10 years of Big 12 supremacy: 2014
From the time of Big 12 divisions, through realignment and the subtraction/addition of teams and a new 10-team format, one thing has remained constant in the conference for the past decade: Kansas University's men's basketball team has always finished in first place.
All week long, we've been looking back at KU's 10 consecutive Big 12 championships by highlighting the top players and moments of each conference schedule, from 2005 to today.
2014
Big 12 record: 14-4
Top 5 scorers
(Stats through March 7)
Andrew Wiggins, 16.0 points, 5.8 rebounds
Perry Ellis, 13.2 points, 6.4 rebounds
Joel Embiid, 11.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.6 blocks
Wayne Selden, 10.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists
Naadir Tharpe, 9.2 points, 5.1 assists
3 memorable moments
No. 1 — Decade of dominance: Kansas earns share of 10th straight Big 12 title
- Naadir Tharpe (19 points) hit 6 of 7 shots and scored 12 of the Jayhawks' final 18 points down the stretch to defeat Oklahoma, 83-75, at Allen Fieldhouse, where KU clinched a share of its 10th straight Big 12 championship.
“Naadir closed the game the way point guards are supposed to close. The last 10 minutes is as good as Naadir has played since he’s been at KU. All teams that have a chance at having a great season have guys that can close, when you don’t run offense and put the ball in his hands. It’s what great teams have.”
— Bill Self
No. 2 — New territory: Andrew Wiggins' first game-winner lifts Jayhawks
- Andrew Wiggins scored a game-high 19 points, his last two coming when he picked up a loose ball in the paint and put it in the basket with 1.7 seconds remaining in a 64-63 Kansas victory at Texas Tech.
“It was slippery, like it slipped on the way up. I just had to guide it in… It bounced high. I was worried about it, but it went in."
— Andrew Wiggins, on game-winner
No. 3 — Family guy: Tharpe excels with mother, brothers watching KU's home victory
- Frank Mason foiled a would-be buzzer-beater from Le'Bryan Nash to finish off an 80-78 Kansas home victory over Oklahoma State in which Naadir Tharpe scored 21 points and dished six assists.
“It was accomplishment definitely more than relief. They’ve been talking about Oklahoma State and Kansas for a while. Since the beginning of the year, that’s all we’ve been hearing. It’s all we’ve been hearing even before conference play started, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma State. It’s more an accomplishment we went out there and played our game more than anything.”
— Naadir Tharpe
2014 BIG 12 STANDINGS
Kansas, 14-4
Oklahoma, 12-6
Texas, 11-7
Iowa State, 11-7
Kansas State, 10-8
Baylor, 9-9
West Virginia, 9-9
Oklahoma State, 8-10
Texas Tech, 6-12
TCU, 0-18
10 years of Big 12 supremacy
Friday: 2013 and 2014
10 years of Big 12 supremacy: 2013
From the time of Big 12 divisions, through realignment and the subtraction/addition of teams and a new 10-team format, one thing has remained constant in the conference for the past decade: Kansas University's men's basketball team has always finished in first place.
All week long, we've been looking back at KU's 10 consecutive Big 12 championships by highlighting the top players and moments of each conference schedule, from 2005 to today.
2013
Big 12 record: 14-4, tied for 1st with Kansas State
Top 5 scorers:
Ben McLemore, 15.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists
Jeff Withey, 13.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.9 blocks
Travis Releford, 11.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.3 steals
Elijah Johnson, 9.9 points, 4.6 assists, 3.1 rebounds
Kevin Young, 7.8 points, 6.8 rebounds
3 memorable moments
No. 1 — Perfect storm: Elijah Johnson buries ISU with 39 points
- Point guard Elijah Johnson exploded for 39 points (30 after halftime), carrying Kansas to a 109-96 overtime win at Iowa State. He scored 25 of KU's final 36 points after the Cyclones built a seven-point lead with more than five minutes to play.
“Wilt had some good games, but this will go down as one of the best games any guard has played at Kansas. I’ve never had a guy make every play in a game like that down the stretch. He was huge. He was the best player in the country. I’ve never had a guy get 30 in a half.”
