Both Baylor and Texas tip off their 2011-12 basketball seasons this weekend with the Bears hosting Texas Southern Friday night at 10pm ET and the Longhorns taking on Boston University at 7pm Sunday.
Baylor enters the season ranked No. 12 in the coaches poll and with the return of Perry Jones, figure to be in contention for the Big 12 title the entire season. Texas coach Rick Barnes is looking to overcome early NBA departures from Cory Joseph and Tristan Thompson. The Longhorns will be breaking in a lot of new talent this season but are predicted by many to finish in the top half of the Big 12.
Here is a look at other notable games from the Big 12:
Towson vs. No. 13 Kansas (8pm ET, ESPN 3) While predicted by the other Big 12 coaches to win the conference, the Jayhawks don't appear to have the firm grip on the top spot that they have enjoyed in the past. Depth will be a concern after two key members of their recruiting class turned up ineligible for the season.
SE Missouri vs. No. 25 Missouri (8pm ET ESPN 3) Frank Haith's first season in Missouri hit a bump in the road when big man Laurence Bowers suffered a torn ACL in a pick up game during the offseason. His absence will force Marcus Denmon and company to play a smaller lineup but they are very comfortable at playing at a frantic pace.