By ESPN.com | ESPN.com
Every weekday, some of our college hoops experts discuss the biggest issues, trends and themes in and around college basketball.
1. Which player has been the most valuable for Virginia during Justin Anderson's absence?
Andy Katz: There are plenty to choose from, but I would go with Malcolm Brogdon because of his ability to lock down any guard. The Cavs can't afford to be without Brogdon, Anthony Gill or London Perrantes. But I will lean toward Brogdon.
Myron Medcalf: Gill has averaged 14.2 PPG and 6.6 RPG in Virginia's past five contests. He's been a significant presence for the Cavs all season. But when they lost Anderson, Gill increased his offensive production. That's what coach Tony Bennett needed.
Dana O'Neil: The beauty of Virginia is no one player has to be replaced or replace another. The Cavaliers work because of their team concept, but pressed to choose one, I'll go with Brogdon. He's sort of the glue guy anyway, but Brogdon has been especially productive sans Anderson, averaging 13.8 points since that Louisville game when Anderson got hurt.
2. Oklahoma is a game behind Kansas in the Big 12 and has a date with Kansas to close the regular season. Any shot the Sooners are the ones standing at the end, with either the outright title or a piece of the crown?
Katz: I still have faith in Kansas winning the league, even if it means beating Oklahoma in Norman. Kansas showed great resolve in beating Texas.
Medcalf: Definitely a shot to split the championship, but I think Kansas will be the outright champion and secure its 11th consecutive crown. The Jayhawks could split their final contests against West Virginia and Oklahoma (in Norman). But I also don't see Oklahoma beating Iowa State in Ames and outplaying Kansas in Norman. Should be fun to watch, but I see No. 11 in Bill Self's future.
O'Neil: I'd say it's a long shot for the outright title, only because the Sooners have to not just take care of Iowa State, they have to hope that West Virginia beats Kansas at Kansas -- and after the way that game ended in Morgantown, you've got to think the Jayhawks will be primed. It helps that the rubber match between OU and KU is in Norman, but the Sooners have to get to where that one matters first. It's a pretty tall order for Oklahoma but then again, unlikely has been the theme of the Big 12 this year.
3. Who else in the Big 12 has the most to gain (and lose) over the final week of the regular season?
Katz: Texas. The Longhorns are still the team that can play its way in or out of the NCAA tournament this week.
Medcalf: I'm not in the "Kansas State-has-a-solid-argument-for-a-berth" club. Yet. But let's say the 15-15 Wildcats beat Texas in Austin this weekend, and pick up a few good wins in the Big 12 tourney. Now that's a conversation. But Kansas State can't lose to a bubble team like Texas or the possibility of a berth without a Big 12 tourney championship might die.
O'Neil: Iowa State. It's not that the Cyclones have to worry about making the tourney but they are coming off back-to-back losses for the first time this season. Their offense was off its game in both, which needs to be rectified, but more it's about going into the postseason feeling confident, rather than defeated, for Iowa State.
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