FINAL: Tracking the B12 Top teams to the End of Regular Season

approxinfinity

@BeddieKU23 wow, nice write up! So the key here is the Rosario money, sounds like. We get to see how this plays out since we could have one more season of him at least. I know that doesnt help with this season but could ease the sting watching a kid grow year over year. Are we thinking he is gone next year for sure? Or do we want to move on from him?

What positional need would you be targeting right now if you had to guess already to add to next years class or in portal? I am assuming if we can retain our bigs + adkins we are ok there and we keep hunting a scoring guard?

https://247sports.com/college/kansas/Season/2026-Basketball/Commits/

BeddieKU23

@approxinfinity

I think the Rosario money is a key after they lost on Williams, who was the last big fish they held out for after he didn't stay in the draft. Then they lose on Dame Sarr to Duke, which was a big one. KU definitely has an "in" with the OTE kids (Tiller, Calderon, Rosario) soon to be Kinney coming in so I think they used their connections there to get Rosario. He was a late riser with upside, but we've clearly seen he isn't ready for primetime right now.

It begs the question of does KU need a GM and support staff setup to assist in the scouting/communicating/NIL discussions and let Bill decide at the end who he likes. There were definitely some mishaps with the process last year besides hitting on White/Council that I think needs to be ironed out in how they are approaching it all.

I've heard Rosario's camp isn't happy with how the year has gone. After the buzz he created during the summer they were counting on his offense and that's been a total dud. I think he moves on, especially since KU recruited a shooter in Barnett & a wing in Perry who bring skill sets that cover what Rosario was supposed to give us.

You know, the Stokes situation has kind of made brainstorming next year's team a worthless exercise until there is finality there.

We need to replace Council or Peterson's spot. Dawson is also gone. Kinney is a shoe-in to start as a freshman in the backcourt. Based on recent play from Jackson/Mari you can't possibly feel comfortable with them even if they develop. Barnett comes in as a shooter. You need 2 backcourt guys from the portal.

White is another replacement needed but if you land Stokes that's kind of the role he's going to play here (big wing or small 4). They have Perry coming in. Rosario perhaps but I think he moves so you potentially need 1 wing.

As we've discussed previously retaining the Flory/Tiller duo seems like every priority before anything else. If one bolts, you're really scrambling. If both stay & Adkins coming in, I still think you go grab a big to develop. It has baffled me how little post depth we've had the last several years, especially for a team playing inside/out.

RockChalkinTexas 0

I found this tidbit in the KU Alumni newsletter. Didn't know where else to put it so here it is:

The following notice is published as required by the NCAA:
The University of Kansas received its decision on October 11, 2023, from the Independent Accountability Resolution Process (IARP) regarding its case involving the men’s basketball program.

The institution’s violations, two Level II and two Level III, included inducements and extra benefits provided by two representatives of the athletics interests in men’s basketball. Its penalties, which did not include a postseason ban, did include three years of probation through Oct. 11, 2026.
Emphasis added by me

bskeet

UPDATED: the standings at the top. I think if we win, we're the 4 seed in the B12 tournament and get a double-bye. Let's see what Saturday holds.

bskeet

UPDATED STANDINGS ABOVE: Just one game of significance left to be played.

RockChalkinTexas 0

@bskeet BYU needs to win this one. Gonna be a late one too.

Jayhawk_69

Most likely have to get through Iowa State then Arizona just to reach the big 12 title game.

bskeet

FINAL STANDINGS UPDATED ABOVE.. Reposting here for easier reference:

... as of Sun March 8

FINAL B12 STANDINGS: (potential tournament teams)

1. AZ:  16-2
2. HOU: 14-4
3. KU:  12-6
   TT:  12-6
   ISU: 12-6
6. TCU: 11-7
7. WVU: 9-9
   UCF: 9-9
   CIN: 9-9
   BYU: 9-9

KU finishes in a tie for 3rd place in the Big 12 and is a 3 seed in the B12 Tournament, thanks to their wins over top teams and BYU's win over TT yesterday. Go Figure

Potential 1 / 2 seeds
ARIZONA
HOUSTON

Potential 2/3/4 seeds
KANSAS
TEXAS TECH
IOWA STATE

Should be a top 6 seed, but who knows
TCU

Bubblicious
CINCINNATI
CENTRAL FLORIDA
WEST VIRGINIA
BYU

DCHawker

@bskeet BYU is not a bubble team -they are in - its just a matter of seeding. UCF might on the bubble, but has a better profile than most bubble teams, even with the weak finish to end the year. Would be surprised for the B12 to not end up with eight teams...

bskeet

@DCHawker Agree regarding BYU. Maybe I should call that group "too close for comfort".. or "when the music stops, will be looking for a chair"