Big 12 - 2009-2010 Basketball Betting Preview | Sportsbookbuzz.com

The Big 12 is the deepest conference in the nation. No league has put more teams into the Final Four or Elite Eight over the past eight seasons. That’s why many of the schools in the conference were bleeding money for bettors last season.

Kansas won’t be as profitable this season. The Jayhawks made it to the Sweet 16 after going 27-8 (20-8-1 ATS) last season, and they return all five starters. Just to make sure Kansas has enough reinforcements, Bill Self brought in one of the nation’s top recruiting classes for good measure.

Expect Oklahoma to remain in the black even if Blake Griffin and his older brother Taylor are off to richer pastures in the NBA. The key is 6-foot-9, 300-pound freshman center Keith ‘Tiny’ Gallon, who needs to immediately chip in.

Missouri is going to take a step back, both in the standings and at the window. There’s no way the Tigers will repeat last year’s 31-7 (20-11 ATS), with the top three scorers from the 2008-09 squad gone. Mizzou won’t be as effective over the long haul because of its inexperience.

A fifth straight trip to the Tournament is in the cards for Texas A&M. It’s too bad Chinemelu Elonu decided to test NBA waters, because his return , would have made Texas A&M a darkhorse. Without him, the Aggies need the youngsters to fill the void in a hurry.

Texas is nipping at Kansas’ heels’ as the other favorite in the Big 12. The Longhorns are priced at +250 and +l000 to win the conference and the national title, respectively, while the Jayhawks are on the board at -250 and +450. Bettors will have to pick their spots with this talented team.

Kansas State is in its best situation in years with arguably the best backcourt in the Big 12. To improve upon last season’s underwhelming 8-15- 3 ATS (22-12 SU) mark, Curtis Kelly must provide presence in the paint.

Nebraska led the conference in defense last season, which is impressive considering the company in the ultra-tough Big 12. Combine that with a trio of incoming players that stand 6-foot-8 or taller, and the Huskers are looking at making a move.

Michigan transfer Ekpe Udoh joins the fold at Baylor this season, but they don’t have much on the inside. The lack of an interior presence cost Baylor backers last season, when the Bears went 13-18 ATS (24-15 SU).

Iowa State has the good fortune of a returning Craig Brackins back to lead the way. Problem in the Big 12 is Iowa State will need a lot more than one stud in the post.

Texas Tech had a tough year in 2008-09, going 14-19 (10-15-1 ATS). The problem was on defense, which kept underdog bettors from cashing on numerous occasions last season. Texas Tech can score, so it’ll never be out of the game against better teams.

Colorado was one of the stronger bets in the Big 12 last season, even if the Buffaloes went 1-15 in conference play en route to a 9-22 (14-13 ATS) record. Buffaloes backers should take solace that their team always gets plenty of points with which to work.