Welcome to Tuesday Takes, where I give you four takes from the Big 12. It was a jam-packed week full of exciting news, but there were several things that caught my attention over the last few days.
Keep the Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City
During the tournament last week, I heard some people complain about Kansas City which is crazy to me. Just look at the crowds there. From inside the arena to outside in the power and light district, there was no shortage of people.
Now sure, Iowa State and Kansas fans packed the place but that is expected when both schools are nearby. Even still, I thought it was a great turnout from what I saw and people that I spoke with.
For those people complaining about Kansas City, I would tell them to take a trip to the Big 12 tournament before opening their mouth. As someone who has been to Kansas City several times, I can honestly say that it is one of the most underrated cities in the country. And when the Big 12 comes to town, it is THE SHOW in town. It’s all focused on the conference we love, and Kansas City has been a great host, and I hope that never changes.
Arizona Will Make It to Indy
On a scale of hot takes, this one isn’t going to move the meter much but it’s true. Even though Arizona wasn’t the top overall seed, I thought they got the best draw out of the four one seeds. Their path to a sweet sixteen should be a cakewalk with games against Long Island and the winner of Villanova/Utah State. It wouldn’t shock me one bit if the Wildcats won both of their first two games by 15 points or more.
Could Arkansas or Wisconsin be tricky matchups for a sweet sixteen game? Sure, but Arizona just went through the Big 12 and came out on top not only during the regular season but the conference tournament as well. They are as battle tested as anyone out there which is why no matter who they face in the west region, I like their chances. Give me the Cats back in the final four for the first time in 25 years.
Elite Eight for Iowa State
Another team that I believe is going to make a deep run is Iowa State. The Cyclones were given a two-seed and had the best draw out of any two-seed out there. They get to play in St. Lous which isn’t too far away, and they get Tennessee State in the opening round before playing the winner of Kentucky and Santa Clara.
Neither one of those teams would scare me if I were Iowa State because Kentucky is not what it used to be. Now, it’s just a name because Kentucky is not a great team by any means. From there, they would be looking at Tennessee or Virginia more than likely but if that Iowa State team that I saw in Kansas City shows up, then there is no reason that the Cyclones won’t make it to the elite eight. Who knows, maybe this is the year when they break through and make a final four run but for now, I think they will at the very least get to the elite eight.
The Big 12 Field Will be Cut in Half
There are eight teams in the big dance and unfortunately, not all of them are going to make it past opening weekend. In fact, I say that only half of the Big 12 teams in the tournament are going to make it past the first two rounds.
UCF will likely fall to UCLA right off the bat, and as much as I like TCU, they aren’t slipping by both Ohio State and Duke. And while I think both Texas Tech and BYU will win their first games, I’d have a hard time seeing both of them survive the second one.
Even Kansas would have a tough matchup against a scrappy St. John’s team in the second round. As much as I love the Big 12 and know how deep it is, some of these teams had some tough draws. I hate to say it but I don’t see more than four Big 12 teams getting to the second weekend of the big dance.
