NCAA women's basketball: Big 12 team-by-team preview: Texas, Baylor battle for the top

[caption id="attachment_5793" align="alignnone" width="850"] UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT- DECEMBER 4: Brooke McCarty[/caption]rnrnThe Big 12 has seen some of the most talented women’s basketball players over the years. Although Baylor held the reigns for many years, the 2016-2017 season had a different ending. The sixth-seeded West Virginia Mountaineers were able to defeat the Bears 77-66 to claim their first ever Phillips 66 Big 12 championship trophy. Baylor, ranked second in the country, won the Big 12 conference with a 17-1 record, but were not able to grab the tournament title.rnrn[recentposts align="right" thiscategory="yes" /]rnrnThis season, there is a new contender in the mix. The Texas Longhorns have a great opportunity to claim the crown, but of course, every team will put up a great fight. This is how we see the season playing out.rnrn rnrnNotes*rn-Shooting percentages are all rounded to nearest numberrn-Transfers are only listed in the 'newcomers' section if they are eligible to play this seasonrnrn-Stats are based on last seasonrnrn[nextslide teaser="Too many aren't in Kansas anymore" slider="true" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_5783" align="alignnone" width="850"] AUSTIN, TX - FEBRUARY 11: Kansas Jayhawks head coach Brandon Schneider is disgusted in his discussion with a referee during game between the Texas Longhorns and the Kansas Jayhawks on February 11, 2017 at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, TX. The Texas Longhorns defeated the Kansas Jayhawks 75 - 42. (Photo by John Rivera/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)[/caption]rnrn Kansas rnrnProjected finish: 10thrnrn rnrnKey returners:rnrnKylee Kopatich 9.5ppg, 36%, 4.4rpg, 1.2 apg, 29.2 mpgrnrn rnrnBiggest Losses:rnrnJessica Washington 17.1ppg, 34%, 4.1 rpg, 2.8 apg, 28.7 mpgrnrnMcKenzie Calvert 10.2 ppg, 29%, 2.3 rpg, 1.5 apg, 22.7 mpgrnrn rnrnNewcomers:rnrn Christalah Lyons G, 5-5, Dallas, Texas, Juniorrnrn Brianna Osorio G, 5-8, Las Vegas, NV, Juniorrnrn Micaela Wilso n F, 6-2, Rayville, LA, Freshman, Ranked 24 (blue star report)rnrn Austin Richardson F, 6, Lee’s Summit, MO, Juniorrnrn Brittany Franklin C, 6-5, Plymouth, N.C, Freshman, Ranked No. 91 (Pass Scouting)rnrn Bailey Helgren C, 6-5, Edina, MN, Freshman, Ranked No. 89 (blue star report)rnrn Sara Boric C, 6-5, Kator Varos, Bosnia, Junior, Top 5 junior college centerrnrn rnrnHead coach: Brandon Schneider begins his third season at the helm of the Kansas women’s basketball program. During his second season leading the Jayhawks, Schneider signed Jessica Washington, a transfer from North Carolina. Washington became the first Jayhawk to earn Big 12 Newcomer of the Year honors. She led the league with 19.3 points per game during conference action, while averaging 17.1 points throughout the season. Recently, Washington announced that she will be out for the 2017-2018 due to a torn ACL. With a roster full of bigs, and without their star point guard, things are not looking good for the Jayhawks.rnrn rnrnKey Non-conference games:rnrn Arkansas 12/3rnrn Nebraska 12/6rnrn rnrnOutlook: Last season Kansas ranked last in just about every statistic tallied. That explains the 2-16 conference record. The Jayhawks have added a lot of size in the front court, but are lacking depth in the guard position. Although some of these new players have experience, I don’t see significant improvement happening very quickly. Jessica Washington was their saving grace, but