Big 12 Superlatives: Mike Boynton Has the Toughest Job in the Conference

*Whispers: The Oklahoma State basketball season is one week away.*

It’s hard to believe that. But in the shadow of what could be a special season for the Cowboy football program, the hoops season will soon be underway. And despite the cloud hovering over the program that is the FBI probe — one that already lead to the ouster of Lamont Evans — the show must go on.

As we preview the season for OSU in the coming days, let’s take a broader look at the Big 12 with some superlatives across the Big 12.

Coach with the easiest job: Bill Self

Is this one even up for debate? Self was inducted into the Hall of Fame earlier this year and boasts an incredible Big 12 championship streak of 13 (and counting). He’s got a top-10 player in the country in point guard Devonte’ Graham, who should slide in seamlessly to Frank Mason’s role from last season. And he’s got a number of blue-chip recruits in line to make an impact this season.

Kansas is essentially on autopilot with Self in the back drinking cocktails. Five-stars recruit themselves when you win the way he’s won. And it doesn’t look like he’s lost a step over the years. KU’s the favorite again to win the league, and I don’t think it will be all that close.

Coach with the hardest job: Mike Boynton

OSU’s head man began his career at the helm after being tabbed to lead the program following the departure of Brad Underwood. It wasn’t a popular pick among the fan base, which is one battle he’s had to fight. But he’s also got the unenviable task of replacing point guard Jawun Evans.

Jeff Carroll projects as an All-Big 12 first-team player, but Boynton’s got a makeshift roster with grad transfer Kendall Smith expected to take over at point, and heralded recruit Zach Dawson factoring in as a combo guard, too. Two unproven players thrust into the toughest league in America.

His most difficult task of all might be the ongoing FBI probe that continues to cast a cloud over the program. Couple the investigation with the loss of Evans, and 2017 is looking like an uphill battle — which means getting buy-in from fans is going to be a challenge.

Best player: Devonte’ Graham

Frank Mason was so good last season, it’s easy to forget that his fellow running mate, Devonte’ Graham, was quietly spectacular. Graham could’ve gone to play professional, but opted to come back for his senior season in hopes of having a Frank Mason-like final year in Lawrence.

Graham is a stellar player who won’t wow with his athletic skills or handle, but he’s a solid all-around scorer who can get buckets and conduct the KU offense at a high level. At Kansas, with the talent surrounding him, that should be more than enough for him to be the favorite for league player of the year.

Most fun player: Mo Bamba

It’s time to talk about Mo Bamba, a 6-foot-11 Texas freshman with a freakish 7-foot-3 wingspan. Bamba is an athletic marvel and undeniable upgrade at center from Jarrett Allen, who went one-and-done last season. And he gives Texas an inside presence it hasn’t had in many years.

Bamba isn’t a polished commodity on offense, but likely won’t be needed to score 20 a night anyway given what Texas returns. But with what Bamba does well — rebound, block shots, disrupt on defense — he should thrive. It’s entirely possible he leads the league in rebounding and blocked shots as a true freshman.

Best freshman: Trae Young

Does it pain you to read that Trae Young, a former five-star who picked OU over OSU, is going to be the best frosh in the league? I figured it might. But I think it’s going to be true.

Young steps in as not only an immediate contributor for the Sooners, but as the potential leading scorer for Lon Kruger’s squad right away. He’s a heck of a shooter who has Steph Curry range, and he’s an above average playmaker, too.

I have questions about his fit as a true ball distributor at the point guard position, but when he averages 16 points per night, those questions will be quelled. He’s the X-factor to OU’s hopes of returning to the NCAAs after a rebuilding year last season.