KUsports.com graphic by Janella Williams

KUsports.com graphic by Janella Williams

From the time of Big 12 divisions, through realignment and the subtraction/addition of teams and a new 10-team format, one thing has remained constant in the conference for the past decade: Kansas University’s men’s basketball team has always finished in first place.

All week long, we’ll be looking back at KU’s 10 consecutive Big 12 championships by highlighting the top players and moments of each conference schedule, from 2005 to 2014.

Our five-day blog series will feature two daily entries (one in the morning and one in the afternoon), Monday through Friday, so check back each day for more.

2005

Big 12 record: 12-4, tied for 1st with Oklahoma

Top 5 scorers:

Wayne Simien (sr., F), 20.3 points, 11.0 rebounds

Kansas University's Wayne Simien (23) gets hacked while dunking the ball against Texas' Brad Buckman in the second half of the Jayhawks' 90-65 rout of the Longhorns. KU spanked UT on Saturday night at Allen Fieldhouse.

Keith Langford (sr., G), 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists

Kansas university's Keith Langford pumps his fist in the second half of the Jayhawks' 74-65 victory over Kansas State. Langford scored a game-high 24 points in KU's victory Wednesday in Manhattan.

J.R. Giddens (so., G), 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds

Kansas' J.R. Giddens flushes a dunk against John Turek in the second half. Giddens had just seven points against the Huskers, but was credited with limiting NU freshman phenom Joe McCray to seven points on 2-for-10 shooting.

Aaron Miles (sr., G), 9.3 points, 7.2 assists, 3.5 rebounds

Kansas University senior Aaron Miles applauds as he exits the court late in the Jayhawks' 72-65 victory over Kansas State. KU won Wednesday's Senior Night game at Allen Fieldhouse.

Christian Moody (jr., F), 5.8 points, 4.7 rebounds

Kansas University's Aaron Miles, left, Christian Moody, center, and Wayne Simien celebrate as the Jayhawks begin to pull away in the second half. After a sluggish first half, the Jayhawks rallied for a 73-61 victory against Missouri on Monday at Allen Fieldhouse.

3 memorable moments

No. 1 — The Upper Hand: Simien puts Kansas back atop Big 12

Flanked by Stephen Vinson, left, and C.J. Giles, Kansas University's Wayne Simien celebrates the Jayhawks' 81-79 victory over Oklahoma State. Simien scored a career-high 32 points in the Jayhawks' victory Sunday in Allen Fieldhouse.

• Wayne Simien led Kansas past Oklahoma State, 81-79, with 32 points and 12 rebounds, giving the Jayhawks a one-game lead over the Cowboys in the Big 12 race with two games to play.

“Without question, people could make a
case he was the best player in America
today. He did so many things. He
battled hard. He was fabulous.”

— Bill Self

No. 2 — Icing on the Cake: Jayhawks celebrate anniversary, Senior Night with victory

• On his Senior Night, Wayne Simien scored 25 points and pulled down 20 rebounds to help KU beat Kansas State, 72-65, on the 50th anniversary of the first game played in Allen Fieldhouse.

“Twenty-five and 20 … it’s a great
way to go out.”

— Wayne Simien

No. 3 — Prime-time punishment: KU claims Texas-sized blowout

• With ESPN’s College GameDay at Allen Fieldhouse, the Jayhawks pounded Texas, 90-65, behind 27 points from Wayne Simien and 17 from Keith Langford.

“Today couldn’t have been scripted
much better for Kansas. This did a lot
for our program from an exposure
standpoint. Playing well was icing on
the cake.”

— Bill Self

2005 BIG 12 STANDINGS

Kansas, 12-4

Oklahoma, 12-4

Oklahoma State, 11-5

Texas Tech, 10-6

Iowa State, 9-7

Texas, 9-7

Texas A&M, 8-8

Missouri, 7-9

Nebraska, 7-9

Kansas State, 6-10

Colorado, 4-12

Baylor, 1-15