Can Kansas Repeat As Big 12 Champions?

The Kansas Jayhawks have made it eight straight Big 12 regular-season titles in 2011-12 making it the sixth or seventh time in that span we have counted KU out, only to be surprised by the coaching and talent in Lawrence, Kansas.

Thomas Robinson, a top-five 2012 NBA Draft pick, is an awful lot to replace; Robinson was tops in the conference in possession usage, field-goals made, free-throws made and attempted, points and rebounds, while ranking in the top five in plenty of other categories. Especially with the lack of depth and post offense the Jayhawks had last season and will experience this season, Robinson brought consistency, effort and tremendous production. And along with the impactful play of Robinson, Kansas also lost up-and-down point guard Tyshawn Taylor.

Kansas certainly won't be the favorites for the Big 12 title heading into the 2012-13 season, but depending on the play of emerging center Jeff Withey, guard Elijah Johnson and wing Ben McLemore, there's no reason why the Jayhawks cannot prove us wrong yet again.

By NBA-DRAFT.com Staff Writer - 9 - 14 - 12