— Bill Self
No. 2 — Calling his shot?: McLemore's banked-in 3 saves KU in 97-89 OT win
- Ben McLemore hit 6 of 6 three-pointers on his way to 33 points in the Big 12 opener. He banked in his fifth trey just in time to send the home game against Iowa State to overtime, and the Jayhawks prevailed, 97-89.
“I mean when it left my hand, I actually called, 'bank,'" said McLemore, who scored 33 points — two off the freshman record of 35 set by Danny Manning against Oklahoma State in 1985. "The way it left my hand, I knew it was going to hit the backboard. It was a good release. It went in, so I'm glad."
— Ben McLemore
No. 3 — Mr. Big Shot: Naadir Tharpe's field goal puts KU on top
- Naadir Tharpe only scored four points and hit two shots in 31 minutes, but he made the biggest basket of the night — a short, go-ahead jumper late in double overtime — to help the Jayhawks win, 68-67, at Oklahoma State, and avenge a home loss to OSU.
“A lot of people don’t believe in me. (Self) does."
— Naadir Tharpe
2013 BIG 12 STANDINGS
Kansas, 14-4
Kansas State, 14-4
Oklahoma State, 13-5
Oklahoma, 12-7
Iowa State, 11-7
Baylor, 9-9
Texas, 7-11
West Virginia, 6-13
Texas Tech, 3-15
TCU, 2-16
10 years of Big 12 supremacy
Friday: 2013 and 2014
10 years of Big 12 supremacy: 2012
From the time of Big 12 divisions, through realignment and the subtraction/addition of teams and a new 10-team format, one thing has remained constant in the conference for the past decade: Kansas University's men's basketball team has always finished in first place.
All week long, we'll be looking back at KU's 10 consecutive Big 12 championships by highlighting the top players and moments of each conference schedule, from 2005 to today.
Our five-day blog series will feature two seasons daily, Monday through Friday, so check back each day for more.
2012
Big 12 record: 16-2
Top 5 scorers:
Thomas Robinson, 17.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, 1.1 steals
Tyshawn Taylor, 16.6 points, 4.8 assists, 1.3 steals
Elijah Johnson, 10.2 points, 3.5 assists, 3.2 rebounds, 1.4 steals
Jeff Withey, 9.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.6 blocks
Travis Releford, 8.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.2 steals
3 memorable moments
No. 1 — Kansas claims epic win in Border War finale
- Kansas ended its longstanding Border War with Missouri with a thrilling, 87-86 overtime victory in front of a hysterical Allen Fieldhouse crowd. Down 19 to their rivals early in the second half, the Jayhawks came back to life in the closing minutes to clinch at least a share of an eighth consecutive Big 12 title. Forward Thomas Robinson (28 points, 12 rebounds) saved the day with a three-point play on offense and a blocked shot for the ages in the final seconds of regulation.
“I’m not the most emotional guy, but that’s as good as it gets. It’s as exciting of a game as I’ve ever been part of. It’s the best home win I can remember us having."
— Bill Self
No. 2 — CELEBR-EIGHT: Kansas clinches outright crown
- Tyshawn Taylor and Thomas Robinson combined for 44 points in a 70-58 Kansas victory at Oklahoma State that sealed the Jayhawks' eighth straight Big 12 title outright.
“We knew what we had before we hit the floor (this season), before the whole world saw it. I knew our guys weren’t scared to work hard. Proving ourselves to people was motivation to us. I think it had everything to do with it, to prove to everybody we could come back and defend our title.”
— Thomas Robinson
No. 3 — Emotional rescue: KU, Thomas Robinson hold it together, edge Texas
- On the one-year anniversary of the death of his mother, Lisa, Thomas Robinson helped Kansas win, 69-66, at Texas, where he produced 17 points and nine rebounds, and Tyshawn Taylor led KU with 22 points.
“I wouldn’t say it was too emotional. No disrespect or anything, but that’s something I have to live with every day. For the media, it’s the anniversary, but for me it’s every day.”
