2009 College Basketball Predictions - Big 12 Conference

Let me start off my college basketball predictions by saying that Kansas will be awesome again. The 2009 version of the Jayhawks in the Big 12 conference will be Sherron Collins team. They are returning all 5 starters from last year's 27-8 team. Sprinkle in a great group of new freshmen (CJ and Xavier Henry, F Thomas Robinson, G Elijah Johnson, C Jeff Withey) and you have another #1 team looking. You could call the Jayhawks the NCAA version of the NY Yankees when it comes to college basketball odds.

The only negatives so far has been the injuries even before the onset of the season. First, Tyshawn Taylor is out 4-6 weeks then Fr. C Withey is out 6 weeks and the suspension to Brady Morningstar for the first semester. This will to an extent deplete the depth and experience of the club. Morningstar and Taylor were both starters in 08-09 but look to the kids to carry on. When all is said and done Kansas will be fighting for the role of top banana. Bet Kansas 4-1 in early college basketball predictions to win the 2010 NCAA Men's championship and 1/3 to win the Big 12 at online sportsbooks. Texas had 23 wins last year which is pretty good but this year could be even better. The #3 spot could be a bit too lofty of a ranking though.

The Longhorns return Damien James (15ppg 9.5 rpg) who is a true pro prospect, G Justin Mason and Dexter Pittman from last year's quintet. Pittman is a 6-10 Center who could both score and rebound and when you add in Jai Lucas (transfer from Florida), Fr. G Avery Bradley (#1 prospect in the nation) and 6-7 Fr Jordan Hamilton, you have the makings of a top ten team. The Longhorns are 5/2 to win the Big 12 conference. Looking for some surprises for the Big 12 conference? OK... then try Colorado on for size. With the Buffs 9-22 record last year, they leave lots of room for improvement. Vegas college basketball odds will give them a ton of points for the first weeks of the season and this team could easily take full advantage of that. Four starters return from last year's squad a bit wiser and a year older.

They will still have to find the go-to guy since the Buffaloes are also height deprived and will go to a 3 guard offence. Colorado does have 2 very interesting newcomers that could help; one being 6-11 Shane Harris-Tunks from Australia and Alec Burks a 6-5 guard (Missouri Prep Player of the Year). Iowa State returns 4 starters from last year's 15-17 squad. G Lucca Staiger made 74 three pointers last year while G Diante Garrett finished #36 in the nation in assists as a sophomore. Scoring machine 6-10 center Craig Brackins (20 ppg 9.5 rpg) is a definite lottery pick which gives the Cyclones a great group to work around with Chris Colvin (top 100 recruit) and Marquis Gilstrap who is one of the country's top Juco players. Gilstrap is a big 6-6 guard who finished in the top 20 in scoring and rebounding. Scott Christopherson will also make his debut for Iowa Stare after playing 18 games for Marquette before transferring. The Cyclones are easily a NIT team with a chance for the NCAA tourney in March. Iowa State is 30/1 to win the Big 12 conference.