Owls made the East Region final last season before losing to Duke. They could go further this season. And the NCAA title is not out of the question. One of the best shooting teams in Big 12 because it runs structured offense and gets high-percentage shots. Defense is usually consistent all over the court.
Teams sag inside on defense.
And late in the game teams try to foul Gottlieb if he's on the court. Oklahoma State has the look of a Sweet 16 team because it is fundamentally sound. He teams with PG Frank Williams to form one of the league's best backcourts, which ranks first in the Big Ten in steals. Now that F Marcus Griffin is healthy, the Illini have a true enforcer around the basket. Barely holds its own on the boards.