— Thomas Robinson
2012 BIG 12 STANDINGS
Kansas, 16-2
Missouri, 14-4
Baylor, 12-6
Iowa State, 12-6
Kansas State, 10-8
Texas, 9-9
Oklahoma State, 7-11
Oklahoma, 5-13
Texas A&M, 4-14
Texas Tech, 1-17
10 years of Big 12 supremacy
Thursday: 2011 and 2012
Friday: 2013 and 2014
10 years of Big 12 supremacy: 2011
From the time of Big 12 divisions, through realignment and the subtraction/addition of teams and a new 10-team format, one thing has remained constant in the conference for the past decade: Kansas University's men's basketball team has always finished in first place.
All week long, we'll be looking back at KU's 10 consecutive Big 12 championships by highlighting the top players and moments of each conference schedule, from 2005 to today.
Our five-day blog series will feature two seasons daily, Monday through Friday, so check back each day for more.
2011
Big 12 record: 14-2
Top 5 scorers:
Marcus Morris (jr., F), 17.2 points, 7.6 rebounds
Markieff Morris (jr., F), 13.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.1 blocks
Tyrel Reed (sr., G), 9.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.5 steals
Tyshawn Taylor (jr., G), 9.3 points, 4.6 assists
Josh Selby (fr., G), 7.9 points, 2.2 assists
3 memorable moments
No. 1 — Uplifting experience: Robinson heroic vs. 'Cats
- Grief-stricken, Thomas Robinson returned to the Kansas lineup three days after his mother, Lisa, was buried. The backup power forward struggled early on before finishing with 17 points and nine rebounds in a 90-66 rout of Kansas State at Allen Fieldhouse.
“I played tonight because I cannot sit around too long. I knew my mother wouldn’t want me to sit around crying about it forever."
— Thomas Robinson
No. 2 — Seventh heaven: Jayhawks beat Missouri, claim league title outright
- Marcus Morris went for 21 points and 10 rebounds as Kansas closed out the regular season with a 70-66 win at rival Missouri, snapping a 17-game home court win streak for the Tigers and clinching KU's seventh straight Big 12 title outright in the process.
“We think of it as, a lot of teams can’t win one (title), so to get to two all the way to seven, that’s a big deal, especially when you have some legendary coaches telling you that’s a big deal. It speaks for itself. It’s Kansas. We do some impossible stuff here.”
— Elijah Johnson
No. 3 — Fitting tribute: KU basketball pays 'respect' to Lisa Robinson in win over Colorado
- The initials "L.R." were worn on KU's jerseys as the Jayhawks honored Lisa Robinson, the mother of forward Thomas Robinson, just days after she died unexpectedly. Marcus Morris paid tribute to his friend's mother by tapping the initials before every free throw, and hit two late to help Kansas win, 82-78, at Colorado.
“Me, Kieff and T. Rob were sitting in the room. He got a voicemail from his sister. She said to call him, and it was serious. He called back. He said he didn’t want any more bad news (his grandmother died in December and his grandfather a couple of Sundays earlier). She told him. He dropped down in tears. He felt he lost a big piece of everything in his life."
— Marcus Morris, on Thomas Robinson learning his mother, Lisa, had died
2011 BIG 12 STANDINGS
Kansas, 14-2
Texas, 13-3
Texas A&M, 10-6
Kansas State, 10-6
Missouri, 8-8
Colorado, 8-8
Nebraska, 7-9
Baylor, 7-9
Oklahoma State, 6-10
Oklahoma, 5-11
Texas Tech, 5-11
Iowa State, 3-13
10 years of Big 12 supremacy
Thursday: 2011 and 2012
Friday: 2013 and 2014
10 years of Big 12 supremacy: 2010
From the time of Big 12 divisions, through realignment and the subtraction/addition of teams and a new 10-team format, one thing has remained constant in the conference for the past decade: Kansas University's men's basketball team has always finished in first place.
All week long, we'll be looking back at KU's 10 consecutive Big 12 championships by highlighting the top players and moments of each conference schedule, from 2005 to today.
Our five-day blog series will feature two seasons daily, Monday through Friday, so check back each day for more.
