Despite changes, KU tops Big 12 for 14th year in row

Kansas coach Bill Self has signed some of the nation’s top-rated players during his tenure in Lawrence, allowing him to restock the roster instead of rebuilding. Signing one-and-done players comes with a price: Constant roster turnover.

It hasn’t mattered to Self and the Jayhawks. No matter who they have on the floor, they find a way to win the Big 12 title. The count is 14 straight after Saturday’s win over No. 6 Texas Tech clinched at least a share of the title, leaving No. 8 Kansas alone for the longest streak in NCAA history. The Jayhawks had been tied with UCLA, which won 13 straight Pac-10 titles from 1967-79.

“I feel like this year was the year that everybody thought we were going to lose it,” said Kansas guard Devonte Graham, who scored 26 points against the Red Raiders. “We’ve just been battling, staying positive with each other, going through the grind. And now we made history.”

Kansas was picked to win the Big 12 title in the preseason, but doubts arose after the Jayhawks lost nonconference games against Washington and Arizona State. Kansas (23-6, 12-4) still appeared vulnerable after losing to the Big 12’s two Oklahoma schools in a span of four games. But the Jayhawks, like they always seem to, found a way to play their best when they needed to, winning four straight games to earn another title. Kansas can take it outright with a win against Texas today.