without her there aren’t many positives to look forward to this season.rnrn[nextslide teaser="Horned Frogs have lots to replace" slider="true" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_5805" align="alignnone" width="850"] March 4, 2016: TCU (15) Jada Butts drives the lane versus Kansas during the Big 12 Women's Basketball Championship at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, OK. (Photo by Torrey Purvey/Icon Sportswire) (Photo by Torrey Purvey/Icon Sportswire/Corbis via Getty Images)[/caption]rnrn TCU rnrnProjected finish: 9thrnrn rnrnKey returners:rnrnAmy Okonkwo 10.2 ppg, 49%, 5.5 rpg, 1 apg, 18 mpgrnrnJordan Moore 8.6 ppg, 50%, 6.8 rpg, 19 mpgrnrnKianna Ray 6.7 ppg, 37%, 3.3 rpg, 2.3 apg, 25 mpgrnrn rnrnBiggest losses:rnrnAJ Alix 13.1ppg, 39%, 2.6 rpg, 4.6 apg, 30 mpgrnrnJada Butts 12.2 ppg, 39%, 3.8 rpg, 2.5 apg, 30 mpgrnrn rnrnNewcomers:rnrn Dakota Vann F, 6-0, Oklahoma City, OK, Juniorrnrn Jayde Woods G, 6-0, Yorba Linda, CA, Sophomorernrn Lauren Heard G, 5-9, Denton, TX, Freshmanrnrn rnrnHead coach: Raegan Pebley is entering her fourth season leading the purple and white. She found immediate success, earning an automatic berth into the WNIT tournament her first two seasons in Fort Worth. Although Pebley has had talented and experienced players, they have not been able to make it over the hump and into the NCAA tournament thus far. Another year, another opportunity for Raegan Pebley and the Horned Frogs to make a name for themselves.rnrn rnrnKey non-conference games:rnrn SMU 11/14rnrn Alabama 12/1rnrn Texas A&amp;M 12/6rnrn rnrnOutlook: Having lost their top two players as far as scoring and minutes, the Horned Frogs have some big shoes to fill. The point guard position is where they are lacking the most. Pebley has an elite guard in Amber Ramirez, but her ability to stay healthy and lack of experience solely in the point guard position may take a toll. The dependability of their post players may ultimately decide this team’s destiny.rnrn[nextslide teaser="Newcomers take Manhattan" slider="true" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_5785" align="alignnone" width="850"] MANHATTAN, KS - MARCH 18: Head coach Jeff Mittie of the Kansas State Wildcats calls out instructions against the Drake Bulldogs during the first round of the 2017 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Bramlage Coliseum on March 18, 2017 in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)[/caption]rnrn Kansas State rnrnProjected finish: 8thrnrn rnrnKey returners:rnrnKaryla Middlebrook 9.1 ppg, 37%, 3.3 rpg, 3.2 apg, 26 mpgrnrn rnrnBiggest losses:rnrnKindred Wesemann 13.9 ppg, 39%, 2.5 rpg, 2.9 apg, 34 mpgrnrnBreanna Lewis 13.9 ppg, 56%, 8.2 rpg, 29 mpgrnrnEternati Willock 6.6 ppg, 41%, 5.1 rpg, 19.5 mpgrnrn rnrnNewcomers:rnrn Cymone Goodrich G, 5-10, Chicago, IL, Freshman, #28 guard (Hoopgurlz)rnrn Mary Lakes C, 6-4, Peoria, IL, Freshman, #14 post (Hoopgurlz)rnrn Rachel Ranke G, 6-1, Burnsville, MN, Freshman, #13 wing (Hoopgurlz)rnrn Ashley Ray C, 6-4, Girard, KS, Freshman, #43 post (Hoopgurlz)rnrn Alisa Wiggins G, 5-8, Montclair, NJ, Freshmanrnrn Anastasia Tsybaera C, 6-7, Burbank, CA, Juniorrnrn rnrnHead coach: Jeff Mittie is a veteran coach. Having spent 15 years at TCU, he decided to come back home to Kansas. He found immediate success with the Wildcats leading them to two NCAA tournament appearances in his first three years in Manhattan. This year, his team will be a lot different. Mittie has the third youngest roster in program history and is adjusting accordingly.rnrn"It's pushing them to a standard that