There isn’t one dominant team in college basketball this season, but after the selection committee revealed the projected top four seeds in each region, it’s clear the Big 12 is the sport’s most dominant conference.
The NCAA men’s tournament selection committee unveiled an early look at the projected top four seeds in each region, and out of the 16 spots available, Big 12 schools earned five.
Kansas is the top-ranked Big 12 school at fourth overall.
Texas, Baylor, Iowa State and Kansas State follow, and as ESPN’s John Gasaway notes, another — TCU — could move up to give the conference a record six schools with a four-seed or higher in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
The top three overall seeds hail from outside of the Big 12. Alabama (SEC) is ranked first, followed by Houston (AAC) and Purdue (Big Ten). As the eight losses by Associated Press No. 1-ranked teams can attest, this isn’t a year with a clear-cut favorite.
Over the past three NCAA men’s basketball tournaments, a Big 12 team has reached the finals each year, with Baylor and Kansas winning the previous two championships.
In a field where anyone can win, the Big 12 has more legitimate title contenders than any other conference. A fourth finals appearance in a row and a third consecutive championship may be in order.
As much as we rightfully look to the SEC as the powerhouse conference in college football, Big 12 basketball hasn’t commanded nearly the same level of respect.
The way this season is unfolding, maybe that should change.
