(If this isn't as new as I think it is, I apologize for posting. The dateline says September, but Vitale just tweeted it today)
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/dickvitale/news/story?id=5752033BIG 12
1.Kansas State
2.Texas
3.Baylor
4.Missouri
5.Kansas
6.Texas A&M
7.Oklahoma State
8.Texas Tech
9.Colorado
10.Oklahoma
11.Nebraska
12.Iowa State
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jacob Pullen, Kansas State
DIAPER DANDY OF THE YEAR: Cory Joseph, Texas
COMMENTS: Kansas State is a legitimate Final Four contender with Jacob Pullen, but the loss of point guard Denis Clemente will be a factor. They also still have Curtis Kelly, who will be a positive force on the baseline. Texas coach Rick Barnes has a lot of young talent. Cory Joseph will have the ball in his hands and run the offense. Tristan Thompson will have an immediate impact, too. Jordan Hamilton must step up and live up to his potential. If Josh Selby is eligible, Kansas would be higher up this ranking. Baylor's prediction is based on the return of LaceDarius Dunn. Missouri, with Kim English, will also be tough.
Now let's take a look at my 2011 Final Four predictions:
FINAL FOUR: Duke, Michigan State, Villanova, Ohio State
NATIONAL CHAMP: Duke
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Kyle Singler
I think the Dukies will go back-to-back a la 1991 and 1992. Coach K celebrated a FIBA World Championship earlier this year and he will add another NCAA title to his résumé. Singler gets the nod over Pullen and Jimmer Fredette for POY. To the victor goes the spoils, baby!
It should be another great season of college basketball. And remember friends, the name on the front of the jersey is more important than the name on the back.
