Ranking each Big 12 basketball team’s conference title chances

16. TCU

The Horned Frogs could be in for a long season. TCU does not have the roster to keep up with the depth and quality of the Big 12. Ernest Udeh will be the player to watch in Fort Worth and he could be one of the better big men in the conference. The Orlando, Florida, native is averaging 9.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks.

15. Oklahoma State

The Cowboys are off to an 8-4 start, albeit with no notable wins. They could find trouble trying to stay afloat as conference play ramps up. Xavier transfer Abou Ousmane appears to be their best player early on and senior forward Marchelus Avery has chipped in off the bench with 12.3 points per game. Oklahoma State has been feisty on the defensive side of the ball, averaging 9.2 steals.

14. Utah

The Utes are in their first Big-12 season, but it could be a rough one. Utah is 8-4 after dropping its first conference game to Baylor in a matchup that was not competitive. Lawson Lovering, a 7-foot-1 center, could be its only chance at finding some success. He is shooting 70% from the field and averaging 12.1 points. The Utes could have a dangerous weapon if they can increase his volume while keeping his efficiency up.