#big_12

Iowa State Shooting Star Milan Momcilovic Enters Transfer Portal, Declares NBA Draft Intent AMES – Iowa State is facing a significant loss as standout shooter Milan Momcilovic, a three-year starter and key contributor to the Cyclones’ recent success, has announced his intention to enter the NBA Draft and transfer to the transfer portal. The decision marks the end of his collegiate career at Iowa State, where he became one of the program’s most prolific scorers and shooters in its history. Momcilovic, a native of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, concluded his time at Iowa State with a season that solidified his place among the program’s all-time leaders. He finished the 2025-26 campaign with a career-high 49.3% shooting from beyond the arc, a figure that ranks as the best percentage for any player to attempt at least 125 three-pointers in program history. His accuracy extended to the free-throw line, where he made 87.8% of his attempts, and his overall field goal percentage of 50.6% underscored his efficiency as a scorer. The 6-foot-5 forward averaged 17 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game this season, becoming an All-Big 12 selection for his efforts. Over his 102 career games at Iowa State, Momcilovic scored 13 points per game while shooting 42.8% from three-point range. His contributions were instrumental in the Cyclones’ three consecutive winning seasons, a streak that has defined the program’s recent trajectory. Momcilovic’s departure leaves a void in Iowa State’s offensive arsenal, as he was one of the team’s most reliable perimeter threats. He ranks third all-time in career three-pointers made, second in career three-pointers per game, and first in the program’s history for games with at least five made three-pointers.#big_12 #iowa_state #transfer_portal #milan_momcilovic #pewaukee_wisconsin

Field of 64 Projections: Two New Hosts Headline NCAA Tournament Changes After Week 6 After a dramatic Week 6 of college baseball featuring a no-hitter, a coaching change, and numerous upsets, the Field of 64 projections for the NCAA Tournament have been updated. Two new hosts have been added to the list of potential regional sites, with significant shifts across the bracket. The SEC remains the dominant force with 13 teams in the projected field, followed by the ACC with 10, the Big 12 with 7, the Big Ten with 4, the Sun Belt with 3, the American with 2, and the Big West with 2. On the hosting front, the SEC leads with six teams, while the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, and Sun Belt each contribute two hosts. The weekend’s action included Alabama’s Tyler Fay throwing a nine-inning no-hitter and South Carolina moving on from head coach Paul Manieri. These events marked the start of a highly competitive week across the sport. The updated projections reflect data as of Monday, March 23, with automatic qualifiers noted for conference champions. The last four teams to secure spots in the Field of 64 are UC Santa Barbara, Boston College, Kansas, and Texas Tech. UC Santa Barbara, despite losing its last two Big West series, remains on the bubble due to its strong performance. Boston College, with a hot start, has a cushion for its challenging schedule. Kansas and Texas Tech, both from the Big 12, narrowly edge out teams like Pittsburgh, Oklahoma State, East Carolina, and Miami. In the Los Angeles Regional, UCLA retains the No. 1 seed after a dominant 9-0 record in Big Ten play. Notre Dame rises to the No. 2 seed following a sweep over Clemson. The Hattiesburg Regional features Southern Miss as the No. 1 seed, replacing Oregon State, which fell due to limited RPI opportunities.#ncaa_tournament #big_12 #sec #acc #field_of_64

Randy Bennett Would Be a Home Run Hire for ASU The Valley is a wonderful place to live—unless you’re the men’s basketball coach at Arizona State University. The challenge of revitalizing a program with limited resources, a struggling arena, and financial constraints has made the search for a new head coach both urgent and complex. Randy Bennett, however, is being considered as a potential solution. Reports indicate he is in serious discussions to replace Bobby Hurley at ASU, despite skepticism about his age and motivations. Bennett, a Mesa native, has a proven track record of success despite limited resources. Over 25 years, he led St. Mary’s to 12 NCAA Tournament appearances, building a program that competes with West Coast mid-majors like Gonzaga. His consistency earned him WCC Coach of the Year honors for four consecutive years (2022–2025). For Arizona State, his hiring could represent a transformative opportunity. The move to the Big 12 has brought mixed results for ASU. While it benefited football under Kenny Dillingham, the basketball program has struggled with NIL limitations, an outdated arena, and a budget that is roughly half of Arizona’s basketball budget. Yet, the Big 12’s recent success—sending eight teams to the NCAA Tournament—means ASU must aim for a top-eight finish in the conference. Bennett’s ability to build a competitive program aligns with this goal. Bennett’s coaching style is distinct. His teams prioritize methodical, slow-paced offenses that rely on motion and backdoor cuts to exploit defensive complacency. Defensively, he employs a pack-line approach, emphasizing teamwork to disrupt opponents’ penetration and force perimeter shooting. This strategy creates a disciplined, unexciting but effective style of play.#big_12 #bobby_hurley #randy_bennett #arizona_state_university #mesa