you know is the standard that we play at to be successful, but it's also being realistic about the timeline that they should be on," Mittie said . "We'll keep holding them to the same standards and trying to be as realistic as we can with the timeline for them. We will have to do a lot more teaching, slow things down. I'll have to be a lot more patient than I was a year ago, and I think our coaching staff recognizes that."rnrn rnrnKey non-conference games:rnrn UCLA 11/24rnrn Missouri 11/30rnrn rnrnOutlook: Jeff Mittie is known for his players embracing their role to the best of their ability. He doesn't push them to be what they are not. They are going to run zone and beat you on fundamentals. With such youth on the floor, having six underclassmen, I believe this year won’t see as much success as the last. Point guard Karyla Middlebrook is battling back from an injury, and that is their most experienced player. The Wildcats do not have a player that can go get them a basket like they had in Wesemann. Finding the consistent, reliable players will be their main test.rnrn[nextslide teaser="Rising Cyclones" slider="true" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_5786" align="alignnone" width="850"] March 4, 2016: Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly talking to his players during a timeout versus Texas Tech at the Chesapeake Energy Arena (Photo by Torrey Purvey/Icon Sportswire) (Photo by Torrey Purvey/Icon Sportswire/Corbis via Getty Images)[/caption]rnrn rnrn Iowa State rnrnProjected finish: 7thrnrn rnrnKey returners:rnrnBridget Carleton 15 ppg, 40%, 5.7 rpg, 1.8 apg, 33 mpgrnrnMeredith Burkhall 8 ppg, 45%, 5.6 rpg, 24 mpgrnrn rnrnBiggest losses:rnrnSeanna Johnson 15.8 ppg, 44%, 8.2 rpg, 3 apg, 34 mpgrnrnJadda Buckley 13.9 ppg, 44%, 2.5 rpg, 5 apg, 34 mpgrnrn rnrnNewcomers:rnrn Madison Wise F, 6-1, Greenfield, IN, Freshman, #42 (Hoopgurlz)rnrn Rae Johnson G, 5-7, Albertville, MN, Freshmanrnrn Kristin Scott C, 6-3, Kasson, MN, Freshmanrnrn Bride Kennedy-Hopoate F, 6-4, Brisbane, Australia, Juniorrnrn Alexa Middleton G, 5-9, Murfreesboro, TN, SeniorrnrnHead coach: Bill Fennelly is a name that is well known in women’s basketball. He has had much success throughout his 22 years at Iowa State. He ranks among the nation's top 25 active women's basketball college coaches with a .686 winning percentage. The Cyclones have so much confidence in him, that they awarded him a lifetime contract following the 2006-07 season. Without his seasoned point guard, Jadda Buckley, it will be interesting to see who he relies on to be his floor general this season.rnrn rnrnKey non-conference games:rnrn Vanderbilt 12/2rnrn Iowa 12/6rnrn rnrnOutlook: Iowa State lost two veteran players that they have heavily relied on in past seasons. In order for them to be successful this season, Bridget Carleton has to be on every night. She had two 30 point performances in the 2016-2017 season. The hustle plays are where Seanna Johnson shined, so someone is going to have to step up and do the dirty work in her absence. If the Cyclones are able to find scoring in their newcomers, they will be able to compete with the best of teams.rnrn[nextslide teaser="The transfer trio returns" slider="true" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_5801" align="alignnone" width="850"] LUBBOCK, TX - NOVEMBER 20: Texas Tech Lady Raiders guard Arella Guirantes (23) and Texas Tech Lady Raiders guard Recee' Caldwell (4) guard New Mexico Lobos center Erica Moore (42) during the game between New Mexico Lobos and Texas Tech Lady Raiders on November 20, 2016 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas.