Oct. 14, 2009
DALLAS - Texas A&M has been picked to finish fifth in the Big 12 Conference's preseason poll of the league's men's basketball coaches.
The top six teams in the Big 12 have advanced to the NCAA Tournament seven times since 2000.
The coaches tabbed Kansas to win the league title, followed by Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas State, A&M, Oklahoma State, Missouri, Iowa State, Texas Tech, Baylor, Nebraska and Colorado.
The Aggies return three starters and 12 lettermen from last year's team, which finished 24-10 overall and tied for fourth in the Big 12 at 9-7.
A&M opens the season against Angelo State Nov. 13 at Reed Arena. The Aggies play A&M-Commerce in a home exhibition game Nov. 5.
Team (First place votes) Points 1. Kansas (11)* 121 2. Texas (1) 111 3. Oklahoma 95 4. Kansas State 92 5. Texas A&M 74 6. Oklahoma State 69 7. Missouri 66 8. Iowa State 57 9. Texas Tech 34 10. Baylor 33 11. Nebraska 27 12. Colorado 13