Bill Self lifetime contract, explained: What to know about Kansas coach's unique deal with university Bill Self, the head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks, has secured a lifetime contract that makes him the highest-paid coach in college basketball. The agreement, signed in April 2021, outlines a five-year rolling contract that automatically extends by one year after each season for the rest of his career. This structure ensures his compensation remains tied to his performance and the success of the program. Self’s contract includes a base salary starting at $500,000, along with a $100,000 signing bonus. However, the deal is heavily weighted with performance-based incentives and additional financial components. For the 2023-24 season, his total compensation for coaching responsibilities—such as public relations, merchandising, and appearances—was $4.2 million, with incremental increases in subsequent years. By the 2027-28 season, his base pay for these duties reaches $5 million, and it remains at that level for all seasons after. The contract also includes bonuses tied to the Jayhawks’ success. For example, winning the Big 12 regular season championship earns Self $50,000, while a Big 12 tournament title adds $25,000. Additional incentives include $50,000 for Big 12 Coach of the Year, $100,000 for AP Coach of the Year, and escalating rewards for NCAA tournament appearances, with a National Championship earning $150,000. The program’s academic performance also plays a role, as achieving an APR of 970 or higher in a single year grants $75,000. Beyond coaching duties, Self receives payments for his name, image, and likeness. These payments began at $2.4 million for the 2023-24 season and increase annually, reaching $2.7 million by 2027-28. After that, the amount remains at $5 million per season.#ncaa_tournament #big_12 #kansas_jayhawks #bill_self #kansas_university

Regional Sports (3/19): ISU's Bastida named Big 12 Wrestler of the Year Yonger Bastida has been honored as the Big 12 Wrestler of the Year, a recognition that highlights his outstanding performance in collegiate wrestling. The award marks a significant achievement for Bastida, who has consistently demonstrated skill and dedication throughout the season. His accomplishments have not only elevated his personal career but also brought recognition to his team and institution. This honor underscores the competitive nature of collegiate wrestling and the rigorous standards required to excel at the highest level. Bastida's success is a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and commitment to the sport. As he continues his journey in wrestling, this award serves as a milestone that will be remembered for years to come.#big_12 #isu #bastida_yonger #wrestler_of_the_year #collegiate_wrestling

UCF's Jamichael Stillwell and John Bol Prepare for NCAA Tournament Despite Injuries Jamichael Stillwell, UCF's 6-foot-8 senior forward, has become a key figure in the Knights' March Madness campaign despite overcoming significant injuries. The player, known as "Mr. Stand on Business" from his junior college days at Miami-Dade, emphasized his commitment to excellence both on and off the court. "That's the way I live, for real — standing on business, getting it done, just being a man of my word," Stillwell said. His philosophy extends beyond basketball, reflecting a dedication to living life with passion and integrity. Stillwell, who has been sidelined by two torn ligaments in his right ankle, has made a remarkable recovery. He walked to the team bus for Wednesday's sendoff in a boot, practiced fully at Xfinity Mobile Arena, and is expected to start in the NCAA Tournament opener against UCLA. The 245-pound forward has been a dominant force for UCF, posting eight double-doubles and ranking third in the Big 12 in offensive rebounding (3.2 per game). Despite his injuries, Stillwell has maintained a disciplined approach, focusing on daily recovery and minimizing practice reps to protect his ankle. "Just battling day by day," he said. "Trying to not really take off reps in practice, getting treatment and just really resting it." The Knights' March Madness run has been marked by resilience, as injuries plagued the team during their 9-9 Big 12 stretch. However, the squad appears to be in full health heading into the NCAA Tournament, with most key players back to full participation. Sophomore center John Bol, who missed time due to an undisclosed injury during the Big 12 quarterfinal against Arizona, confirmed he is "ready to go.#ncaa_tournament #big_12 #ucf #jamichael_stillwell #john_bol