[/caption]rnrn Texas Tech rnrnProjected Finish: 6thrnrn rnrnKey Returners:rnrnRecee’ Caldwell 14.5ppg, 38%, 2.8 rpg, 4.5 apg, 34 mpgrnrnJada Terry 9.4 ppg, 53%, 6.2 rpg, 25 mpgrnrnBrittany Brewer 5.8 ppg, 45%, 5.7 rpg, 22 mpgrnrn rnrnBiggest losses:rnrnArella Guirantes 9.9 ppg, 41%, 4.8 rpg, 1.2 apg, 27 mpgrnrnIvonne Cook-Taylor 9.7 ppg, 43%, 5.4 rpg, 1.3 apg, 25 mpgrnrnLarryn Brooks 9.3 ppg, 37%, 1.9 rpg, 2.4 apg, 29 mpgrnrn rnrnNewcomers:rnrn Erin Degrate C, 6-6, Waco, TX, Sophomorernrn Sydney Goodson G, 5-8, Argyle, TX, Sophomorernrn Lauren Harrison G, 6-0, The Woodlands, TX, Sophomorernrn Lyndsey Whilby G, 5-11, Powder Springs, GA, Freshman, #30 guard(Hoopgurlz)rnrn Tinana Stojsauljevic F, 6-2, Zagreb, Croatia, Sophomorernrn Angel Hayden G, 5-6, Canyon, TX, Freshman, #23 PG (Hoopgurlz)rnrn rnrnHead coach: Former Lady Raider Candi Whitaker is entering her fifth season with her alma mater. Whitaker saw big improvements in the 2016-2017 season with the help of three highly-ranked transfers in Recee’ Caldwell, Larryn Brooks, and Jada Terry. She led the Raiders to some key upsets over Oklahoma State and Big 12 tournament champion, West Virginia. The Raiders made some noise this past season, and are looking to keep it rolling.rnrn rnrnKey non-conference games:rnrn Texas A&amp;M 11/26rnrn LSU 11/30rnrn New Mexico 12/6rnrn rnrnOutlook: There are some intangibles that you don’t see on a stat sheet, and that is what Ivonne Cook-Taylor brought to this team. Her defensive presence and her high-release pull-up jumper will all be missed this season for the Lady Raiders. In addition to Cook-Taylor graduating, Texas Tech lost two other starting guards who decided to transfer. Its looking as though this team will shift from being guard oriented to dominant in the post position. If the guards are able to follow Caldwell’s lead and consistently contribute, the Raiders should be looking at a successful season.rnrn[nextslide teaser="Stillwater runs deep" slider="true" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_5789" align="alignnone" width="850"] 07 MAR 2015: Iowa State Cyclones guard Nicole (Kidd) Blaskowsky (15) and Oklahoma State Cowgirls guard Roddricka Patton (23) scramble for a loose ball during the NCAA Big 12 Women's basketball tournament game between the Iowa State Cyclones and the Oklahoma State Cowgirls at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Oklahoma State defeats Iowa State 67-58. (Photo by Andrew Dieb/Icon Sportswire/Corbis via Getty Images)[/caption]rnrn Oklahoma State rnrnProjected Finish: 5thrnrn rnrnKey returners:rnrnKaylee Jensen 18.7 ppg, 47%, 10.5 rpg, 30 mpgrnrnMandy Coleman 11.9 ppg, 46%, 7.1 rpg, 1.6 apg, 27 mpgrnrnKarli Wheeler 11.5 ppg, 34%, 2.6 rpg, 1.9 apg, 34 mpgrnrn rnrnBiggest losses:rnrnDiana Omozee 7.9 ppg, 39%, 4 rpg, 2.6 apg, 29 mpgrnrn rnrnNewcomers:rnrn Abbie Winchester F, 6-1, Oklahoma City, OK, Freshman, Top 60 forward (Hoopgurlz)rnrn Braxtin Miller G, 5-10, Centerville, OH, Freshman, Top 25 guard (Hoopgurlz)rnrn Katarina Adamovic G, 5-8, Cacak, Serbia, Seniorrnrn Jaden Hobbs G, 5-8, Alva, OK, Redshirt freshmanrnrn Maria Castro G, 6-0, Guanajuato, Mexico, Juniorrnrn Loryn Goodwin G, 5-9, Cypress, TX, Seniorrnrn Clitan de Sousa G, 6-0, Maputo, Mozambique, Juniorrnrn rnrnHead coach: Jim Littell’s presence has been felt in Stillwater. He has guided the Cowgirls to 20-win seasons in each of his first five seasons. They ended the 2016-2017 season with a 17-15 record, going 6-12 in conference. The Cowgirls turned some heads by beating the defending Big 