16. Texas Tech Red Raiders
Previous: 14
What Chris Beard has done the past two seasons in Lubbock is unbelievable, and maybe we should stop doubting him just because he faces another Red Raiders rebuild. He does have his work cut out for him. Brandone Francis, Matt Mooney, Tariq Owens and Norense Odiase are all seniors, and Jarrett Culver is a top-10 pick. Beard is bringing in a very strong recruiting class, led by ESPN 100 prospects Jahmius Ramsey and Terrence Shannon, and returnees Deshawn Corprew and Kyler Edwards should make an impact alongside returning starter Davide Moretti. The Red Raiders are also looking to add multiple players this month.
Big 12:
10. Kansas Jayhawks
Previous: 13
For the first time in 15 seasons, Bill Self is not coaching the defending Big 12 regular-season champions. Can the Jayhawks start a new streak next season? There are still a lot of questions to be answered in Lawrence. Lagerald Vick is gone, Charlie Moore is gone, Dedric and K.J. Lawson are gone. But they received a big boost when Udoka Azubuike decided to return to school for his senior season. Quentin Grimes' decision is the next one to watch, as most expect Devon Dotson to return to school. Keep an eye on top-five recruit RJ Hampton, who recently reclassified to 2019 and is a major target for the Jayhawks.
22. Baylor Bears
Previous: Next in line
Scott Drew did a tremendous job last season, winning 20 games and beating Syracuse in the first round of the NCAA tournament. And while he does lose Makai Mason and King McClure, Drew now gets sit-out transfers Davion Mitchell (Auburn) and Macio Teague (UNC Asheville), both of whom could push for starting jobs immediately. More importantly, starting forward Tristan Clark should be healthy after missing the last 20 games of the season; he was the team's second-leading scorer and top rebounder. Double-figure scorers Jared Butler and Mario Kegler are also back.
