The Houston Cougars are heading into the new Big 12 men’s basketball season picked second in the preseason coaches poll, falling just six points shy of the top spot behind defending champion Arizona. This isn’t just a poll; it’s a statement about the grind that’s coming, with every point and every game set to matter.
That Six-Point Difference Is Everything
Man, talk about a tight race right out of the gate! Kelvin Sampson’s crew, fresh off a fifth straight 30-win season and a trip to the Sweet 16, snagged four first-place votes and 214 points in the poll. That’s legit, no doubt. But the defending champion Arizona Wildcats, they absolutely flexed, grabbing 12 first-place votes and a total of 220 points to claim that number one spot. It just shows you how razor-thin the margin is at the top of the Big 12 this year. Kansas isn’t far behind either, picked third with Iowa State and Texas Tech rounding out the top five. This league is going to be an absolute dogfight from tip-off.
Tugler and Thomas Jr. Are Ready to Make Noise
It’s not just about the team rankings; the individual talent is already getting recognized, and that’s a massive deal. Houston forward Joseph Tugler and point guard Dedan Thomas Jr., who transferred in from LSU, both earned a spot on the preseason All-Big 12 team. That’s huge for setting the tone early and shows that these guys are expected to deliver from day one. Over on the Arizona side, Motiejus Krivas was tabbed the league’s preseason Player of the Year, so you know those Wildcats aren’t messing around and have their own heavy hitter ready to go. The talent across the conference is stacked, and having two Cougars on that preseason list tells you exactly what kind of firepower Houston is bringing to the court.
So, the stage is set for an insane season. Houston’s got a target on their back at number two, right behind a red-hot Arizona team that’s looking to repeat. Can Tugler and Thomas Jr. lead them to close that tiny six-point gap and show everyone who truly runs the Big 12? We’re about to find out, and it’s gonna be a battle every single game. Get ready, because the action is about to hit full throttle!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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