Questionable traits as Big 12 women’s basketball season in progress… read more…
As the Big 12 women’s basketball season unfolds, it becomes evident that the conference is home to both exceptional talent and notable challenges. The league, long recognized as one of the top women’s basketball conferences in the nation, has entered a new phase of competition, marked by evolving team dynamics, shifting power structures, and rising stars. However, amid the excitement, certain traits and patterns are emerging that warrant closer examination. These trends, while not inherently negative, highlight some questionable aspects of the current season.
1. Inconsistent Defensive Play
One of the most glaring issues this season in the Big 12 has been the inconsistency of defensive play across the league. While teams like Baylor, known for their tough defensive schemes, still manage to impose their will on opponents, several other programs have struggled to establish a consistent defensive identity. For example, Oklahoma State, despite its strong offensive unit, has been prone to lapses in defensive execution, leading to uncharacteristic losses and nail-biting finishes.
In games with high-scoring outcomes, defensive breakdowns have been too frequent. The absence of lockdown defenders capable of shutting down high-caliber players has been evident in matchups where offense outshines defense. Additionally, some teams have shown an overreliance on individual defensive prowess, rather than collective team defense, which often leaves gaps and allows opponents to exploit weaknesses.
2. Lack of Offensive Flow
While the Big 12 features some of the country’s most dynamic scorers, there are teams struggling to maintain consistent offensive flow. Oklahoma, a team known for its offensive firepower, has experienced moments where their offense stalls, particularly when facing teams with solid defensive schemes. Their reliance on star players, while effective at times, can also create predictability in their game plan, leaving them vulnerable to teams that can effectively shut down their key scorers.
Moreover, the trend of one-dimensional offenses is becoming increasingly apparent. Several teams appear to lack a balanced attack, focusing too heavily on either inside play or outside shooting, rather than incorporating a multi-faceted offensive strategy. This predictability allows opponents to plan their defense more effectively, stifling the flow of the game.
3. Overreliance on Star Power
As is the case with many high-level conferences, the Big 12 is home to a number of star players who can single-handedly change the course of a game. While the league’s top players, such as Iowa State’s Ashley Joens and Texas’ Rori Harmon, certainly deserve recognition for their talent, there is a growing concern that some teams are becoming overly reliant on these standout players. This dependence can be detrimental, especially in tightly contested games where opposing teams focus all their defensive attention on neutralizing these key threats.
In instances where a star player is contained, the team often struggles to find a reliable secondary scoring option. This has been particularly noticeable in teams that do not have the depth to support their primary offensive weapon, leaving them vulnerable when their star falters or is double-teamed. For the Big 12 to remain a top-tier conference, teams must develop greater depth and diversify their offensive strategies, ensuring they aren’t overly reliant on individual performances.
4. Coaching Instability and Inexperience
While the Big 12 is home to some of the most respected coaches in women’s college basketball, there are programs that have undergone coaching changes or are dealing with new, relatively inexperienced leadership. Kansas, for example, has struggled to find consistency in its coaching staff, with the transition to a new head coach impacting team performance. Similarly, TCU and Texas Tech are in rebuilding phases under new leadership, and their lack of seasoned leadership has been evident in the team’s occasional lack of cohesion and discipline.
Coaching changes and transitions can lead to a period of instability, during which the program may experience a dip in performance. The emphasis on team culture, systems, and player development can take time to establish, leaving teams caught in a cycle of inconsistency. Moreover, when the team’s coaching staff is still finding their rhythm, tactical errors—such as poor rotations, ineffective game plans, and late-game management issues—can surface, impacting the overall success of the team.
5. The “Middle of the Pack” Struggle
Another concern that has emerged this season is the growing disparity between the top-tier teams and those fighting for the middle ground. Programs that are caught in the middle of the pack, such as Kansas State and West Virginia, often face a challenging road ahead, trying to compete with perennial powerhouses like Baylor, Texas, and Iowa State. These programs have shown flashes of potential but have struggled to maintain a level of consistency that would allow them to break through the upper echelon of the conference standings.
As a result, the middle teams often find themselves in a frustrating position: capable of competing against top-tier teams but inconsistent enough to drop games to lower-ranked opponents. This inconsistency leads to an unpredictable conference race and has significant implications for tournament seeding and postseason aspirations. The middle-of-the-pack teams are also at risk of falling into a “no-man’s land,” where they’re too good to rebuild but not good enough to consistently compete for championships, a precarious position in terms of both morale and recruiting.
6. Increased Physicality and Refereeing Controversies
With the level of competition ramping up, there has been a noticeable increase in the physicality of games within the Big 12. While physicality is part of the sport, some games have bordered on overly aggressive, leading to a higher number of fouls and free throws. Refereeing has become a talking point, with numerous coaches and players voicing concerns over inconsistencies in officiating. The lack of uniformity in calls, especially in crucial moments of the game, has led to frustration among both teams and fans.
In a conference with so many high-stakes matchups, the accuracy and consistency of officiating become vital to maintaining the integrity of the game. Teams that are known for their physical play, such as Texas Tech and Oklahoma State, may benefit from this trend, but it creates a less enjoyable viewing experience when refereeing calls become a central focus of discussion.
Conclusion
As the Big 12 women’s basketball season progresses, it’s clear that while the league remains competitive and filled with talent, certain traits—such as inconsistent defense, overreliance on star power, coaching instability, and officiating concerns—are creating challenges for teams. If these trends are addressed, the league can continue to thrive, but for now, these questionable aspects provide a unique lens through which to evaluate the evolution of Big 12 women’s basketball.