12 tournament champion, West Virginia, with a score of 67-63.rnrn rnrnKey non-conference games:rnrn Tennessee 11/24rnrn Mississippi State 12/3rnrn UCLA 12/8rnrn rnrnOutlook: The Cowgirls have solid talent returning this season. They are led by Kaylee Jensen who received Preseason All-Big 12 team honors. Although they did not finish as well as they have in previous seasons, I believe they have the talent to make some noise this year. The Cowgirls need to have consistent production from multiple players so that the load is not on Jensen night in and night out.rnrn[nextslide teaser="Coale country" slider="true" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_5790" align="alignnone" width="850"] 07 MAR 2015: Oklahoma Sooners head coach Sherri Coale talks with guard Sharane Campbell-Olds (24) during the NCAA Big 12 Women's basketball tournament game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the West Virginia Mountaineers at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Oklahoma defeats West Virginia 67-55. (Photo by Andrew Dieb/Icon Sportswire/Corbis via Getty Images)[/caption]rnrn Oklahoma rnrnProjected finish: 4thrnrn rnrnKey Returners:rnrnMaddie Manning 12.6 ppg, 42%, 5.4 rpg, 2.1 apg, 32 mpgrnrnVionise Pierre-Louis 11.9 ppg, 52%, 7.9 rpg, 22.7 mpgrnrnGabby Ortiz 8.9 ppg, 37%, 4.3 rpg, 3.7 apg, 27 mpgrnrn rnrnBiggest losses:rnrnPeyton Little 12.4 ppg, 38%, 3.2 rpg, 1.6 apg, 33 mpgrnrnGioya Carter 7.7 ppg, 38%, 2.8 rpg, 1.3 apg, 21 mpgrnrnChelsea Dungee 7.4 ppg, 38%, 2.5 rpg, 21 mpgrnrn rnrnNewcomers:rnrn Mandy Simpson F, 6-0, Boise, ID, Freshman, #20 forward (Hoopgurlz)rnrn Shanina Pellington G, 5-7, Pickering, Ontario, Freshman, #23 guard (Hoopgurlz)rnrn Ana Lianusa G, 6-0, Choctaw, OK, Freshman, #8 guard (Hoopgurlz)rnrn rnrnHead coach: Sherri Coale, a recent Hall of Fame inductee, is entering her 20 th season as head of the Oklahoma Sooners. The importance of succeeding as both a student and an athlete is a trademark of her program. With Coale at the forefront, it makes sense as to why her players have such a high basketball IQ. This season she has some core players back, and will rely on them heavily to continue Oklahoma’s winning tradition.rnrn rnrnKey non-conference games:rnrn Oregon 11/25rnrn New Mexico 12/16rnrn UConn 12/19rnrn rnrnOutlook: Maddie Manning is the face of this team. Being the ultimate senior (it’s her 6 th year at OU due to injuries) she will be called upon to carry this team. Gabby Ortiz and Vionise Pierre-Louis can help as they have been pretty consistent in their production in past years. The 3-point threat that Peyton Little brought will be missed, but can be made up for in other areas. The newcomers will need to be able to keep up with the run and gun pace that defines OU. If they could throw in some scoring here and there, I’m sure Maddie will be grateful.rnrn[nextslide teaser="Tynice's encore" slider="true" /]rnrn rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_5791" align="alignnone" width="850"] HARTFORD, CONN. - MARCH 3, 2012: Mike Carey, head coach of the West Virginia University Mountaineers in action against the Syracuse University Orange during the second round of the 2012 BIG EAST Conference Women's Basketball Championships at the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut on March 3, 2012. The Mountaineers won 63-48. (Photo by Bob Stowell/BIG EAST Conference/Collegiate Images/Getty Images)[/caption]rnrn West Virginia rnrnProjected finish: 3 rd rnrn rnrnKey returners:rnrnTynice Martin 18.6 ppg, 40%, 4.3 rpg, 2.3 apg, 36 mpgrnrnTeana Muldrow 14.5 ppg, 48%, 8.5rpg, 2.5 