Media Pick Kansas Men to Win Big 12

Nov. 5, 2004

DALLAS –

The Kansas men’s basketball team was the preseason favorite to win the Big 12 Conference title this year in a vote by Big 12 media representatives, the league office announced Friday. Senior forward Wayne Simien was dubbed Preseason Player of the Year, while three other Jayhawks — Keith Langford, J.R. Giddens and Aaron Miles — also received preseason accolades.

The Jayhawks, the No. 1 team in the preseason USA Today/ESPN Coaches Top 25, are looking for their fifth regular-season Big 12 crown. Kansas was picked to finish tied for first in the league with Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Coaches’ Preseason Poll. In the Big 12 media poll, the Jayhawks received 11 first place votes to the Cowboys’ four and received a total of 176 points.

Kansas opens its season Sunday with an exhibition game at Allen Fieldhouse against Emporia State at 7:04 p.m.

2004-05 Big 12 Men’s Basketball Preseason Media Poll

Team (1st place votes) Points
1. Kansas (11) 176
2. Oklahoma State (4) 166
3. Texas 148
4. Oklahoma 136
5. Missouri 116
6. Iowa State 104
7. Texas Tech 96
8. Kansas State 65
9. Nebraska 62
10. Colorado 52
11. Texas A&M 33
12. Baylor 25

Preseason Player of the Year: Wayne Simien, Kansas

Preseason Newcomer of the Year: Taj Gray, Oklahoma

Preseason Freshman of the Year: Daniel Gibson, Texas

Preseason All-Big 12 Media Team
Keith Langford, Kansas
Wayne Simien, Kansas
Curtis Stinson, Iowa State
Joey Graham, Oklahoma State
John Lucas, Oklahoma State

Honorable Mention
Kansas: J.R. Giddens, Aaron Miles; Missouri: Linas Kleiza; Oklahoma: Kevin Bookout; Texas: P.J. Tucker; Texas A&M: Antoine Wright; Texas Tech: Jarrius Jackson