College basketball conference tournaments, odds: Best college basketball bets for Thursday's games - Yahoo Sports College basketball conference tournaments are in full swing, with Thursday's games offering a mix of high-stakes matchups and potential upsets that could shape the NCAA tournament bracket. Analysts Matt Russell and Corbie Craig have outlined their top bets for the day, highlighting key games and strategies for bettors. In the ACC, Louisville faces Miami (FL) in a matchup where the Cardinals are favored despite a recent loss to SMU. Russell notes that Louisville's victory without star player Mikel Brown Jr. has kept the betting market from heavily discounting them, though the Hurricanes' frontline could pose challenges. Russell leans toward Miami as the more likely winner, despite the odds, citing their ability to match up with Louisville's defense. The bet is set on Miami (FL) +1.5. The Big 12 sees Iowa State hosting Texas Tech, with the Cyclones as the favorite. Russell points to Iowa State's recent blowout win over Arizona State as a factor in the line, though he questions the accuracy of the -5.5 spread. Texas Tech, despite the injury to JT Toppin, has shown resilience, particularly in its 82-73 win at Hilton Coliseum. Russell suggests the line may be overvalued, favoring a +5.5 bet on the Red Raiders. In the Big Ten, Iowa and Ohio State clash, with the Buckeyes' defensive versatility making them a tough matchup for the Hawkeyes. Russell highlights Ohio State's ability to score and their reliance on 3-point shooting, which could counter Iowa's defensive strengths. Meanwhile, Northwestern faces Purdue, where Craig emphasizes the Wildcats' unconventional approach. Northwestern's speed at the big man position disrupts Purdue's high ball screen plays, forcing the Boilermakers into slower, methodical attacks.#big_12 #yahoo_sports #matt_russell #corbie_craig #acc

2026 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament Bracket: Updated Seeds and Matchups as of March 6, 2026 The Big 12 Men’s Basketball Tournament is set to begin on March 10, with the event hosted in Kansas City, Missouri, at the T-Mobile Center. The conference, known for its competitive talent, features four teams ranked in the nation’s top 10. Recent developments, such as West Virginia’s victory over UCF, have added unpredictability to the tournament landscape. Arizona remains the conference’s top-ranked team, though several squads have seen notable shifts in their standings. Below is the latest seeding and projected matchups for the tournament. The updated seedings include Kansas State at No. 2 with a 3-14 record, Baylor at No. 3 with a 5-12 record, and Oklahoma State at No. 4 with a 6-11 record. Arizona State and Colorado are tied at No. 5 with identical 7-10 records, while West Virginia is listed at No. 9 with a 9-9 record. Cincinnati and TCU follow at No. 10 and No. 11, respectively, with records of 9-8 and 10-7. Iowa State and Kansas share the No. 12 spot with 11-6 records, and Texas Tech is at No. 14 with a 12-5 record. Houston and Arizona round out the list at No. 15 and No. 16, with records of 13-4 and 15-2. The tournament’s first round is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, with four games set to take place. No. 12 Arizona State will face No. 13 Oklahoma State at 11:30 AM CT on ESPN+. No. 9 UCF will challenge No. 16 Utah at 2:00 PM CT, while No. 10 BYU will meet No. 15 Kansas State at 6:00 PM CT. The final first-round matchup will see No. 11 Colorado take on No. 14 Baylor at 8:30 PM CT. The second round begins on Wednesday, March 11, with No. 5 Iowa State facing the winner of Game 1 at 11:30 AM CT. No. 8 West Virginia will play the winner of Game 2 at 2:00 PM CT, followed by No.#big_12 #t_mobile_center #kansas_city #kansas_state #baylor

