Big 12 Basketball Reloaded: Houston, Texas Tech, BYU Lead Post-NBA Draft Deadline Power Rankings
The Big 12 Conference has long held a reputation as one of the toughest and most competitive leagues in college basketball. With the NBA Draft deadline behind us and most of the dust settled on transfer portal moves, rosters across the conference have taken shape, and a clearer picture has emerged of which programs are poised to contend in 2024–25.
From veteran-laden contenders to surging squads benefiting from key returns and portal wins, this year’s Big 12 is loaded once again. At the top? Houston, Texas Tech, and BYU, all of whom made major statements this offseason. Here’s a deep dive into our post-NBA Draft deadline Big 12 basketball power rankings, featuring insights into the rosters, coaching moves, and outlook for the season ahead.
1. Houston Cougars
Why They’re No. 1:
Head Coach Kelvin Sampson continues to build an absolute juggernaut in Houston. Despite losing standout guard Jamal Shead to the NBA Draft, the Cougars return a ferocious defensive core led by Terrance Arceneaux, Emanuel Sharp, and the addition of top transfer Pop Isaacs from Texas Tech.
The Cougars also benefited immensely from J’Wan Roberts deciding to return, giving them leadership and interior defense. Their blend of athleticism, physicality, and experience on the perimeter is unmatched in the conference.
Key Returners: Emanuel Sharp, J’Wan Roberts
Key Additions: Pop Isaacs (Texas Tech), freshman guard Malcolm Richardson
Outlook: Houston has the blueprint of a Final Four team. Expect them to be a fixture in the Top 10 nationally all season.
2. Texas Tech Red Raiders
Why They’re Dangerous:
New coach Grant McCasland quickly put his stamp on the program last year and now brings in reinforcements to a defensively sound squad that returns star Darrion Williams and adds electric scorer Elmarko Jackson from Kansas.
The Red Raiders lost Pop Isaacs but replenished through the portal and are deeper than they’ve been in years. Their signature grit and elite rebounding, combined with better floor spacing, could make them the dark horse to win the conference.
Key Returners: Darrion Williams, Warren Washington
Key Additions: Elmarko Jackson (Kansas), Chendall Weaver (UT Arlington)
Outlook: McCasland has built a team tough enough to grind out wins and skilled enough to make a run in March.
3. BYU Cougars
Why They’re Surging:
BYU enters the 2024–25 season with momentum following a better-than-expected first season in the Big 12. With Fousseyni Traore withdrawing from the draft and returning, and guards Dallin Hall and Spencer Johnson leading a seasoned backcourt, BYU has a formidable inside-out balance.
Coach Mark Pope has also brought in size and versatility through international recruiting and transfers. The team’s offensive efficiency and three-point shooting make them a stylistic challenge for even the most elite defenses.
Key Returners: Fousseyni Traore, Dallin Hall
Key Additions: Filip Vukov, international recruit; Mark Armstrong (Villanova)
Outlook: BYU has the continuity, coaching, and perimeter firepower to make serious noise.
4. Kansas Jayhawks
Why They’ve Slipped Slightly:
Bill Self and the Jayhawks are still very much a threat, but losing Hunter Dickinson and Kevin McCullar Jr. to the NBA leaves a void. The good news is Kansas reloaded with a solid freshman class and key transfer Dayo Bello, a 6’9” forward known for rim protection.
While the team may not have the firepower of previous rosters, their length and Self’s defensive schemes keep them dangerous. KJ Adams Jr. returns as an emotional and physical anchor.
Key Returners: KJ Adams Jr., Elmarko Jackson
Key Additions: Dayo Bello (transfer), Mikey Lewis (freshman)
Outlook: They may take time to gel, but by March, don’t be surprised if Kansas is back in championship discussions.