and inside presence could have given the Knicks a big road win, but in the end they fell short. Neither team played exceptionally well. Both shot under 50 percent from the field, but Steve Nash proved to be a huge impact. His 16 points and 11 assists were huge in this win for the Lake Show. L.A. played the best they have all season yesterday, and it seems like they are getting back on track for this season.

The most watched game yesterday was the potential Finals matchup for this year. The Oklahoma City Thunder traveled down to South Beach to face off against the Miami Heat. LeBron James has scored 20 or more points in 30 straight games dating back to last season. James’ 29 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists were the key to a big win over the Thunder. Unsurprisingly, the game was close, and Kevin Durant and LeBron James dominated the rock throughout the entire game. Russell Westrook had too many out-of-control plays, and Kendrick Perkins had no effect in the low post. Dwayne Wade was responsible for 5 of the Heat’s 13 turnovers. Chris Bosh only had 6 rebounds. Kevin Durant was making unbelievable shots, and contributed with 7 rebounds. LeBron James pretty much had to do everything for the Heat in the 42 minutes he played. Whether it was play the point or securing the paint, James did it all. The two are the best in the NBA, no question. But their teammates will need to step up if the teams are to meet up in June for a Finals rematch.

Unless you are a Houston Rockets fan, there was nothing but disappointment in the Windy City yestertday. The Rockets faced off against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center, and Houston absolutely thumped Chicago. There is a quote that states, “Offense wins games, but defense wins championships.” Whatever offense went up against the Bulls yesterday would win both the game and a championship. Chicago is the best defensive team in the NBA, but they gave up 120 points to the Rockets. Houston shot 56 percent from the field, and a chunk of their points came from fastbreaks. The Rockets had 31 fastbreak points against Chicago. Saying that just does not sound right. How do the Bulls play such sloppy defense when Coach Tom Thibodeau emphasizes the most important part of the game? Chicago just did not seem to have it in them yesterday, and it lead to an awful home loss. In fairness to the Rockets, they are a dynamic team who can beat anyone they face. Former Bull Omer Asik helped the Rockets with 20 points and 18 rebounds. James Harden had 26 points, and Jeremy Lin had 20 and added 11 assists. The Houston Rockets are the real deal and could be a playoff team.

The last game on Christmas day was a matchup between a young Denver Nuggets team and the streaking Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers are hands down the most dynamic team in the league. Blake Griffin’s acrobatic dunks and Chris Paul’s beautiful passes are too much for nearly any team. In akmost every stat category, Denver beat Los Angeles. The one thing that won the game for the Clippers was the offensive rebounds. The 16 rebounds off the offensive glass gave L.A. second chance opportunities which led to a 112-100 victory. Denver is a young team who is a lot of maturing to do, but that will come with time and they could be a dominant team in the upcoming years. For now, the Los Angeles Clippers are number one in the power rankings, on a 14 game winning streak and are on track for a high seed in the playoffs.

For basketball fans, yesterday was like a double Christmas. Two of the best players went head to head, as did division rivals. Christmas day gave us potential Final matchups and five entertaining games. Christmas games are full of nothing but intensity. The players know what is at stake on Christmas day, and in some cases Christmas day may mark the fate of some teams. The fun starts after Christmas day. May the playoff chase begin.

Dec 25 2012

Big XII Preview

Conference play is right around the corner, and it is now prediction time. Who will surprise people? Who will be the disappointing teams? In this preview, I hope to answer any question you may have. The teams who I believe will be the best and worst will be ranked in order from 1-10.

1. Kansas- This should not come as a shocker to anyone. The Jayhawks have won eight straight conference regular season titles, and it seems like they are a lock for number nine. They lead the Big XII in field goal percentage and blocks. They are second in points per game, free throw percentage, three point percentage and assists. Where the Jayhawks lack in size, they more than make up for it in their guard play. Conference play aside, the Jayhawks could make a deep postseason run if they cut back on their hefty amount of turnovers. Every player on the team has been in a winning atmosphere since the first day they stepped on campus. I just do not see a team in the Big XII who could derail Kansas from their ninth straight title. Rock Chalk will haveended what has been so far a great season.

2. Kansas State- I think this may come as a surprise to many people, and rightfully so. I have K-State at number two mostly because there is no other team that could be number two, but I also like the way KSU plays. While former coach Frank Martin gets credit for the intense defense, Coach Weber has been able to continue this trend for Kansas State. This is a team who can play very well in conference play and especially in the second half of the season. Size wise, K-State is pretty big with a 7 foot center, but the only person who can lead this team is Rodney McGruder. The senior has been in the shadows his entire career behind Jacob Pullen and Wally Judge. Now, it is his turn to step up, and so far he has held his ground. This is his team, and I am looking forward to seeing how McGruder handles his role as the team leader. The one thing that could come back to haunt the Wildcats is the loss of head coach Frank Martin. An average fan would not have noticed Frank was gone except not seeing him on the sidelines screaming at players. However, the players are responding the same way wit Coach Weber. This K-State continues to be the same physical, athletic team as they were in the past years. K-State is my front runner for number two.