Cincinnati Men's Basketball Concludes Regular Season Against TCU Saturday The Cincinnati men’s basketball team aims to finish its regular season with seven wins in its final eight games as it faces TCU at 2 p.m. ET Saturday at Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth. The matchup will be televised on TNT and broadcast on 700 WLW and the TuneIn app. The game marks the Bearcats’ final regular-season contest, offering a chance to solidify their position in the Big 12 standings. The 2025-26 season represents the 125th year of competition for Cincinnati men’s basketball, a milestone the program will celebrate throughout the year. The Bearcats, recognized as a top-10 program in college basketball history by the Associated Press, have a storied legacy including 44 All-Americans, 41 conference titles, six Final Four appearances, and back-to-back national championships dating back to the 1901-02 season. This season, the team has maintained a strong defensive presence, ranking 10th nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency according to KenPom. They also lead the Big 12 in 3-point attempts per game and rank among the top teams in scoring defense, assists per game, and field goal percentage defense. Senior forward Baba Miller has emerged as a standout performer, tying for 22nd nationally and ranking second in the Big 12 in double-doubles with 12. He leads the conference in defensive rebounds per game at 7.68 and is among the top rebounders in the nation with 10.0 total rebounds per contest. Miller’s contributions have been critical to the team’s success, as he averages 13.8 points, 10.0 boards, and 3.6 assists per game, joining a select group of players in college basketball averaging at least 13-10-3 for a full season.#cincinnati_men_s_basketball #tcu #schollmaier_arena #big_12 #baba_miller

Arizona’s Lani Cornfield named Big 12 Women’s Basketball Honorable Mention The Arizona Wildcats did not have any players selected to the preseason All-Big 12 team for women’s basketball. However, graduate student and starting point guard Lani Cornfield earned recognition as an honorable mention after the season, highlighting her contributions to the team. Cornfield ranked second in the Big 12 in assists per game with an average of 6.9, placing her sixth nationally. Her performance remained consistent during conference play, where she averaged 6.2 assists per game, the second-highest total among players facing their own league opponents. In terms of efficiency, Cornfield ranked among the top 50 players in the nation based on her assist-to-turnover ratio. She posted a 1.94 assist per turnover rate for the season, which placed her 50th in Division I. While her ratio dipped to 1.64 in league play, it still ranked seventh nationally. Defensively, Cornfield made a significant impact, recording 2.6 steals per game overall, which ranked 48th in the country. Her performance against Big 12 opponents was even more impressive, as she averaged 2.5 steals per game, securing second place among Division I players facing their own conference. Cornfield also stepped up as a scorer after leading contributor Micky Perdue was sidelined for the season four games into Big 12 play. She averaged 14.4 points per game both overall and in conference action, placing her in the top 225 nationally and 17th among players facing their own league opponents. Her shooting efficiency reflected her all-around impact. Cornfield shot 44.5 percent from the field overall but struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 19 percent of her three-point attempts. She maintained a strong free-throw accuracy, converting 81.9 percent of her attempts.#big_12 #arizona_wildcats #lani_cornfield #women_s_basketball #assists_per_game

Arizona Senior Guard Noelani Cornfield Earns All-Big 12 Honorable Mention IRVING, Tex. — Arizona women’s basketball senior guard Noelani Cornfield has been named to the All-Big 12 Honorable Mention list, as announced by the conference on Tuesday. The recognition highlights her significant contributions to the Wildcats’ success during the 2025-26 season. Cornfield, a native of Gowanda, N.Y., has been a consistent force on the court, averaging 14.4 points and 6.9 assists per game while starting all 28 contests. Her leadership has been instrumental in Arizona’s offensive efforts, as she leads the team with 192 total assists and ranks second in the Big 12 in assists per game. Cornfield also holds the third-best single-season assist record in program history. Throughout the season, Cornfield has consistently produced at a high level, scoring in double figures in 22 games. Her standout performances include six 20-point outings, with her career-high 25 points coming against Colorado on Feb. 17. She also contributed 24 points against Arizona State on Feb. 14 and recorded 22-point games against Eastern Kentucky on Dec. 10 and CSU Bakersfield on Nov. 29. Her ability to create scoring opportunities for teammates has been equally impressive, as she has dished out 10 or more assists in four games, including a season-high 12 against UC Irvine on Nov. 9. Cornfield added 11 assists in a game against Grambling on Nov. 16 and recorded 10-assist performances against BYU on Jan. 6 and Kansas on Jan. 20. Beyond her playmaking and scoring, Cornfield has also been a defensive presence, averaging 3.5 rebounds and 2.6 steals per game. Her free throw shooting remains a key strength, as she has converted 81.9% of her attempts from the line.#big_12 #noelani_cornfield #arizona_womens_basketball #gowanda #uc_irvine

