The Big 12 Conference Tournament kicked off with a bang at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, and if you ask Commissioner Brett Yormark, it's the second-best basketball league in America-right after the NBA. Here's a breakdown of the opening day action and some key storylines to keep an eye on.
First-Round Thrillers
The first round didn't disappoint, with Arizona State, Cincinnati, BYU, and Oklahoma State all advancing. Here's how the games shook out:
- Arizona State 83, Baylor 79: Bobby Hurley's Sun Devils pulled off a win, keeping his coaching future alive for another day.
- Cincinnati 73, Utah 66: The Bearcats continue to make their case for an NCAA Tournament bid.
- BYU 105, Kansas State 91: BYU's offensive firepower proved too much for the Wildcats.
- Oklahoma State 92, Colorado 83: Oklahoma State secured a solid victory to move forward.
Bobby Hurley’s Future
Arizona State's victory over Baylor means Coach Bobby Hurley gets at least one more day on the sidelines. Speculation has been swirling about his future, with reports suggesting he might not be retained after the season.
However, Hurley remains focused on the present, stating, “I’m just doing my job and enjoying these moments with this group right now.” With his contract expiring soon, both Hurley and Arizona State might be looking for a fresh start.
Kansas State’s Coaching Search
Kansas State's season ended with a spirited effort against BYU, marking the conclusion of interim head coach Matthew Driscoll’s tenure. Athletic Director Gene Taylor is actively searching for a new head coach, with Utah State’s Jerrod Calhoun emerging as a front-runner. The Wildcats are eager to finalize a deal soon, aiming to stabilize the program and address key player decisions, like the future of standout PJ Haggerty.
Cincinnati’s Tournament Hopes
Cincinnati's win over Utah bolstered their NCAA Tournament aspirations, and Coach Wes Miller made sure the committee took notice. Highlighting the Bearcats' recent offensive and defensive improvements, Miller emphasized the strength of the Big 12, noting, “Every single win in the Big 12 is a big-time win.” With a crucial matchup against UCF looming, Cincinnati needs to keep the momentum going to secure their spot in the Big Dance.
As the tournament unfolds, these narratives will continue to develop, offering plenty of drama and excitement. Stay tuned as teams battle not just for a conference title, but for their postseason futures.