SALT LAKE CITY – In the world of college basketball, the Big 12 conference continues to hold a prominent position. Currently, it stands as the second-ranked league in the nation, trailing only the SEC according to KenPom’s metrics. However, there have been missed opportunities for the Big 12 to claim the top spot. After Arizona's loss at Wisconsin, TCU's fall at Michigan, West Virginia's blowout defeat in the "Backyard Brawl" against Pitt, and Utah's loss to Mississippi State, the conference had a chance to ascend but couldn't quite make it.Big 12 Basketball Power Rankings: Week Three Edition
Take a look at the week three Big 12 basketball power rankings.1. Kansas (4-0, 0-0 Big 12)
Last week, Kansas remained at the top of the power rankings with an impressive victory over Michigan State in the Champions Classic in Atlanta. They followed it up with a convincing win against Oakland. This week, they face UNC Wilmington on Tuesday.The team's performance has been consistent, with their players showing great skill and teamwork. Kansas' ability to adapt to different opponents and situations has been a key factor in their success. Their coaching staff has done an excellent job of preparing the team for each game, and the players have responded with determination.2. Houston (2-1, 0-0 Big 12)
Houston started the season with a win over Louisiana and followed it up with another victory. This week, they take on Hofstra on Friday.The team's offense has been a major strength, with their players able to score consistently. Their defense also needs some improvement, as they have given up some easy points in their games. However, with their offensive firepower, Houston has the potential to be a dominant team in the Big 12.3. Iowa State (2-0, 0-0 Big 12)
Iowa State has started the season strong with wins over Kansas City. This week, they face IU Indy on Monday.The team's defense has been impressive, holding their opponents to low scores. Their offense, while not as explosive as some of the other teams in the Big 12, has been efficient. Iowa State's coaching staff has done a great job of getting the most out of their players, and the team has a lot of potential.4. Baylor (3-1, 0-0 Big 12)
Baylor had a successful week with wins over Sam Houston and Tarleton State. This week, they participate in events in the Bahamas, facing St. John's on Thursday and either Tennessee or Virginia on Friday.The team's offense has been outstanding, with their players able to score in bunches. Their defense also needs some work, as they have given up some points in their games. However, with their offensive firepower, Baylor has the potential to be a dangerous team in the Big 12.5. Cincinnati (3-0, 0-0 Big 12)
Cincinnati started the season with a win over Nicholls. This week, they travel to Northern Kentucky on Tuesday.The team's defense has been solid, holding their opponents to low scores. Their offense has also been efficient, with their players able to score in a variety of ways. Cincinnati's coaching staff has done a great job of getting the team to play together, and the team has a lot of confidence.6. Arizona (2-1, 0-0 Big 12)
Arizona had a tough loss at Wisconsin last week. This week, they face Duke on Friday.The team's offense has been inconsistent, with their players having good games and bad games. Their defense also needs some improvement, as they have given up some easy points. However, with their talented players, Arizona has the potential to turn things around and become a top team in the Big 12.7. Texas Tech (3-0, 0-0 Big 12)
Texas Tech started the season with wins over Wyoming and had a busy week with games against Arkansas Pine Bluff, Saint Joseph's, and either Texas or Syracuse.The team's offense has been explosive, with their players able to score from all over the court. Their defense also needs some work, as they have given up some points in their games. However, with their offensive firepower, Texas Tech has the potential to be a dangerous team in the Big 12.8. BYU (4-0, 0-0 Big 12)
BYU had a great week with wins over Queens and Idaho. This week, they face Mississippi Valley State on Saturday.The team's defense has been solid, holding their opponents to low scores. Their offense has also been efficient, with their players able to score in a variety of ways. BYU's coaching staff has done a great job of getting the team to play together, and the team has a lot of confidence.9. UCF (3-0, 0-0 Big 12)
UCF had a close win over Florida Atlantic and has a busy week with games against Tennessee Tech, Wisconsin, and either Pitt or LSU.The team's offense has been explosive, with their players able to score from all over the court. Their defense also needs some work, as they have given up some points in their games. However, with their offensive firepower, UCF has the potential to be a dangerous team in the Big 12.10. Arizona State (4-1, 0-0 Big 12)
Arizona State had a good week with wins over Grand Canyon and St. Thomas. This week, they face Cal Poly on Wednesday.The team's offense has been consistent, with their players able to score in a variety of ways. Their defense also needs some improvement, as they have given up some easy points. However, with their talented players, Arizona State has the potential to be a top team in the Big 12.11. TCU (3-1, 0-0 Big 12)
TCU had a win over Texas State and a tough loss at Michigan. This week, they face Alcorn State on Tuesday.The team's offense has been inconsistent, with their players having good games and bad games. Their defense also needs some work, as they have given up some easy points. However, with their talented players, TCU has the potential to turn things around and become a top team in the Big 12.12. Utah (3-1, 0-0 Big 12)
Utah had a win over Queens and a tough loss to Mississippi State. This week, they face Utah Tech on Friday.The team's defense has been solid, holding their opponents to low scores. Their offense has also been efficient, with their players able to score in a variety of ways. Utah's coaching staff has done a great job of getting the team to play together, and the team has a lot of potential.13. Kansas State (2-1, 0-0 Big 12)
Kansas State had a tough loss at home against LSU. This week, they face Mississippi Valley State on Tuesday and have games in the U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam against George Washington and either Liberty or Louisiana.The team's offense has been inconsistent, with their players having good games and bad games. Their defense also needs some work, as they have given up some easy points. However, with their talented players, Kansas State has the potential to turn things around and become a top team in the Big 12.14. Colorado (4-0, 0-0 Big 12)
Colorado started the season strong with wins over Cal State Fullerton and Harvard. This week, they have no games.The team's defense has been solid, holding their opponents to low scores. Their offense has also been efficient, with their players able to score in a variety of ways. Colorado's coaching staff has done a great job of getting the team to play together, and the team has a lot of confidence.15. Oklahoma State (3-0, 0-0 Big 12)
Oklahoma State had a win over Southern Illinois and has a busy week with games in the Charleston Classic against Florida Atlantic, Drake/Miami, and a TBD opponent.The team's offense has been explosive, with their players able to score from all over the court. Their defense also needs some work, as they have given up some points in their games. However, with their offensive firepower, Oklahoma State has the potential to be a dangerous team in the Big 12.16. West Virginia (2-1, 0-0 Big 12)
West Virginia had a tough loss at Pitt. This week, they face Iona on Wednesday.The team's defense has been solid, holding their opponents to low scores. Their offense also needs some improvement, as they have given up some easy points. However, with their talented players, West Virginia has the potential to turn things around and become a top team in the Big 12.
