Here is Part Two of the Big 12 New Years Resolutions: Check out Part One here.
The ball has dropped, the champagne bottles have been emptied, and the black-eyed peas have been begrudgingly eaten. The resolutions have been made, and now it is time to meet your new goals. With 2011 ending, so too has the Big 12 non-conference season. Missouri and Baylor appear to be the favorites for conference supremacy, but the league is still so wide-open that there is a lot of work to be done for every team. So, I present to you my suggested new years resolutions for each team. If they attain these new goals, a conference crown will be in their sights.
How Many Times Will Rick Barnes Celebrate Like This In 2012? That'll Depend On How Quickly His Young Squad Grows Up (AP)
More New Year’s Resolutions…
- Iowa State: “In 2012, I will strengthen my relationships.” Iowa State has an acceptable 10-3 record so far. However, the team lacks chemistry and seems to not play as a cohesive unit. If the Cyclones want to be dancing in March, they need to unite as a team, and not just watch Royce White pad his stats.
- Texas: “In 2012, I will act more mature.” Texas coach Rick Barnes said it best when he stated: “Young guys make it more complicated than it has to be.” Texas’ talented-but-young roster will need to show signs of maturity when they hit conference play, especially on the road in hostile environments.
- Texas Tech: “In 2012, I will learn more.” Texas Tech’s season will not end in postseason glory. And that’s fine. Not every team can cut down nets. But what the Red Raiders do need to do in conference play is learn how to play as a team. Recognize their strengths, and hone in to identify their weaknesses. Tech is a young team, and in order for their future to be bright, they need to prepare now.
- Oklahoma State: “In 2012, I will not think about 2011.” The Cowboys’ season has been quite the disappointment thus far. They have failed to meet expectations, and the team has not had many bright spots. However, there is a reason we thought this team could be dangerous, and the Cowboys need to cut their losses to focus on the now. Conference play is a blank slate for Oklahoma State, and they need to capitalize on this opportunity.
- Texas A&M: “In 2012, I will go out and score more.” A&M has scored more than 70 points only three times this season. The Aggies are the first Big 12 team with a conference loss after Monday’s loss to Baylor, and it’s apparent they are lacking in offense. They dropped only 52 points on Baylor, and rank 262nd in the nation in points per game with an average of 63.8.