Friday, November 03, 2006
Big 12 Shuffle
January is a key month for a couple mid-level Big 12 basketball teams.
It's a month where Jarrius Jackson could return to the Texas Tech Red Raiders. He was recently "dismissed" from the team for academic reasons, but if he gets his act together he'll probably be back for the conference slate.Texas Tech needs him to be taken seriously as an NCAA tournament team.
For Kansas State, its the month when a big time newcomer and teammate of OJ Mayo named Bill Walker can step in for Kansas State. He was expected to be a high school senior this year, and one of the best in high school hoops. Several weeks ago, it was revealed that he'd already used up his high school eligibility. He'll have a positive impact on an already improved Kansas State squad.
Come January, I see these teams on an equal playing field, competing for a bid to March Madness. If Kansas State takes advantage of some early season opporunities and gets a leg up on Texas Tech, they could be dancing in March. However, if they put out weak performances and Texas Tech gets Jackson back, the Red Raiders could go. I see one or the other, not both, unless they both piece together very surprising seasons.
It's a month where Jarrius Jackson could return to the Texas Tech Red Raiders. He was recently "dismissed" from the team for academic reasons, but if he gets his act together he'll probably be back for the conference slate.Texas Tech needs him to be taken seriously as an NCAA tournament team.
For Kansas State, its the month when a big time newcomer and teammate of OJ Mayo named Bill Walker can step in for Kansas State. He was expected to be a high school senior this year, and one of the best in high school hoops. Several weeks ago, it was revealed that he'd already used up his high school eligibility. He'll have a positive impact on an already improved Kansas State squad.
Come January, I see these teams on an equal playing field, competing for a bid to March Madness. If Kansas State takes advantage of some early season opporunities and gets a leg up on Texas Tech, they could be dancing in March. However, if they put out weak performances and Texas Tech gets Jackson back, the Red Raiders could go. I see one or the other, not both, unless they both piece together very surprising seasons.
# posted by . @ 5:05 PM 