3. Baylor- Coming into the season, I would have told you that Baylor would win the conference title. Since then, my views have changed because of how much better KU is playing, and how much Baylor is struggling. The Bears have one person who is under six feet tall. With this size and athleticism, there should be no excuses to already have three losses on the year. The one player under six feet is Pierre Jackson, who is arguably the quickest player in the NCAA and has been a leader on this team since he was a freshman. Baylor’s rebounding is pitiful, and they should be one of the best in college with their size. Averaging just over 37 boards a game, Baylor’s rebounding has been the reason for their three losses. It would be okay if they did not lose to Northwestern, Boston College and the College of Charleston if they were a small team, but with such great size, these losses are disappointing. In the end, I think this team is stacked with talented players. I think the Bears will turn it around and could potentially swap spots with Kansas State towards the end of the season.

4. Oklahoma State- I have always been a fan of Pistol Pete and the Cowboys. This program has great tradition and is known to be a team that can rattle the standings. In past years, it has been one of the toughest schools to win at home against in the Big XII. However, history does not win games. I like the Cowboys this year because of their hot start to the season. Currently ranked 24th in the country, Oklahoma State beat North Carolina State very easily, who at the time was sixth in the country. Oklahoma State is a threat to any team because of their defense. The team gives up just 54.5 points a game, making them one of the best defensive teams in the country. This scrappy team could make a deep push this year to fight for the top of the conference.

5. Iowa State- The Cyclones have surprised me with the numbers they are putting up through 12 games. Their play has made them the seventh ranked team in the NCAA in points and rebounds per game, averaging 82.2 and 43.5. Assists wise, the team is dishing 17.2 assists per game, making them the 14th ranked team. Iowa State is a quiet team, but has the ability to win big games if teams overlook them. They did it last season at home versus the Jayhawks, and I would not be surprised if they did it to another team this year. The only issue for the Cyclones is their size. Senior 6’7 guard Will Clyburn will have to be a strong leader in order for Iowa State to make a jump in the standings.

6. Texas- With the suspension to Myck Kabongo, the Longhorns season can be thrown out the window. I cringe when I see the stats the Longhorns have put up so far. They are 246th in the country in points per game averaging 64.5. They are also 246th in assists with just 11.9 a game. Their worst stat is their field goal percentage of 40.4, making them the 276th team in the country. An embarrassing loss in Hawaii to Division II school Chaminade essentially marked doom on the Hook ‘Em season. The only thing I can ask about this team is, “What went wrong?”

7. West Virginia- I was confident Coach Bob Huggins could help impact the Mountaineers first season in the Big XII, but after five quick losses, I have lost all faith in West Virginia’s season. They were absolutely spanked by the Marist Red Foxes, falling 87 to 44. The Mountaineers also lost in an early season conference matchup to Oklahoma and fell short at Duquesne. This is undoubtedly not the year for West Virginia. After seeing the sizes of their shooting guards and big men, it is sickening to see this team averaging 69.5 points per game with a field goal percentage of 41. Something has to change for the Mountaineers, and it starts down low with the big men. With one of the winningest active coaches in Bob Huggins, you should expect West Virginia to flip the switch and show major improvement.

8. Oklahoma- To keep it short and sweet, this is a team who can not beat elite teams. They have not in the past, nor will they this year. There is not a go-to-player on this team, which just hurts their already slim chances of winning. Senior Romero Osby is the only player who is somewhat productive. His 12.7 points per game and 6.5 rebounds per game make him the leader in both categories on this team, and those are not even close to impressive figures. Until a leader emerges on this Sooner team, Oklahoma will have to wait for their chance to come close to a conference championship.

9. Texas Tech- Since Bobby Knight’s retirement, Texas Tech’s basketball program has gone nowhere fast. Forward Jaye Crockett is the only productive player on this squad averaging 15.8 points per game and 8.9 rebounds per game. There is not much more for Texas Tech to except except losing. The Red Raiders have back to back losing seasons coming into this year, and you should expect that to become back to back to back losing seasons. Hopefully for the Red Raiders, interim head coach Chris Walker can surprise some people and win some games.

10. Texas Christian- Last but not least, I believe the TCU Horned Frogs will be the worst team in the Big XII this year. The fact that they only scored 31 points in one of their games this year pretty much sums up this team. Sure, they have a winning record of 8 and 4, but do I need to tell you who they beat? Teams from the Big West and Southwestern Athletic Conference are not the teams you can beat and call yourselves a winning team, especially if you are winning by an average of just over 8 points. Luckily for the Horned Frogs, expectations were never high and they were projected to finish last in the conference by other scouts and analysts.

In order to win a conference championship in the Big XII, or any league for that matter, a team must have a true, go-to leader. Some of these teams have such a train-wreck of a season because there is no leader. There is nothing complex to winning the Big XII. If the right coaching is present, anything could happen. Hopefully this Big XII season will be yet another one packed with great games.