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| (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) |
We at the EP like to treasure each moment we have covering the Big 12, seeing as how the conference could become a shell of its former self in the next few weeks. The conferences seems to be the biggest loser in the recent conference moves. First, Nebraska bolts for the Big Ten. Then, Colorado exits for the Pac-12. This round, Texas A&M jumps to the Southeastern Conference.
While rumors of the demise of the Big 12 have stalled for now with the Pac-12 announcing they are content with 12 teams, you can never be too sure. With this in mind, we realize we have a tremendous opportunity at our hands. We are previewing each of the teams that have the chance to be crowned, possibly for the last time, the Big 12 champions. First up, Texas.
One of the teams making the most noise during conference realignment is the University of Texas. The Longhorns, who came dangerously close to jumping ship to the Pac-12, remain the cornerstone of the conference. Texas fell just short against Arizona in the third round of the NCAA tournament last spring, but should be back for vengeance this fall.
Head coach Rick Barnes (above) received devastating blows to his squad this offseason when he lost his leading scorer, Jordan Hamilton, and leading rebounder, Tristan Thompson, to the NBA. But for every door that closes, another opens. Texas boasts a recruiting class featuring four members of ESPN U’s Top 100 recruits, including McDonald’s All-American, Myck Kabongo. The 6'1" guard from Toronto, who has been labeled by some scouts as the best ‘pure point guard of the 2011 class,’ will step right into a leadership role on this Longhorn team that has just one senior.
Expectations may be high for Rick Barnes’ team, but fans should be in for a treat for what appears to be a very exciting team.
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