CBB DFS: Hot Takes from the Big 12

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In lieu of conference previews this year @CBB_DFS is going to bring our Bucketheads a list of 10 DFS related things that caught our eye in each conference during our research. We’ll also knock out a list of 15 mid major hot takes tomorrow! This way our readers/listeners/watchers can be ready to go when those first CBB slates drop on 11/25!

We’re at the end of our Hot Take conference preview and are dangerously close to a season tip! ? Today we’ll take a look at the top-heavy Big-12 which features old faces, impact freshman, and more old faces from different places. The top half of the league should feature prominently on TV as well as DFS slates. Here are some takes that might just help you take down some early season tournaments, if you’re brave enough to accept them!

  • The Baylor Bears were by far the surprise team in the country last season, probably even surprising HC Scott Drew. The departure of hustle-head Gillespie and Bandoo free up 54 minutes of PT. Up until one day of this article, Tristan Clarke was set to return to his dominant position after an injury derailed him last season, but he was forced into retirement instead. Look for springy UNLV transfer Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua and reserve C Mo Thamba to fill in the gap. Jared Butler has been vacuuming up pre-season accolades and should be the alpha on the offense once again with a 30% shot share.
  • Ho-hum, another year, another championship caliber Jayhawks team. Bucketheads don’t care about defensive efficiency but KU was second in the country last season. They lose their monster in the middle, Udoka Azubuike however. We like David McCormack to be the major beneficiary. We already know Coach Self can flat develop a big man, and with de Sousa gone, there are few other options, so we expect big numbers. Kansas also has a stable of athletic wings. Ochai Agbaji and Marcus Garrett should play big minutes again. Keep an eye on newcomers Tyon Grant-Foster and 5-star Bryce Thompson. Sharpshooter Christian Braun (pronounced ?) can be considered in good matchups.
  • Still odd to see Texas Tech a fixture among the Big-12 elite yet here we are. In spite of losing one-n-done Freshman Jahmi’us Ramsey and the majority of their minutes, Coach Beard will get an immediate boost from flashy Georgetown G Mac McClung and 5-star Chicago PG Nimari Burnett. With Kyler Edwards and Terrence Shannon holding down wing duties, Burnett and McClung may end up competing for time early on. The athletic Shannon flashed last year and was 2nd in usage. He could make a big leap this year and should be targeted early.
  • We wrote up West Virginia in our Vegas article due to their devastating front court and top-3 defense. From a DFS perspective, we never managed to get the Mountaineers quite right. Like getting in a car with Bob Huggins, good intentions are quickly met with deep regret. In his first year, Oscar Tshiebwe became the best offensive rebounder in the country. He will be a double-double threat every night. His partner down low, Derek Culver lead the team in usage (26.6%). Miles McBride should anchor the backcourt, doubling-down on his 25% shot share. Pay attention to JUCO all-star Kedrian Johnson as well.
  • Shaka Smart was able to ward off the pitchforks last season, winning 5 out of the last 6 games before COVID ruined everyone’s lives. This was due in large part to the hot shooting of Andrew Jones who went 15-32 from 3 during that winning streak. He, Matt Coleman, and Courtney Ramey will be a source of great contemplation for Bucketheads this season trying to figure out who will go off on a given night. The Longhorns dealt with a rash of injuries, namely Jericho Sims who lead the team in rebounding and blocked shots. He should pick up where he left off, but watch for Greg Brown, 5-star freak athlete that should start immediately and excel in Smart’s offense.
  • The Cade Cunningham show begins in Stillwater. Coach Boynton was able to fade the FBI and land the #1 overall prospect. By all accounts, he should start putting up numbers immediately. Some Bucketheads may remember the hype train around Cole Anthony last season. Those who paid his season-low price to start the season were treated with a 34, 11, and 5 performance. Something to keep in mind here as well. Isaac Likekele will be the table-setter once again. He lead the team last season in usage (22.6%) at a nearly 30% assist rate. Top shotter Ferron Flavors Jr. joins the team from Cal Baptist and could be in play as well. 
  • The departure of Kristian Doolittle leaves 30 mpg, 27% usage, and 28% shot share up for grabs this season at Oklahoma. Block-head Kur Kuath will replace him in the lineup, but don’t expect him to replace his production. Austin Reaves and Brady Manek should exceed their 25.6% usage and 25% shot share respectively to help fill in the gap and should be targeted in DFS lineups. N. Texas transfer Umuja Gibson is worth monitoring as well.
  • Desmond Bane will suit up this year for the Mephis Grizzlies, leaving behind a rich legacy and somewhat bare cupboard for TCU. RJ Nembhard lead the team in usage (24%) and should lead the team in shot share and assist rate this season. Leading rebounder Kevin Samuel returns as well and should continue to be DFS relevant. He’ll be joined down low by Kevin Easley who transferred from the Southern Conference and was Freshman of the Year at Chattanooga. Charles O’Bannon is someone to monitor. The former McDAA is coming off an injury but could excel if he’s able to figure it out on the court.
  •  Lots of familiar DFS names on the Iowa St roster this year, with many of the players having played at other schools at various points. Rasir Bolton should have the ball in his hands plenty and could improve on his 25% usage and shot share from last year. Jalen Coleman-Lands celebrates his 25th year of eligibility, continuing his goal of playing in every D1 conference. You might remember chucker Tyler Harris from Memphis as well. At least there will be a lot of rebound opportunities for Solomon Young and George Conditt. The latter was the 18th best offensive rebounder in the nation last season.
  • Woof. Could be a long year for Wildcats fans. Mike McGuirl is the lone senior and highest scoring player returning. Weber has done a lot with a little before but it’s hard to see where the scoring will come from with this group. One player to look at is Nijel Pack. He’s a Mighty Mouse of a PG that could step in and run things early on. He can score at all 3 levels and wouldn’t be surprised if he leads the team in usage as a true freshman. Or he could lead Coach Weber to an early retirement…