The top of the Big 12 experienced a shakeup because of expansion and inconsistencies from perennial powers.
The Kansas Jayhawks and Texas Longhorns, who won the last three Big 12 tournaments, may not make it out of the quarterfinals in Kansas City.
The Houston Cougars were the class of the conference in their first season as a Big 12 member.
Kelvin Sampson's team is built to win in March and it could leave the Sprint Center with its third conference tournament title in four years between the Big 12 and AAC.
The Iowa State Cyclones should have a say in that outcome.