Here's the thing about the upcoming college basketball season in the Big 12. Not only will it be tighter and tougher than ever -- the realignment defections of Colorado and Nebraska saw to that -- but it also looks set to be the most wide-open race the league will see in years.

There is no clear favorite. Baylor, arguably the most talented team in the conference, disappointed in nearly every way in 2011. The team with the most returners, Missouri, will be led by a new coach with a new style. Kansas lost the Morris twins, Josh Selby and a bevy of stalwart senior guards. Kansas State waved farewell to Jacob Pullen and Curtis Kelly. Texas A&M lost coach Mark Turgeon to Maryland. Texas watched as its three best players -- Tristan Thompson, Jordan Hamilton and Cory Joseph -- all decided to stay in the draft.

If you can honestly say you know who the 2012 Big 12 favorite is, I happen to think you're kidding yourself. Don't take it personally. We'll agree to disagree.

Which is why I think we can all look to the just-released Big 12 Big Monday schedule with a great deal of anticipation. Or, to say it another way: Wooo! Basketball games to look forward to! Yeah!

To the list!

2012 Big 12 Men’s Basketball Schedule On ESPN’s Big Monday

(All times CT)

January 16

Texas A&M at Missouri, 4:30 p.m.

Baylor at Kansas, 8:30 p.m.

January 23

Texas A&M at Kansas, 8 p.m.

January 30

Missouri at Texas, 8 p.m.

February 6

Texas at Texas A&M, 8 p.m.

February 13

Kansas at Kansas State, 8 p.m.

February 20

Baylor at Texas, 8 p.m.

February 27

Kansas at Oklahoma State, 8 p.m.

In recent years, it's been easy to look at the Big 12 schedule in the summer and pinpoint a few games that stood out from the rest. Texas at Kansas. Kansas at Kansas State. Almost like clockwork.

This year, it's not quite so easy, and that's not a bad thing. By the time we get to January, we might have a better idea of where these teams all stand. But for now, good luck saying that KU at K-State is going to be more important or more entertaining than Baylor at Texas or Mizzou at Texas or Baylor at Kansas. It's a crapshoot. And I mean that in the most complimentary way possible.

Anyway, mark your calendars. Or don't. (Remember, staring at the clock always makes the time move slower.) Whatever gets you through the brutal offseason in the least mentally damaging way possible. Before you know it, it will be Jan. 16. And by then, if we're still confused and enthralled by the Big 12 race -- and are no closer to solving just who the favorite should be -- I won't be the least bit surprised.