Big 12 Tournament

Ranking the best of 20 years of Big 12 men’s basketball

The Big 12 Tournament feels like to the right time recall two decades of hoops.

The conference turns 20 years old during this academic year, and it’s been quite a ride for the league that started by grafting the Big Eight with four Southwest Conference schools, and exists today with two newcomers and without four of its original members.

Through the changes, men’s basketball has provided constant buzz, from individual stars, Hall of Fame coaches and a conference tournament party in Kansas City like no other in college hoops.

In the language familiar to basketball, lists of five (and more), here are the highlights of the Big 12 as it approaches legal drinking age.

The best players in the 20 years of Big 12 men’s basketball, in two lists

The all-time Big 12 Tournament team

The five best playmakers in Big 12 history

The best teams in the history of the Big 12 Conference

The five best shooters in Big 12 history

Five Big 12 players who exceeded expectations in the NBA

The best defensive players in the history of the Big 12

Five Big 12 players who later became coaches

Blair Kerkhoff: 816-234-4730, @BlairKerkhoff

This story was originally published March 7, 2016 at 12:54 PM with the headline "Ranking the best of 20 years of Big 12 men’s basketball."

Related Stories from Kansas City Star
Sports Pass is your ticket to Kansas City sports
#ReadLocal

Get in-depth, sideline coverage of Kansas City area sports - only $1 a month

VIEW OFFER