CBS Preseason MBB Rankings | "Lon Kruger might have enough pieces to snap KU's run of Big 12 titles"

Coming off a 23-10 campaign, the resurrection process for the Oklahoma Sooners rages on. While some might argue this point, a win-less post-season record over the past three seasons states otherwise. That's not to say this program remains in shambles. Quite the opposite actually. Simply reaching the NCAA Tournament marks a step in the right direction. Now, Lon Kruger loads up to make a run in March and others continue to take notice.

After the Coaches' Poll ranked the Sooners as the No. 19 team in the nation, CBS follows up with their No. 17 placement of Oklahoma. Of course, many think the possibility of rising in the rankings greatly increases pending the NCAA's decision on the eligibilty of TaShawn Thomas.

"The Sooners are a top-20 team even without Thomas, a transfer from Houston." Gary Parrish, CBS College Basketball Insider, said." And if they get him eligible this season -- yes, OU is still waiting on word from the NCAA -- Lon Kruger might have enough pieces to try to snap KU's run of Big 12 titles."

Projected Starting Lineup

G - Jordan Woodard
G - Buddy Hield
G - Isaiah Cousins
F - Ryan Spangler
F - Khadeem Lattin

In the Big XII Conference, both the coaches and CBS tend to think of the Sooners as the fourth best team. However, Ken Pomeroy takes it one step further through statistical analysis. Adding yet another conference team above them, Oklahoma checks in at No. 28 overall in the KenPom rankings.