Big 12 Championships: The Ultimate Guide to Every Tournament Moment

The Big 12 Championships have become one of the most highly anticipated events in college basketball, attracting fans from across the nation with its rich history, exciting matchups, and thrilling tournaments. As the premier conference in the NCAA, the Big 12 has consistently produced some of the most talented teams and players, making it a must-watch for sports enthusiasts and aspiring athletes alike.

The Big 12 Championships have a long and storied history, dating back to 1996 when the conference first introduced its postseason tournament. Since then, the event has grown in popularity and excitement, with each year bringing new challenges, surprises, and unforgettable moments. In this ultimate guide, we'll take a closer look at every aspect of the Big 12 Championships, from the teams and players that have made history to the most memorable tournament moments of all time.

Conference History and Format

The Big 12 Conference was formed in 1996, when 11 schools from the Big Eight Conference and four schools from the Southwest Conference merged to create the new conference. The Big 12 Championships have been held annually since the conference's inception, with the tournament featuring 10 teams that compete in a single-elimination format. The teams are seeded based on their regular-season performance, with the top two seeds receiving a first-round bye. The tournament is typically held over a period of five days, with the championship game taking place on the final Sunday.

The Big 12 Championships have undergone several format changes over the years, including the introduction of a "true-upset rule" in 2006. Under this rule, the top three seeds are given a bye in the first round, while the other seven teams compete in the traditional single-elimination format. The rule was implemented to promote more competitive matchups and create more exciting games.

Notable Rule Changes

• 2012-2013 Season: The Big 12 introduced a new tiebreaker system, which gave teams that finish the regular season with the same record a higher ranking based on their performance in conference play.
• 2014-2015 Season: The conference changed its seeding format, moving from a traditional top-four seeding system to a top-two seeding system with first-round byes for the top two seeds.
• 2017-2018 Season: The Big 12 introduced a new "group stage" format, which featured six teams competing in two groups of three teams each. The group winners and runners-up advanced to the quarterfinals, while the remaining teams were eliminated.

Teams and Players

Over the years, the Big 12 Championships have been dominated by some of the most talented teams and players in college basketball. From University of Kansas Jayhawks legends like Paul Pierce and Joel Embiid to Oklahoma State Cowboys stars like Deron Williams and Curtis Jerkins, the conference has produced a wealth of talented athletes who have gone on to excel in the NBA and beyond.

All-Time Greats

• Pete Maravich (LSU): A two-time All-American and one of the greatest shooters in college basketball history, Maravich led the Tigers to a 47-17 record and an SEC Tournament championship in 1971.
• Shawn Kemp (UTEP): A dominant big man who played for the Aggies from 1989-1992, Kemp was a three-time All-American and was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics with the 17th overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft.
• Joel Embiid (Kansas): A dominant center who played for the Jayhawks from 2013-2014, Embiid was a consensus All-American and was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers with the third overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft.

Tournament Moments

The Big 12 Championships have been marked by countless memorable moments over the years, from upsets and buzzer-beaters to dominating performances and thrilling finishes. Here are some of the most iconic tournament moments in Big 12 history:

Top 5 Upsets

• 2012: Oklahoma State defeated Texas 72-68 in the championship game, capping off a historic season that saw the Cowboys go 15-1 in the Big 12.
• 2013: Baylor defeated Oklahoma State 60-58 in the semifinals, with Pierre Jackson hitting a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer.
• 2014: West Virginia defeated Oklahoma State 61-60 in the semifinals, with Eron Harris hitting a game-winning jump shot with 0.9 seconds remaining.
• 2015: Kansas defeated Oklahoma State 59-43 in the semifinals, with Joel Embiid dominating the game with 20 points and 11 rebounds.
• 2016: Iowa State defeated Oklahoma State 54-52 in the semifinals, with Georges Niang hitting a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer.

Notable Games and Matchups

The Big 12 Championships have featured some of the most exciting matchups in college basketball history, with teams facing off in thrilling battles that have gone down to the wire. Here are some of the most notable games and matchups in Big 12 history:

Championship Games

• 1999: Kansas defeated Missouri 61-58 in the championship game, with Roshawn McAdams hitting a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer.
• 2001: Oklahoma State defeated Kansas 61-51 in the championship game, with Deron Williams hitting a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer.
• 2004: Kansas defeated Missouri 71-67 in the championship game, with Aaron Miles hitting a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer.
• 2010: Kansas defeated Oklahoma State 72-68 in the championship game, with Cole Aldrich hitting a game-winning layup with 1.2 seconds remaining