Kansas was picked to finish first in the Big 12 by the league’s coaches. If it comes to fruition, that would be 11 straight titles for the Jayhawks. But not everyone is convinced Kansas will dominate. “We actually had a practice and the next day we saw the preseason rankings,” Iowa State forward Dustin Hogue said. “We realized we were No. 5 and that took the whole team by surprise. … In trying to dethrone who everybody thinks is the best team, it starts off the court.”

Hogue added, “We have to have a good season record before we even get to Kansas. If we do that, we will be a good contender.” The Jayhawks, meanwhile, are accustomed to having the league shooting for them.

“It’s a long race to the championship,” Kansas forward Jamari Traylor said. “As long as we take it one game at a time, respect our opponents, not take anything for granted, just do our thing every night, I feel that we shouldn’t lose.”