Wildcats Embrace Big 12 Favorite Status, Poised for Championship Run

The Kansas State women's basketball team has been selected as the preseason favorite to win the Big 12 Conference, a first-time honor for the Wildcats. Led by the dynamic duo of super-senior center Ayoka Lee and senior point guard Serena Sundell, K-State is ready to embrace the target on their back and make a push for the conference title.

Wildcats Primed for Big 12 Dominance

Embracing the Favorite's Tag

The Wildcats may not have sought out the favorite's role, but they are more than willing to accept the challenge. As Ayoka Lee noted, the team was going to have a target on their back regardless, thanks to the success they enjoyed last season. With the Big 12 coaches' vote of confidence, the Wildcats now have an opportunity to prove they are worthy of the top spot.Lee acknowledged that the preseason prediction doesn't change their approach, as the team expects to get every opponent's best effort. However, the recognition is still an honor, and the Wildcats are eager to build on their momentum from the previous campaign.

Returning Firepower

The Wildcats' roster is loaded with experience and talent, boasting 10 letter winners from last year's squad, including four starters. Alongside Lee and Sundell, senior guards Jaelyn Glenn and Brylee Glenn provide additional veteran leadership and scoring punch.Lee, the preseason Big 12 Player of the Year, is coming off a dominant junior season in which she averaged 19.7 points on 61.9% shooting and 8.6 rebounds per game. Her presence in the paint is a game-changer, and she will be a focal point for opposing defenses.Sundell, a first-team all-conference selection last season, emerged as a dynamic floor general, averaging 13.8 points and a league-best 5.6 assists. Her ability to orchestrate the offense and create opportunities for her teammates will be crucial to the Wildcats' success.

Embracing High Expectations

The Wildcats' preseason ranking as the Big 12 favorites is a testament to the program's growth and the respect they have earned around the conference. While Sundell acknowledged some initial surprise at the prediction, she and her teammates are embracing the lofty expectations."That's been our goal. We haven't shied away from that at all. We want to win a Big 12 championship," Sundell said. The team's confidence and determination to achieve their championship aspirations are palpable.Head coach Jeff Mittie has instilled a winning mentality in his squad, and the Wildcats are poised to make a statement this season. With their experienced core and the added motivation of being the preseason favorites, K-State is ready to take the Big 12 by storm and secure the program's first-ever conference title.