apg, 30 mpgrnrn rnrnBiggest losses:rnrnLanay Montgomery 10.6 ppg, 67%, 8.9 rpg, 25 mpgrnrn rnrnNewcomers:rnrn Naomi Davenport G/F, 6-0, Cincinnati, OH, Juniorrnrn Theresa Ekhelar C, 6-6, Woodbridge, NJ, Redshirt sophomorernrn Destiny Harden G/F, 6-0, Chicago, IL, Freshman, #12 guard (Hoopgurlz)rnrn Ashley Jones G, 5-7, Philadelphia, PA, Freshman, #15 PG (Hoopgurlz)rnrn Kystaline Mccune F, 6-4, Louisville, KY, Redshirt freshman, #15 forward (Hoopgurlz)rnrn Makayla Stanley C, 6-3, Glen Allen, VA, Freshman, #14 post (Hoopgurlz)rnrn Nia Staples G, 5-9, Cincinnati, OH, Redshirt freshman, #27 PG (Hoopgurlz)rnrn rnrnHead coach: The intensity of head coach Mike Carey is shown in how the Mountaineers play. He sets high standards for his team and expects them to achieve those standards. West Virginia did what they knew they were capable of, but no one else expected of them. They won the 2016-2017 Big 12 tournament.rnrnAlthough a big piece, literally and figuratively, left in Montgomery, Carey was able to recruit some size to replace her. Carey also has to figure out how to hold this team afloat until his star player Tynice Martin returns to the floor. ""It's tough," Carey said . "Where do you find all of your points right now? You were counting on 20 points from her every game, so now you have to find those points."rnrn rnrnKey non-conference games:rnrn Virginia Tech 11/25rnrn Texas A&amp;M 12/3rnrn rnrnOutlook: Tynice Martin is still in West Virginia, so West Virginia will be a good basketball team. Her ability to score effortlessly will have the defense on their heels. But the topic of conversation now is how quickly she will recover from her foot injury. Some questions are if she will be as explosive or if she will be in shape.rnrnLuckily, Teana Muldrow returns for her senior season and is looking to do big things. Muldrow can be deceiving but is able to score from all three layers of the floor. She is such a dependable player so she will need to step up big in Martin’s absence. The newcomers will have to be able to fly all over the floor defensively to help this team be successful.rnrn[nextslide teaser="Brown is the new unstoppable" slider="true" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_5792" align="alignnone" width="850"] STORRS, CONNECTICUT- NOVEMBER 17: Kalani Brown[/caption]rnrn Baylor rnrnProjected finish: 2ndrnrn rnrnKey returners:rnrnKalani Brown 15.4 ppg, 68%, 8.2 rpg, 21 mpgrnrnKristy Wallace 7.6 ppg, 43%, 3.9 rpg, 5.6 apg, 28 mpgrnrnLauren Cox 7.6 ppg, 43%, 4.1 rpg, 13.4 mpgrnrn rnrnBiggest losses:rnrnAlexis Jones 13.2 ppg, 42%, 4.7 rpg, 4.8 apg, 27 mpgrnrnNina Davis 13 ppg, 56%, 5.6 rpg, 1.8 apg, 24 mpgrnrnAlexis Prince 12.1 ppg, 47%, 5.8 rpg, 2.4 apg, 28 mpgrnrn rnrnNewcomers:rnrn Moon Ursin G, 5-7, Destrehan, LA, Freshman, #12 guardrnrn Didi Richards G, 6-1, Houston, TX, Freshman, #4 guard (Hoopgurlz)rnrn Trinity Oliver G, 5-11, Euless, TX, Freshman, #30 guard (Hoopgurlz)rnrn Alexis Morris G, 5-6, Beaumont, TX, Freshman, #6 guard (Hoopgurlz)rnrn rnrnHead coach: The wonderful, successful, hard-nosed Kim Mulkey. If she doesn’t know anything else, she definitely knows how to win. In her 17 years at Baylor she has transformed this team into a national power. Here are some stats of her time at Baylor: 17 20-win seasons, 15 25-win efforts, eight 30-win campaigns and an NCAA record 40 victories and a perfect season in 2011-12. In addition, over the past 14 seasons, Mulkey has led the Lady Bears to three Final Four appearances (2005, '10, `12) and a Big 12 record 16 Big 12 Conference titles. Sounds like greatness to me.rnrn rnrnKey