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Texas, Baylor each have freshman big man in CBS Top 50

Both the Longhorns and the Bears have a 6'10 or bigger McDonald's All-American joining their team this season. Expectations are high surrounding both Isaiah Austin and Cameron Ridley.

Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

While Scott Drew and Rick Barnes may not wow many with their X's-and-O's skills, they're both adept at a far more important aspect of their job – reeling in big-time recruits.

2012 is no different, as both secured a commitment from a McDonald's All-American big man.

Over at CBS Sports, they made a ranking of the Top 50 big men in the country, and even though neither Cameron Ridley (Texas) or Isaiah Austin (Baylor) have played in a college game yet, they both made the cut:

21. Isaiah Austin, Baylor
He's tough to figure. So long and athletic and talented, but how much will he actually produce in Waco? The NBA folks salivate over his skill-set and potential, but Scott Drew will have to find a way to get him to get things done rather than just look good in the layup lines. – J.G.

43. Cameron Ridley, Texas
Don't be shocked if the Longhorns big man averages a double-double this season. There's a need for a legit center in Austin – and Ridley knows what he is: a big, strong, low-post presence who doesn't stray away from the paint. – J.G.

Austin, a Dallas native, and Ridley, hailing from Houston, have long been rivals on the AAU scene, a rivalry they're able to rekindle in the Big 12 this season.

And while Kansas, once again, looks like the class of the conference, the battle for No. 2 may come down to which highly-touted freshman big man is most ready to play from Day 1.

Photographs by jamesbrandon, jdtornow, phlezk, flygraphix, mcdlttx, tomasland, and literalbarrage used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.