The Big 12 has long been heralded as one of the premier conferences in college basketball. Home to perennial powerhouses and a breeding ground for championship contenders. This season is no exception, as the competition is fiercer than ever as Iowa State who became the champions last season for the sixth time is again leading the table. However, according to fans and analysts, one team needs to get a grip on their performance.

Critics, including commentators on the recent episode of The Field of 68: After Dark podcast, have pointed out the Kansas Jayhawks’s lack of cohesion and inability to execute under pressure as glaring issues.

“The only team I could think to put up there was at the start was maybe like Kansas. But let’s be honest they got all the talent,but they haven’t looked great all year. Kansas hasn’t really played to their potential in my opinion and they had a couple really, I wouldn’t even say bad games not that they lost, but the way that they kind of kind of lost,” said a cast member during the podcast.

However, while the cast was busy criticizing Jayhawk’s efforts, they also shone a light on the team that can potentially win this season. “I’ll tell you guys a team that I like in the Big 12 and I know it’s early, it’s Arizona State and they got a big one coming up with Florida coming up this weekend… I would say Arizona State is a team for me you know that wasn’t picked preseason I think it’s 12th or so in the league right now, Hurley have those guys right now. If they can stay healthy I think they can finish in the top five of the league, I actually would be surprised if they don’t,“ said one of the cast members during the podcast.

Kansas is mighty in the Big 12: It has won 17 regular-season conference titles under Bill Self since he became coach in 2003. Being a model of consistency, Self has carved out an awe-inspiring 610-145 career record at Kansas. The Jayhawks also won two NCAA Tournaments under his guidance in 2008 and 2022.

But this season tells a different story. The Jayhawks currently sit at a surprising 7-2 in conference play. While it’s two early judge their performances, their recent consecutive losses against Missouri (67-76) and Creighton (63-76) have resulted in critics questioning Self’s efficiency.

Meanwhile, Arizona State is turning heads in the Big 12. The Sun Devils, historically considered outsiders in basketball discussions currently have a record of 8-1 in the conference with great performances from players like Joson Sanon and Basheer Jihad who are averaging 15.9 PPG and 13.3 PPG respectively.

The Big 12’s importance in college basketball cannot be overstated, and this season’s drama only adds to its allure. Kansas may have built its identity on sustained excellence, but it faces a defining moment in its storied history. However, it seems like Self has already started to make changes in the team.

Bill Self’s assessment of one of Kansas’ Guard

The Kansas Jayhawks are off to a 7-2 start this season powered by standout performances from Hunter Dickinson and Zeke Mayo who are averaging 15 and 10.9 PPG. However head coach Bill Self has voiced concerns about the consistency of guard AJ Storr, signaling areas for improvement as Kansas eyes deeper postseason aspirations.

As mentioned earlier, the Jayhawks have lost back-to-back two away games, one against Missouri (67-76) and another against Creighton (63-76). To make up this gap, Self has advised Storr to increase his offensive skills. “AJ [Storr] can attack the rim. AJ averaged four free throws a game for the entire season last year at Wisconsin. This year, you shoot, what? One? He needs to be more aggressive,” said Self (as per Sports Illustrated).

Storr is currently averaging 8.4 PPG, 1.8 RPG, and 1.3 APG. It can be speculated if Storr can rise to the challenge and deliver more disciplined performances by following Self’s advice, he could become a crucial piece in the Jayhawks’ quest for another Big 12 title and a deep NCAA Tournament run.