non-conference games:rnrn UCLA 11/18rnrn Kentucky 11/30rnrn Stanford 12/3rnrn rnrnOutlook: I believe this team has the most significant losses in the conference this season. The dominance of the Baylor Bears is a thanks to Nina Davis, Alexis Prince, and Alexis Jones. There are major shoes to fill for this team to continue to reign in the Big 12. Preseason player of the year Kalani Brown will need to have solid backups as Mompremier and Cave are no longer with the Bears. The newcomers come in highly-ranked, but Baylor’s success will depend on the freshmen's ability to adjust to playing at the collegiate level.rnrn[nextslide teaser="Longhorns on top" slider="true" /]rnrn rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_5793" align="alignnone" width="850"] UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT- DECEMBER 4: Brooke McCarty[/caption]rnrn Texas rnrnProjected finish: 1strnrn rnrnKey returners:rnrnBrooke McCarty 14.1 ppg, 46%, 3.6 rpg, 3.6 apg, 34 mpgrnrnAriel Atkins 12.8 ppg, 46%, 4.2 rpg, 1.6 apg, 27 mpgrnrn(Joyner Holmes) 12.1 ppg, 44%, 8.2 rpg, 27 mpgrnrn rnrnBiggest losses:rnrn(Joyner Holmes) 12.1 ppg, 44%, 8.2 rpg, 27 mpgrnrnKelsey Lang 9.1 ppg, 53%, 7.6 rpg, 27 mpgrnrnBrianna Taylor 4.8 ppg, 47%, 4.2 rpg, 1.8 apg, 21 mpgrnrn rnrnNewcomers:rnrn Destiny Littleton G, 5-9, La Jolla, CA, Freshman, #9 guard (Hoopgurlz)rnrn Chasity Patterson G, 5-5, Houston, TX, Freshman, #1 PG (Hoopgurlz)rnrn Rellah Boothe F, 6-3, Ocala, FL, Freshman, #1 forward (Hoopgurlz)rnrn Jatarie White F/C, 6-4, Charlotte, NC, JuniorrnrnHead Coach: Karen Aston will begin her 14 th season overall at Texas. She was an assistant and associate head coach for eight years under Jody Conradt. She returned in 2012 to be the head coach of the Longhorns. The recruiting ability of Aston is second to none. This year’s team features ten McDonald’s All-American’s, three of those being freshman. ESPN.com ranks this recruiting class at number 3. Anything less than a Big 12 title, is this team selling itself short.rnrnKey non-conference games:rnrn Tennessee 12/10rnrn Florida State 12/17rnrn UConn 1/15rnrnOutlook: There is so much talent on this team. The main concern is going to be chemistry. With having so many players that were the go-to in the past, they are going to have to adjust to perfecting their role. Brooke McCarty and Ariel Atkins are the senior leaders on this team and will set the expectation. A big factor that the Longhorns will have to deal with is the return of 2016-2017 freshman of the year, Joyner Holmes. Holmes is suspended from UT for the fall semester but will return in December. The adjustment of the newcomers to Holmes will definitely be an interesting dynamic.rnrn[nextslide teaser="Final projections" slider="true" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_5753" align="alignnone" width="850"] STORRS, CONNECTICUT- NOVEMBER 17: Baylor Head coach Kim Mulkey on the sideline talking with Kalani Brown[/caption]rnrnFinal Standings:rn rn t Texas rn t Baylor rn t West Virginia rn t Oklahoma rn t Oklahoma State rn t Texas Tech rn t Iowa State rn t Kansas State rn t TCU rn t Kansas rn rn rnrnFirst team All-Big 12 (in no particular order):rnrnKalani Brown, BaylorrnrnKaylee Jensen, Oklahoma StaternrnBrooke McCarty, TexasrnrnAriel Atkins, TexasrnrnTynice Martin, WVUrnrnJatarie White, Texasrnrn rnrnSecond Team (in no particular order):rnrnJoyner Holmes, TexasrnrnMaddie Manning, OUrnrnBridget Carleton, Iowa StaternrnKristy Wallace, BaylorrnrnVionise Pierre-Louis, OUrnrnChasity Patterson, Texas

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