Coach turnover, draft declarations change Big 12

By Eric Olson

Associated Press

Published: Wednesday, May 11 2011 1:35 p.m. MDT

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In this Dec. 18, 2010, photo, Texas A&M coach Mark Turgeon and players celebrate during an NCAA college basketball game against Arkansas in Dallas. Turgeon was hired on Monday night, My 9, 2011, by Maryland to succeed Gary Williams, who retired last week after a 22-year run. The 46-year-old Turgeon leaves the Aggies after making four consecutive appearances in the NCAA tournament and going 97-40 in his four-year stay at College Station.

Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

Summary

12 takes on a new look in men's basketball next season, and not just because Nebraska and Colorado are leaving.

The Big 12 takes on a new look in men's basketball next season, and not just because Nebraska and Colorado are leaving.

Four teams will have new head coaches. Underclassman declarations for the NBA draft will cost Texas and Kansas three players apiece.

The coaching shake-up is the most significant in the conference since 2006, when six schools had first-year coaches. Only the Atlantic Coast Conference has had as many coaching changes this year.

Texas loses Jordan Hamilton, Tristan Thompson and Cory Joseph to NBA draft declarations. Kansas loses Marcus and Markieff Morris along with young standout Josh Selby.

Jayhawks coach Bill Self said Baylor and Texas A&M, which is looking for a new coach, should be the preseason favorites.

AP Sports Writer Doug Tucker in Kansas City, Mo., contributed to this report.

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