In the league’s preseason coaches poll, released Tuesday, the Sooners are No. 1.
It marks the first time in the 13-year history of the conference that OU has received top billing to start the season. Oklahoma State, under first-year head coach Travis Ford, was voted sixth.
“It’s nice to be recognized in October, but we’re much more interested in where we’re standing five months from now,” said Sooners star center Blake Griffin. “It will mean a lot more if we’re on top of the Big 12 when the season ends.
“We have a lot of talent, but we also have a lot of work to do.”
Before this year, OU had been ranked as high as second on four occasions: 1997-98, 2000-01, 2002-03, 2005-06.
A close race is expected, with No. 2 Texas actually drawing more first-place votes than the Sooners – four to three. Baylor and defending national champion Kansas tied for third in the poll and also received first-place votes; the Jayhawks gaining three and the Bears two.
Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own teams.
“It’s going to be a very tight Big 12 race,” said OU coach Jeff Capel. “The coaches poll is a perfect example of the depth of the conference. We are looking forward to an exciting league race.”
The Sooners return four starters from a team that finished 23-12, tied for fourth in the Big 12 and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament a year ago. They’ve also added seven newcomers, including McDonald’s All-American guard Willie Warren.
OU returns 69 percent of its scoring, 68 percent of its rebounding and 72 percent of its assists. Griffin led the Sooners in scoring (14.7) and rebounding (9.1) and became the first OU freshman in 25 seasons – since Wayman Tisdale in 1983 – to earn first team All-Conference honors.
The Sooners open the regular season Nov. 14 against American University.
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Wow, I guess the new players have the coaches excited?
You do know that it was the coaches poll right? But anyways the polls don't matter in hoops. OU is looking solid this upcoming season, while the Big XII is looking down a bit.
A-Who cares? I predict in 2014 Iowa State will win the national championship in every sport. Sheebus, these people need a life. Rankings should not come out until the season is underway so those who are over-rated are not hanging around in the rankings after 1-2-3 losses and those who were not ranked but are kicking tail do not have to climb over the undeserving. B--When is Kansas ever "down"?
OU looks good this season for sure. With KU and UT being down this season, it is the perfect time for OU to win the Big 12. Baylor should be pretty good as well.
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