2010
Big 12 record: 15-1
Top 5 scorers:
Sherron Collins (sr., G), 15.5 points, 4.5 assists, 1.1 steals
Xavier Henry (fr., G), 13.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.5 steals
Marcus Morris (so., F), 12.8 points, 6.1 rebounds
Cole Aldrich (jr., C), 11.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.5 blocks
Tyshawn Taylor (so., G), 7.2 points, 3.4 assists, 1.3 steals
3 memorable moments
No. 1 — A league of his own: KU wins Big 12; Collins sets mark
- Kansas sealed up at least a share of its sixth straight Big 12 title with three games left on the conference schedule by defeating Oklahoma, 81-68. Senior guard Sherron Collins posted 17 points and dished six assists before kissing the Big 12 trophy and winning his 124th game game in a KU uniform.
“It’s not the biggest story of the year, but I think from a coach’s perspective and not a fan’s perspective or a media perspective, I think your goal every year is to be the best team in your respective league. That’s who you have to compete against. To do it six straight years is an unbelievable accomplishment.”
— Bill Self
No. 2 — Tough love: Gritty KU sends Collins out a winner
- The Jayhawks' 82-65 Senior Night victory over Kansas State proved to be an emotional evening for senior Sherron Collins, who broke down in tears before and after his final game at Allen Fieldhouse.
“I thought to myself, ‘This is it. This is it.’ I didn’t want to get off the court. I wish the game could have gone on all night. I think it ranks in the top three (moments of his life). The last game here ... to go out with a win, it was perfect.”
— Sherron Collins
Colins wills Kansas past Wildcats in OT
- Senior guard Sherron Collins drove in for a layup to put Kansas up three with less than 10 seconds left in overtime at Kansas State. The Jayhawks won, 81-79, behind 16 points from Collins, 18 from Cole Aldrich, 14 from Brady Morningstar and 13 from Marcus Morris.
“It’s one of the all-time great road wins we’ve had. Overtime, against a very good team, a Top 10 team, on (ESPN) Game Day. It’s maybe as good a road win as we’ve had since we’ve been at Kansas.”
— Bill Self
2010 BIG 12 STANDINGS
Kansas, 15-1
Kansas State, 11-5
Baylor, 11-5
Texas A&M, 11-5
Missouri, 10-6
Texas, 9-7
Oklahoma State, 9-7
Colorado, 6-10
Texas Tech, 4-12
Oklahoma, 4-12
Iowa State, 4-12
Nebraska, 2-14
10 years of Big 12 supremacy
Wednesday: 2009 and 2010
Thursday: 2011 and 2012
Friday: 2013 and 2014
10 years of Big 12 supremacy: 2009
From the time of Big 12 divisions, through realignment and the subtraction/addition of teams and a new 10-team format, one thing has remained constant in the conference for the past decade: Kansas University's men's basketball team has always finished in first place.
All week long, we'll be looking back at KU's 10 consecutive Big 12 championships by highlighting the top players and moments of each conference schedule, from 2005 to today.
Our five-day blog series will feature two seasons daily, Monday through Friday, so check back each day for more.
2009
Big 12 record: 14-2
Top 5 scorers:
Sherron Collins (jr., G), 18.9 points, 5.0 assists
Cole Aldrich (so., C), 14.9 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.7 blocks
Tyshawn Taylor (fr., G), 9.7 points, 3.0 assists
Marcus Morris (fr., F), 7.4 points, 4.7 rebounds
Brady Morningstar (so., G), 6.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists
3 memorable moments
No. 1 — Take five!: KU men snare fifth straight Big 12 title
- Coming off a blowout loss at Texas Tech, Kansas sealed its fifth consecutive Big 12 championship by defeating Texas, 83-73, at Allen Fieldhouse, where Sherron Collins scored 21 points.
“There’s no better way to win it. We got the seniors out of here with an outright championship. We don’t have to share it with anybody."
— Sherron Collins
No. 2 — Unrivaled rout: Jayhawks exact revenge on MU
- The Jayhawks avenged an earlier loss at Missouri by dominating the Tigers, 90-65, in a rematch at Allen Fieldhouse, as Sherron Collins scored 25 and Cole Aldrich posted a double-double, with 19 points and 14 rebounds.
“I’m falling in love with this team. They try hard, and they are getting more and more aggressive all the time.”
