Men’s basketball Homeroom, Feb. 9

1. Kansas

(23-1, 9-0)

The top-ranked Jayhawks have basically wrapped up the conference's regular season title. Kansas can now go on cruise control and get ready for a run in March for the title.

2. Kansas State

(19-4, 6-3)

Although the Wildcats have looked shaky at times in losses to Missouri and Oklahoma State, Kansas State's suffocating style has them poised to make a move in the conference tournament. Without a late game surge by Sherron Collins, Kansas State would be neck-and-neck with Kansas in the race for conference supremacy.

3. Texas

(19-5, 5-4)

Texas has had a rough go recently, dropping five of their last seven games after getting to No. 1. The Longhorns need to turn it around soon if they want to have a strong postseason run.

4. Texas A&M

(17-6, 6-3)

With an experienced squad, Texas A&M has the ability to play spoiler come tournament time. Senior Donald Sloan has been an offensive force for a talented Aggie team that still has home games against Kansas and Texas on the schedule. Texas A&M has the potential to make a run for an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament.

5. Baylor

(17-5, 4-4)

Coming off of a tough loss over the weekend, the Bears have a favorable schedule the rest of the way that could help propel them up the conference standings by the postseason. As usual, strong guard play makes Baylor a team that is capable of getting hot at any time. With junior Ekpe Udoh averaging a double-double each game, Baylor also has an inside presence that could help come March.

6. Missouri

(17-6, 5-3)

Missouri has had moments in conference where they have looked like the team that beat Oregon by almost 40 points, but they have also had some struggles. With games left against Baylor and Kansas State on the road, as well as the regular season finale against Kansas at home, Missouri has more than enough opportunities to make a statement before the postseason.

7. Texas Tech

(15-7, 3-5)

After slipping into the rankings early in the season, Texas Tech has dropped off a bit during conference play. After a 29-point loss in the Big 12 opener, Texas Tech has dropped even more with losses against Missouri and Texas A&M. If the Red Raiders want to have any shot at an NCAA Tournament berth, they will need to play big in home games against Baylor, Texas and Kansas State.

8. Oklahoma

(13-9, 4-4)

Sophomore Willie Warren has stepped up for the Sooners averaging over 16 points a game, but Oklahoma has had issues rebuilding after seeing national success the past few seasons. Freshman Tommy Mason-Griffin has shown that Oklahoma fans could see future success like they came to know with a couple of different Griffins on the roster.

9. Oklahoma State

(16-7, 4-5)

The Cowboys have had an up-and-down conference season so far, but with junior James Anderson averaging more than 20 points a game, Oklahoma State could still make a move in the Big 12 Tournament. If they can get an upset or two in games with Baylor, Kansas and Texas A&M, Oklahoma State could still earn an at-large NCAA Tournament berth.

10. Iowa State

(13-10, 2-6)

Craig Brackins' quest towards the NBA is still the news in Ames, but close calls against Texas and Kansas State have shown that Iowa State is capable of catching teams off guard if they aren't careful. German born Lucca Staiger has been a threat from 3-point range for the Cyclones, and the talent of Brackins creates the possibility of knocking off some teams trying to improve their resumes.

11. Nebraska

(13-10, 1-7)

A young (yet taller) Nebraska squad has contended with the conference's best at times but hasn't closed the deal on any big wins so far this season. Things don't get much easier for NU with road trips to Texas and Kansas State coming up for the Huskers. If Nebraska can win some conference games down the stretch, they can set themselves up to potentially gain some experience playing in the NIT.

12. Colorado

(11-12, 2-7)

The Buffaloes almost beat Kansas at home to go with their home upset of Baylor but was overwhelmed late and denied a season-defining moment against the top-ranked Jayhawks. Although it's been a shaky season so far for coach Jeff Bzdelik, it seems like he is making steady progress in just his third season as the head coach in Boulder.