Kansas named preseason favorite in Big 12 on October 10, 2024
- Kansas was chosen as the preseason favorite by Big 12 coaches, receiving nine out of 15 first-place votes.
- Hunter Dickinson was named the preseason player of the year, having averaged 17.9 points and 10.9 rebounds last season.
- The announcement underscores the competitive environment of the Big 12, with Kansas looking to assert its dominance in the upcoming season.
In a recent announcement from Irving, Texas, Big 12 coaches have selected Kansas as the preseason favorite to win the conference for the upcoming season. This decision comes after a successful previous season where nine of the current teams participated in the NCAA Tournament. Kansas received nine out of 15 possible first-place votes, surpassing Houston, Iowa State, Baylor, and newcomer Arizona. The voting was conducted among the conference's 16 coaches, who were prohibited from voting for their own teams. Hunter Dickinson, a 7-foot-2 center for Kansas, has been named the preseason player of the year. Last season, he averaged 17.9 points and led the Big 12 with 10.9 rebounds per game. Dickinson was the only unanimous selection for the preseason All-Big 12 team, which also featured players from Houston, Iowa State, and Arizona. In addition to individual accolades, the preseason newcomer of the year honors were shared by Baylor's Jeremy Roach and Kansas State's Coleman Hawkins, both of whom played pivotal roles in leading their teams to the NCAA Elite Eight last season. Roach averaged 14 points and 3.3 assists at Duke, while Hawkins contributed 12.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists at Illinois. The announcement highlights the competitive landscape of the Big 12, with Kansas aiming to maintain its dominance in the conference. The upcoming season promises to be exciting as teams vie for the championship title, with several strong contenders emerging from the ranks.