2025-2026 MBB computer projections thread

[Sigmapolis]

Starting early this year but this team...



Added Heise back. Removed the oddity of Dwayne Pierce remaining a Cyclone.

The results?



The updated roster would be #15 after Illinois and before Arizona.



That projection is in the range of fighting for a top-four seed in the Big 12 tournament.



There is a strong possibility Houston and BYU maul the conference like... well, two cougars.

 

[CloneFan65]

What about Pleta? I'm hoping he contributes as we lack some depth in the front court.

 

[Sigmapolis]

What about Pleta? I'm hoping he contributes as we lack some depth in the front court.

I didn't see a way to add him. Considering how much you need to move the needle once you're up in the teens or top ten to make a difference, I doubt he affects the outlook much. Torvik uses recruiting rankings and positional size to project freshmen, and Pleta isn't ranked on most services. Batemon is ranked highly on those services, though, and hence why he shows up playing 21.2 minutes per game in the model output.

Same deal if you remove Mason Williams with the injury rumors -- thankfully with the retentions, bringing in the two freshman guards, and Nelson there is enough guard depth to absorb one loss.

Bringing Heise back did move the needle significantly, though, but you should expect that change. He proved late last year he's an (at least) above-average 3&D guard/wing in the Big 12, which is a very valuable piece to have. I'm hoping he really takes the reins on establishing himself as the starting SG next year.