By SAM LANCE
It’s a new era in the Big 12. Sixteen teams are now in the conference, including west coast newcomers Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah. With all of this movement, Big 12 media day is sure to have a lot of interesting developments.
Therefore, ZAGSBLOG is here to update you live on what’s being said by head coaches at the podium.
Scott Drew — Baylor (9:00-9:10 a.m. CT)
- It’s Drew’s birthday and he’s happy to be in Kansas City!
- Drew praised VJ Edgecombe and said he makes SportsCenter top-10 plays all the time in practice.
- Langston Love is trending up as well from his injury. He’s cleared but still not 100% in practice. Drew said it’ll take him a few weeks to get fully up to speed.
- Dawkins is excited to build on what the year UCF had last year in the Big 12.
- Jaylin Sellers is home and resting and there’s no prognosis on his injury from the exhibition game vs FGCU. “He’s in good spirits and he’s moving forward.”
- Mikey Williams has been “terrific” on and off the court. Dawkins said he believes in second chances, and he’s proud of the University for taking that type of stand.
- Day Day Thomas had a little bit of a set back on his foot that required surgery after the NIT last season. “I think it’s a day-to-day thing, so nothing to be alarmed about.” Thomas did not travel to media day as originally expected.
- Miller said he knew the Big 12 was the best league in America, but actually experiencing it is different. “What an awesome experience to coach in this league. It is awesome. And it’s hard. Every single night you are playing against old players, talented players and elite coaching.”
- The Big 12 being the best league in the country is a “fact” and “not even close,” at least over the past four to five years Miller said. It’s been incredible at the top, but the middle and the bottom have been better than all other leagues as well. “I just hope we don’t beat ourselves up to much by the time we get to March.”
- McCasland said they have some high school guys he really likes. “We love our team and are thankful to compete in the best conference in college basketball.”
- The 3-point shot is big for Texas Tech. “Space on the floor in college basketball is so important… Chance McMillian, Kerwin Walton and Darrion Williams are the three best returning percentage shooters at the power five level… It allows for the game to be easier for everybody.”
- McCasland wants to focus on one game at a time during the Big 12 schedule. Looking at the schedule and figuring out how to navigate it is not the way to do it in a league like this.
- Tang is super excited about his team with three guys back and a lot of new pieces. “The guys we have in man, just terrific young men… A lot of versatility, better shooting and size.” Reminds Tang of Baylor’s 2012 squad.
- Tang on Tony Bennett’s retirement and the changes in college hoops: “All these changes, we’re all facing it. So you either adapt or you get left.” Tang said he has a young staff that’s very creative and pushes him to keep moving forward.
- On the Big 12 being best conference: “Guys we recruit want to play against the best. And it’s not close. People can debate what they want to but the results show…. Best coaches, best players, best environments. Everyone’s good.”
- Otzelberger was late to his media conference. He said he’ll do some sprints to hold him accountable.
- On returning five very impactful players. “If you can have continuity, that’s a key component and driver for success.”
- Iowa State will embrace the expectations in front of them.
- Personally, Smith is super excited to be a part of the best men’s basketball conference in the country. “We’re not picked where you want to be picked, but there’s nowhere to go but up.”
- Utah has nine new guys in the program and returns less than 35% of its scoring output from last season. But Smith said you wouldn’t know it if you have been watching them practice.
- On 7-footer Lawson Lovering: “He just has a tremendous attitude… He cares about one thing. He just wants to win… I expect him to score more for us and take a big step forward.”
- Smith said being in the Big 12 has helped with recruiting. Players want to play against the best.
- Arizona State worked extremely hard to rebuild and reconstruct the roster for the Big 12, Hurley said. “I’m excited to see where we stand.”
- On Jayden Quaintance, who turned 17 in July: “He’s prepared to compete at this level and his makeup is outstanding… He’s got a motor that is as good as any I have ever coached… Jayden is far superior than I ever was in that regard or anyone I’ve ever coached. He just never stops. He’s relentless.”
- Hurley said he wants to be unique and play Arizona State basketball. “I’m just going to try and be really good at what we’re capable of being good at.” Hurley said it’s a good mix of returning guys, experienced players and talented freshman.
