Bill Self reveals Kansas' biggest rival as Big 12 strengthens

In the Big 12 this year, there are truly no days off. The conference ranks No. 1 in adjusted efficiency, according to KenPom, and it looks like it could be well-represented in March Madness.

With that in mind, every game is a big game. Despite that, Kansas coach Bill Self said one matchup stands out above the others: Baylor.

“It’s right at the very top,” Self said during an appearance on ESPN’s College GameDay. “The Missouri game’s back on board beginning last year, so that’s obviously the biggest non-conference rival. As far as the biggest within our league, K-State, Jerome [Tang], they’ve done such a good job. That’s become even more intense through this year.

“But when you look at Baylor … they’ve been just as consistent as any team in the country. You take away the COVID year where they would’ve been a one seed — and we would’ve, as well — that’s three one seeds, if I’m not mistaken, in a row. And with a chance, obviously, to do something special again this year, as well. Total respect for what Scott and their staff has done and their players.”

The Baylor game hasn’t always been the biggest one circled on Kansas’ schedule, though. Self said Texas used to be a huge game considering the conference title implications that matchup had.

Even with that, though, Baylor stands out above the rest.

“There was a time when Texas was our biggest rival,” Self said. “Kevin [Durant] was there, all that stuff. It seemed like every conference championship came down to that one game.

“This year, the leagues are different. Everybody’s a rival. But Baylor ranks right at the top.”

Joe Lunardi reveals how entire Big 12 can make NCAA Tournament

The Big 12 is solidly the best conference in college basketball this season. At least, based on the stats. 

ESPN’s Joe Lunardi revealed how the entire conference could get into the NCAA Tournament, which would be unprecedented. Currently, Lunardi projected Kansas, Baylor, Texas, Iowa State, Kansas State, TCU, Oklahoma State and West Virginia in the field of 68. 

But how do Texas Tech and Oklahoma get in? Lunardi explained on College GameDay.

“It would be the wackiest thing ever,” Lunardi said. “In all the years I’ve been doing this and secretly I’m kind of rooting for it. But here’s what would have to happen. You mentioned the seven quad one wins between the two teams at the bottom. Well, they also have 20 quad one losses and the only win on the road is against each other: Oklahoma at Texas Tech.

“So those two teams, both have road games today they’d have to win. And then they get huge neutral opportunities in the Big 12 tournament. So let’s say a championship game between Oklahoma and Texas Tech and they’re all going (to the tournament).”