Audi Crooks Highlights 3 Iowa State Cyclones Players Earning Big 12 Honors The Iowa State Cyclones women’s basketball team concluded the 2025-26 regular season with a 22-8 record, marking the fifth consecutive year the program has secured at least 21 victories. The team’s .733 winning percentage ranks as the 11th highest in program history, setting the stage for a strong postseason run after a decisive 93-79 victory over the Kansas State Wildcats. Audi Crooks, a standout performer for the Cyclones, made history during the win by scoring 41 points, elevating her to fifth in Big 12 conference history with five career 40-point games. This achievement ties her with Brittney Griner, the former Baylor Bears star, for the most such performances in conference history. Crooks’ dominance on the court was further highlighted by her selection to the All-Big 12 First Team, where she led the conference in scoring with 25.6 points per game. She also ranked among the top performers in field goal percentage (65.1%), 2-point field goal percentage (66.4%), and effective field goal percentage (65.2%). Her all-around impact extended to 7.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.3 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game. Joining Crooks on the All-Big 12 First Team was guard Jada Williams, who led the conference with 7.7 assists per game in her first season with Iowa State after transferring from the Arizona Wildcats. Williams contributed 15.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, alongside 0.9 steals in 29.5 minutes of play. The Cyclones’ success in securing multiple first-team selections placed them among three programs with multiple players on the 10-player list, alongside TCU and the Kansas Jayhawks. Beyond individual accolades, the Cyclones also recognized junior guard Arianna Jackson as the Scholar-Athlete of the Year.#big_12 #audi_crooks #iowa_state_cyclones #jada_williams #arrianna_jackson

Audi Crooks Highlights 3 Iowa State Cyclones Players Earning Big 12 Honors The Iowa State Cyclones women’s basketball team concluded the 2025-26 regular season with a 22-8 record, marking their fifth consecutive campaign with at least 21 wins. The .733 winning percentage ranks as the 11th highest in program history, setting the stage for postseason play after a decisive 93-79 victory over the Kansas State Wildcats. Audi Crooks made history during that game by scoring 41 points, elevating her career total of 40+ point games to five. This achievement ties her with Brittney Griner, formerly of Baylor, for the most in Big 12 conference history. Crooks’ dominance on the offensive end was instrumental in the Cyclones’ success, as she led the conference in scoring with 25.6 points per game, while also excelling in field goal percentage (65.1%), 2-point field goal percentage (66.4%), and effective field goal percentage (65.2%). Her all-around performance included 7.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.3 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game. Crooks’ accolades extended beyond her individual stats. She was named to the All-Big 12 First Team, joining a select group of 10 players recognized for their season-long contributions. Alongside her, guard Jada Williams also earned a spot on the first team. Williams, who transferred from the Arizona Wildcats, led the Big 12 with 7.7 assists per game in her first season with Iowa State. She averaged 15.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, complemented by 0.9 steals in 29.5 minutes of play. The Cyclones’ success was further highlighted by their representation on the All-Big 12 Team, as they became one of three programs with multiple players named to the 10-team group, alongside TCU and Kansas.#big_12 #audi_crooks #iowa_state_cyclones #jada_williams #arianna_jackson

Olivia Miles named Big 12 Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year Olivia Miles has been honored as the Big 12 Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year after leading No. 10 TCU to its second consecutive outright regular-season conference championship. The awards, announced Tuesday, mark the second straight year a TCU player has received both honors from the 16 Big 12 coaches. Last year, Hailey Van Lith became the first player in the league’s 30-season history to win both awards, a feat repeated by Miles this season. Miles, who transferred to TCU for her final college season after playing five years at Notre Dame, enters the Big 12 Tournament averaging a career-high 20.1 points per game, along with 6.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.9 steals. She also leads the NCAA with five triple-doubles this season. Her performance has been instrumental in TCU’s success, including a conference title that follows last year’s championship. Texas Tech’s Krista Gerlich, in her sixth season as head coach, was selected as the league’s top coach. The No. 21 Lady Raiders have secured 25 wins this season, their highest total since the 2003-04 campaign. Kansas forward Jaliya Davis was unanimously chosen as the freshman of the year after winning nine consecutive weekly awards. Davis averages 21.0 points per game, the highest total for a freshman nationally. No. 15 West Virginia guard Jordan Harrison was named defensive player of the year, while Texas Tech guard Snudda Collins was selected as the sixth player of the year. The awards highlight TCU’s dominance in the Big 12 and underscore the league’s competitive landscape, with multiple teams achieving historic milestones.#tcu #big_12 #olivia_miles #hailey_van_lith #krista_gerlich