Oklahoma places seventh in preseason poll

The Sooners return six of last season’s top scores and all five starters.

Last year, Oklahoma was picked ninth in the preseason and ended up finishing Lon Kruger’s first year at the helm in eighth place. That team went 15-16.

The Sooners bring back “88 percent of their scoring, 81 percent of their rebounding and 78 percent of their assists.” Senior Steven Pledger is the leading returning scorer in the conference (16.2), while Romero Osby is the leading returning rebounder (7.3). Senior Sam Grooms also returns after he ranked second in assists last season (6.0)

Amath M’Baye, a transfer from Wyoming, was also named Preseason Newcomer of the Year for the Big 12.

Oklahoma makes its first appearance in front of a crowd on Oct. 20 for its intrasquad scrimmage. The Sooners have their exhibition games on Nov. 2 and Nov. 7 and begin the regular season at Lloyd Noble Center on Nov. 7 against Louisiana-Monroe.

2012-13 BIG 12 PRESEASON POLL

Team (First-place votes) Points
1. Kansas (9)* 81
2. Baylor (1) 63
3. Oklahoma State 60
4. Texas 58
5. Kansas State 54
6. West Virginia 45
7. Oklahoma 34
8. Iowa State 28
9. Texas Tech 18
10. TCU 9