The Kansas Jayhawks were picked to finish third in the Monster Energy Big 12 Men’s Basketball Media Preseason Poll released Thursday. The poll, which is voted on by various Big 12 media members from across the country, placed the Jayhawks among the top teams in the league.
The top three ranked teams in the media poll are identical to the results of the coaches' poll. Tommy Floyd’s Arizona Wildcats were ranked number one, while Kelvin Sampson’s Houston Cougars were ranked number two.
The full Big 12 media poll includes the following rankings:
1. Arizona
2. Houston
3. Kansas
4. Texas Tech
5. Iowa State
6. BYU
7. Baylor
8. TCU
9. Cincinnati
10. West Virginia
11. Oklahoma State
12. Arizona State
13. UCF
14. K-State
15. Colorado
16. Utah
The Jayhawks roster features freshman Tyran Stokes, who has been named a Preseason First Team All-American and Preseason Big 12 Freshman of the Year. Stokes is joined by fellow freshman Taylen Kinney, a five-star recruit who may start in the backcourt alongside Melvin Council Jr.
Returning senior Tre White and Council provide experience to a roster that includes various transfers and freshmen intended to create a deeper bench.
The Big 12 is considered one of the strongest and deepest leagues in college basketball. The Jayhawks will face various tests throughout the season to determine their performance heading into March.