— Bill Self
No. 3 — Comeback kids: KU rallies from 16 down
- Kansas trailed by as many as 16 points in the first half at Bramlage Coliseum, home of in-state rival Kansas State, before recovering in time for a 85-74 victory, powered by 21 points from Cole Aldrich, 19 from Sherron Collins and 15 more from Marcus Morris.
“We were laboring (early). Our guys hung tough. It’s probably as good a road win that we’ve had since I’ve been at Kansas, considering the circumstances, how young we are and the environment."
— Bill Self
2009 BIG 12 STANDINGS
Kansas, 14-2
Oklahoma, 13-3
Missouri, 12-4
Kansas State, 9-7
Texas, 9-7
Texas A&M, 9-7
Oklahoma State, 9-7
Nebraska, 8-8
Baylor, 5-11
Iowa State, 4-12
Texas Tech, 3-13
Colorado, 1-15
10 years of Big 12 supremacy
Wednesday: 2009 and 2010
Thursday: 2011 and 2012
Friday: 2013 and 2014
10 years of Big 12 supremacy: 2008
From the time of Big 12 divisions, through realignment and the subtraction/addition of teams and a new 10-team format, one thing has remained constant in the conference for the past decade: Kansas University's men's basketball team has always finished in first place.
All week long, we'll be looking back at KU's 10 consecutive Big 12 championships by highlighting the top players and moments of each conference schedule, from 2005 to today.
Our five-day blog series will feature two seasons daily, Monday through Friday, so check back each day for more.
2008
Big 12 record: 13-3, tied for 1st with Texas
Top 5 scorers:
Brandon Rush (jr., G), 13.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists
Mario Chalmers (jr., G), 12.8 points, 4.3 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 2.5 steals
Darrell Arthur (so., F), 12.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.3 blocks
Darnell Jackson (sr., F), 11.2 points, 6.7 rebounds
Sherron Collins (so., G), 9.3 points, 3.1 assits
3 memorable moments
No. 1 — Four-for-four!: KU clinches share of league crown
- The Jayhawks celebrated their 72-55 win at Texas A&M by being presented with the Big 12 championship trophy in the visitors locker room. Darrell Arthur and Mario Chalmers led Kansas with 16 points apiece, and Sherron Collins added 13.
"To win four in a row in such a competitive league is a remarkable accomplishment. This class continues to amaze me. We'll be judged by our performance in the postseason like all teams, but for those kids to win four rings and a chance to win three conference championships is a remarkable accomplishment."
— Bill Self
No. 2 — Sweet sendoff: KU seniors bid farewell with blowout
- On Senior Night for Russell Robinson, Darnell Jackson, Sasha Kaun, Rodrick Stewart and Jeremy Case, the Jayhawks rocked Texas Tech, 109-51, as KU shot 60% from the floor and hit 14 of 24 3-pointers.
"Coach told us last week he didn't think the Lakers could come in and beat us on Senior Night. I agreed with him right away."
— Russell Robinson
No. 3 — 100 the hard way: Trey-less Jayhawks trip Bears
- Led by 23 points from Darrell Arthur and 22 from Russell Robinson, Kansas didn't connect on any of its nine 3-pointers, but still out-ran visiting Baylor in a 100-90 victory at Allen Fieldhouse.
"We got what we wanted. They got what they wanted, but we got the win. It was an up-and-down game, fast-paced."
— Darrell Arthur
2008 BIG 12 STANDINGS
Kansas, 13-3
Texas, 13-3
Kansas State, 10-6
Oklahoma, 9-7
Baylor, 9-7
Texas A&M, 8-8
Nebraska, 7-9
Texas Tech, 7-9
Oklahoma State, 7-9
Missouri, 6-10
Iowa State, 4-12
Colorado, 3-13
10 years of Big 12 supremacy
Tuesday: 2007 and 2008
Wednesday: 2009 and 2010
Thursday: 2011 and 2012
Friday: 2013 and 2014
10 years of Big 12 supremacy: 2007
From the time of Big 12 divisions, through realignment and the subtraction/addition of teams and a new 10-team format, one thing has remained constant in the conference for the past decade: Kansas University's men's basketball team has always finished in first place.
All week long, we'll be looking back at KU's 10 consecutive Big 12 championships by highlighting the top players and moments of each conference schedule, from 2005 to today.
