Texas Tech

There are better college basketball conferences than the Big 12 in 2011-12.

 

But there are none more entertaining.

Neither team is currently in first place in the Atlantic 10 but if anything that magnifies the importance of Saint Louis (15-4, 3-2) heading east to take on Xavier (13-6, 4-2) at the Cintas Center. Both teams are a game out of first place in the loss column, and a closer look at the Billikens' computer numbers shows that they could use a win like this to bolster the resume.

Just two games on the schedule for Saturday match ranked teams, one of which being #1 Syracuse (16-0, 3-0) hosting #20 Marquette (12-3, 1-1) with the visitors looking to rebound from a disappointing loss at Georgetown earlier this week. The Golden Eagles led by as many as 17 points in the second half but they went away from the "paint touches" that are so valued in Buzz Williams' program, which led to the Hoya comeback. Those paint touches will be even more important at the Carrier Dome, as Syracuse does a good job with their 2-3 zone at limiting those opportunities.

Baylor

Kansas

Missouri

Oklahoma St

Texas

Texas A&M

Other (Iowa St, Kansas St, Oklahoma, Texas Tech)

In the most recent installment in his "Forgotten Legends" interview series, CHN writer Jon Teitel spent some time with Texas Tech great Geoff Huston. After a four-year campaign in Lubbock Huston was drafted by the Knicks in 1979, and he went on to play for five teams in the NBA.

Jon Teitel: You grew up in NYC, which has produced more NBA players than any other city. What was the competition like in the Big Apple?

In the latest installment in his "Forgotten Legends" interview series CHN writer Jon Teitel spent some time with Rick Bullock, one of the greatest players in Texas Tech history. Bullock ranks in the top three in four major categories: points, rebounds, blocked shots and field goal percentage. 

Jon Teitel: In 1972 you led your high school to the Texas state championship game before losing. How good a player were you back then, and how close did you come to winning the title?

We'll track coaching changes as they occur. If there's any missing on here, or if you have contract info to add (including salaries), please mention it in the comments section.

Latest Hiring/Firing 6/27: Not done yet; Bethune-Cookman fires Reed

BCS Conferences

Arkansas
Was: John Pelphrey
Is: Mike Anderson (from Missouri)

Georgia Tech
Was: Paul Hewitt
Is: Brian Gregory (from Dayton)

Maryland
Was: Gary Williams
Is: Mark Turgeon (from Texas A&M) 

A familiar argument early in the season is which conference is tops. The preseason hype tended to go in the direction of the Big Ten, but with strong starts by the Big East and Big 12 there has been room for discussion. But what about the opposite end of the spectrum: which BCS conference member is the worst team to this point in the year? Unlike the best conference question, that answer has been rather straightforward as the Auburn Tigers have put forth quite the display of ineptitude through the first ten games of the Tony Barbee era.

Overall Rank: #72

Texas Tech Red Raiders

Big 12 Conference (17-15, 4-12)