116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Iowa State men’s basketball picked fourth in Big 12 preseason coaches poll
Gazette staff
Oct. 13, 2016 8:35 pm
Here's a bit of news that shouldn't surprise anyone: Kansas is the preseason pick by the coaches to win the Big 12 men's basketball title. A unanimous selection at that.
The Jayhawks have won 12 conference championships in a row and return four of their top six scorers, including preseason all-conference guards Frank Mason III and Devonte' Graham. Oh, and there's 6-8 freshman Josh Jackson, the consenus top-ranked recruit in the country.
With coaches unable to vote for their own teams, Bill Self tabbed Iowa State as KU's top challenger. The Cyclones, featuring preseason Big 12 player of the year Monte Morris, were picked to finish fourth, behind West Virginia and Texas.
Here's the complete poll:
1. Kansas (9) 81
2. West Virginia 65
3. Texas 59
4. Iowa State (1) 56
5. Baylor 53
6. Oklahoma 40
T-7. Oklahoma State 32
T-7. Texas Tech 32
9. Kansas State 20
10. TCU 12
Iowa State guard Monte Morris (11) dribbles the ball against Kansas guard Frank Mason III (0) at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kan., on March 5, 2016. The Jayhawks have been picked picked to win the Big 12 by the coaches, Iowa State was selected fourth. (John Rieger/USA TODAY Sports)