Our five-day blog series will feature two seasons daily, Monday through Friday, so check back each day for more.
2007
Big 12 record: 14-2
Top 5 scorers:
Brandon Rush (so., G), 13.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists
Mario Chalmers (so., G), 12.2 points, 3.3 assists, 3.0 rebounds, 2.6 steals
Julian Wright (so., F), 12.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists
Darrell Arthur (fr., F), 9.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.5 blocks
Sherron Collins (fr., G), 9.3 points, 2.9 assists
3 memorable moments
No. 1 — 1900: OUTRIGHT!: Jayhawks celebrate title win
- The Jayhawks cut down the net at Allen Fieldhouse following a 90-86, comeback victory over Texas that clinched the Jayhawks' title outright. Kevin Durant scored 25 of his 32 points in the first half, and KU trailed by eight at the break. But Mario Chalmers made all five of his three-pointers on the way to 21 points, and Julian Wright and Russell Robinson added 17 apiece in the 1,900th victory in program history.
"It was a great stage, a perfect setup. You win, you win the outright Big 12 at home in front of all the fans against a team that's hot with a great player. We had to take advantage. No way we could let it slide and share it with two teams."
— Russell Robinson
No. 2 — Oh, happy day: Reunion, rout lead to fun-filled fieldhouse
- With members of KU's 1952 national championship team, including legendary North Carolina coach Dean Smith, watching at Allen Fieldhouse, Kansas destroyed Nebraska, 92-39, with Brandon Rush (13 points), Darrell Arthur (13), Sherron Collins (12), Mario Chalmers (10) and Julian Wright (10) all contributing double figures.
"When I had a chance to meet with Coach Smith yesterday, I said, 'Did you ever have a bad practice the day before a game?' He said, 'Yes.' He said, 'A lot of people think if you practice bad, you play better. I don't believe in that.' So he had me pretty worried going into today."
— Bill Self
No. 3 — Rush hushes Hilton: Great late, Kansas silences Cyclones in OT
- Brandon Rush hit crucial shots late and played a key defensive role to help Kansas win, 68-64, in overtime at Iowa State. Rush finished with 12 points and nine rebounds after producing four of the Jayhawks' 10 points in the extra period.
"If you study the game, Iowa State was going to win the game until Brandon guarded No. 24 (Mike Taylor). You never say one guy wins or loses a game, but Brandon did an unbelievable job on No. 24 Then the shot (dunk) he made off Mario's pass and then the steal. That was Brandon Rush in overtime."
— Bill Self
2007 BIG 12 STANDINGS
Kansas, 14-2
Texas A&M, 13-3
Texas, 12-4
Kansas State, 10-6
Texas Tech, 9-7
Missouri, 7-9
Oklahoma State, 6-10
Iowa State, 6-10
Oklahoma, 6-10
Nebraska, 6-10
Baylor, 4-12
Colorado, 3-13
10 years of Big 12 supremacy
Tuesday: 2007 and 2008
Wednesday: 2009 and 2010
Thursday: 2011 and 2012
Friday: 2013 and 2014
10 years of Big 12 supremacy: 2006
From the time of Big 12 divisions, through realignment and the subtraction/addition of teams and a new 10-team format, one thing has remained constant in the conference for the past decade: Kansas University's men's basketball team has always finished in first place.
All week long, we'll be looking back at KU's 10 consecutive Big 12 championships by highlighting the top players and moments of each conference schedule, from 2005 to today.
Our five-day blog series will feature two seasons daily, Monday through Friday, so check back each day for more.
2006
Big 12 record: 13-3, tied for 1st with Texas
Top 5 scorers:
Brandon Rush (fr., G), 13.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists
Mario Chalmers (fr., G), 11.5 points, 3.8 assists, 2.7 steals
Russell Robinson (so., G), 9.3 points, 4.6 assists, 3.1 rebounds
Julian Wright (fr., F), 8.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.3 blocks
Sasha Kaun (so., C), 8.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.1 blocks
3 memorable moments
No. 1 — Champs!*: KU clinches share of title with victory over 'Cats
- On the final day of the regular season, the young Jayhawks won, 66-52, at Kansas State to secure a share of the Big 12 championship as Brandon Rush scored 24 points.
