Welcome to Tuesday Takes, where I give you four takes from the Big 12. It was a jam-packed week full of exciting news, but there were several things that caught my attention over the last few days.
Give Baseball and Softball a Try
I know, it sucks that basketball is officially over and we are still a long way away from football season. And sure, you can get your football and basketball fix thanks to the transfer portal. But I would highly encourage you to give baseball and softball a chance.
Big 12 softball has always had a great reputation, and Texas Tech has one of the best teams not just in the Big 12 but in the entire country. They have a legitimate shot at winning it all. Meanwhile, Big 12 baseball has four teams in the Top 25 right now and the race is just starting to heat up. If you are looking for live sports to watch during the week and weekend, softball and baseball is your answer.
Texas Tech Needs to Deal with Friday Nights
Over the past two weeks, Texas Tech has made it known that they were not happy when it came to playing football games on Friday nights. Cody Campbell expressed his displeasure with it and so have several people within the school.
But guess what? Last week, Tech’s conference opener against Houston was officially moved to Friday and there’s nothing they can do about it. As much as I respect Texas Tech and Cody Campbell, they don’t control the Big 12 or these TV networks.
It’s not like they have to play every single game on a Friday night. One game isn’t going to kill them or hurt them in any way. Are some people going to be upset? Sure, but get over it. And I know the ratings are going to be much better for that game on Friday compared to a Saturday.
Next Year Will Be Bill Self’s Last Year
I didn’t touch on this last week with all the news going on but Kansas head coach Bill Self announced that he will return for his 24th season as the head coach of the Jayhawks. While I am glad to have Bill back, I also understand that changes will need to be made.
Let’s be real here. Kansas isn’t what it used to be. They can’t out-recruit everyone just because it’s Kansas. Strategies that worked years ago don’t anymore and that is why Kansas has been passed up by other Big 12 schools in recent years.
In fact, for the last four years, Kansas has failed to make it out of the opening weekend of the NCAA Tournament. That’s a problem. And during the past three seasons, they haven’t been playing at a Big 12 championship level. Between the state of college basketball and his health, I don’t see Bill making it past next season and I believe that he will call it a career after 2027.
Iowa State Basketball Will Be Fine
Despite losing several key pieces from this past year’s team, T.J. Otzelberger has wasted no time at all when it comes to the transfer portal. As crazy as it may sound, Iowa State has the No. 1 transfer portal class not just in the Big 12 but the entire country.
The Cyclones have brought in five players already which include three four-star players with Ryan Prather Jr., Tre Singleton, and Jaquan Johnson. For a coach that has lost two assistants, that is a heck of a way to get back on track.
Am I saying Iowa State will make a Final Four next season? No. But I am not expecting much of a drop off at all for this program. As long as T.J. is in charge, Iowa State will be fine.
