Oct. 12, 2005

Dallas, Texas - Dallas, Texas - College basketball officially kicks the 2005-06 campaign into high gear on Friday (Oct. 14) with the first practice of the season, but Big 12 Conference coaches put away their practice plans to take a shot at predicting how the league's race will shape up by season's end.

The verdict placed the conference bulls-eye squarely on the shoulders of the University of Texas. The Longhorns received 10-of-12 first-place votes and were the overwhelming favorite to win the Big 12 title. Oklahoma received the final two first-place votes and were chosen second overall.

The Missouri Tigers, led by returning starters Jason Horton, Jimmy McKinney and Kevin Young, along with super-sub Thomas Gardner, were picked eighth overall. The Tigers welcome back seven letterwinners from last season's postseason squad, including Gardner who is the top returning scorer at 10.4 ppg.

Following a week of practice, Head Coach Quin Snyder and the Tigers will host the annual Black & Gold Game on Friday, Oct. 21, at Mizzou Arena. Admission to the Black & Gold Game is free.

Big 12 Conference Coaches Poll Pl. Team (First place votes) Points 1. Texas (10) 120

2. Oklahoma (2) 112

3. Kansas 89

4. Oklahoma State 84

5. Texas Tech 80

6. Iowa State 70

7. Texas A&M 68

8. Missouri 48

9. Colorado 43

10. Nebraska 40

11. Kansas State 25

12. Baylor 13

###MIZZOU###