"It was the happiest locker room we've had this year," Self said, adding, "I love this team. This (title) is sweeter than any others we've had because we started out 1-2. We were not very good. I take more pride in a team that is not expected to do it than one that is expected to win."
— Bill Self
No. 2 — KU completes improbable comeback: Jayhawks rally from 16 down to win, 59-58
- Mid-way through the second half, Kansas trailed Oklahoma, 50-34, before storming back to earn the young Jayhawks one of their tougher wins of the season. Brandon Rush scored 12 of his 18 points in the final 20 minutes.
"People on ESPN have been talking; 'Kansas can't win in the close games,. Hopefully, they will get off our backs a little bit. I think we earned a lot of respect by beating one of the toughest teams in the league."
— Mario Chalmers
No. 3 — They're grrrrreat!: Jayhawks 'kick 'em in the teeth,' avenge setback
- After losing in overtime at rival Missouri earlier in the season, Kansas dominated the rematch, a 79-46 drubbing at Allen Fieldhouse, led by the balanced scoring attack of Mario Chalmers (14), Brandon Rush (13) and Russell Robinson (10).
"Some of their players were talking a little junk on us. One of my friends down there read in the paper what they said. I told my teammates we were going to murder them for saying stuff like that."
— Brandon Rush
2006 BIG 12 STANDINGS
Kansas, 13-3
Texas, 13-3
Oklahoma, 11-5
Texas A&M, 10-6
Colorado, 9-7
Nebraska, 7-9
Oklahoma State, 6-10
Texas Tech, 6-10
Kansas State, 6-10
Iowa State, 6-10
Missouri, 5-11
Baylor, 4-12
10 years of Big 12 supremacy: 2005
From the time of Big 12 divisions, through realignment and the subtraction/addition of teams and a new 10-team format, one thing has remained constant in the conference for the past decade: Kansas University's men's basketball team has always finished in first place.
All week long, we'll be looking back at KU's 10 consecutive Big 12 championships by highlighting the top players and moments of each conference schedule, from 2005 to 2014.
Our five-day blog series will feature two daily entries (one in the morning and one in the afternoon), Monday through Friday, so check back each day for more.
2005
Big 12 record: 12-4, tied for 1st with Oklahoma
Top 5 scorers:
Wayne Simien (sr., F), 20.3 points, 11.0 rebounds
Keith Langford (sr., G), 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists
J.R. Giddens (so., G), 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds
Aaron Miles (sr., G), 9.3 points, 7.2 assists, 3.5 rebounds
Christian Moody (jr., F), 5.8 points, 4.7 rebounds
3 memorable moments
No. 1 — The Upper Hand: Simien puts Kansas back atop Big 12
- Wayne Simien led Kansas past Oklahoma State, 81-79, with 32 points and 12 rebounds, giving the Jayhawks a one-game lead over the Cowboys in the Big 12 race with two games to play.
"Without question, people could make a case he was the best player in America today. He did so many things. He battled hard. He was fabulous."
— Bill Self
No. 2 — Icing on the Cake: Jayhawks celebrate anniversary, Senior Night with victory
- On his Senior Night, Wayne Simien scored 25 points and pulled down 20 rebounds to help KU beat Kansas State, 72-65, on the 50th anniversary of the first game played in Allen Fieldhouse.
"Twenty-five and 20 ... it's a great way to go out."
— Wayne Simien
No. 3 — Prime-time punishment: KU claims Texas-sized blowout
- With ESPN's College GameDay at Allen Fieldhouse, the Jayhawks pounded Texas, 90-65, behind 27 points from Wayne Simien and 17 from Keith Langford.
"Today couldn't have been scripted much better for Kansas. This did a lot for our program from an exposure standpoint. Playing well was icing on the cake."
— Bill Self
2005 BIG 12 STANDINGS
Kansas, 12-4
Oklahoma, 12-4
Oklahoma State, 11-5
Texas Tech, 10-6
Iowa State, 9-7
Texas, 9-7
Texas A&M, 8-8
Missouri, 7-9
Nebraska, 7-9
Kansas State, 6-10
Colorado, 4-12
Baylor, 1-15
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