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 today.

Our five-day blog series will feature two seasons daily, Monday through Friday, so check back each day for more.

2008

Big 12 record: 13-3, tied for 1st with Texas

Top 5 scorers:

Brandon Rush (jr., G), 13.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists

photo by: Nick Krug

Kansas guard Brandon Rush puts up a jumper over Colorado forward Marcus King-Stockton during the first half Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008 at Allen Fieldhouse.

Mario Chalmers (jr., G), 12.8 points, 4.3 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 2.5 steals

photo by: Nick Krug

Kansas guard Mario Chalmers, left, edges around Iowa State center Jiri Hubalek for a pass. Chalmers finished with 15 points and two assists.

Darrell Arthur (so., F), 12.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.3 blocks

photo by: Thad Allender

Kansas' Darrell Arthur hangs on the rim after an accidental alley-oop from teammate Mario Chalmers against Texas Tech on Monday at Allen Fieldhouse.

Darnell Jackson (sr., F), 11.2 points, 6.7 rebounds

photo by: Nick Krug

Kansas University forward Darnell Jackson roars after a dunk on the opening drive against Oklahoma. The slam set the tone for Jackson and the Jayhawks; he went on to lead KU with 17 points in an 85-55 blowout of the Sooners on Monday at Allen Fieldhouse. Jackson was officially traded to the Kings Wednesday.

Sherron Collins (so., G), 9.3 points, 3.1 assits

photo by: Nick Krug

Kansas University guard Sherron Collins trots back on defense with a wide smile after drilling a three-pointer in the Jayhawks' 88-74 victory over Kansas State. Collins hit three of seven treys - and KU 11 of 23 - in the victory Saturday in Allen Fieldhouse.

3 memorable moments

No. 1 — Four-for-four!: KU clinches share of league crown

photo by: Nick Krug

The Kansas University's men's basketball team receives the Big 12 Conference championship trophy from league commissioner Dan Beebe, left. KU's 72-55 victory over Texas A&M on Saturday in College Station, Texas, gave the Jayhawks at least a share of their fourth league crown in four seasons.

• The Jayhawks celebrated their 72-55 win at Texas A&M by being presented with the Big 12 championship trophy in the visitors locker room. Darrell Arthur and Mario Chalmers led Kansas with 16 points apiece, and Sherron Collins added 13.

“To win four in a row in such a
competitive league is a remarkable
accomplishment. This class continues
to amaze me. We’ll be judged by our
performance in the postseason like all
teams, but for those kids to win four
rings and a chance to win three
conference championships is a
remarkable accomplishment.”

— Bill Self

No. 2 — Sweet sendoff: KU seniors bid farewell with blowout

• On Senior Night for Russell Robinson, Darnell Jackson, Sasha Kaun, Rodrick Stewart and Jeremy Case, the Jayhawks rocked Texas Tech, 109-51, as KU shot 60% from the floor and hit 14 of 24 3-pointers.

“Coach told us last week he didn’t
think the Lakers could come in and
beat us on Senior Night. I agreed with
him right away.”

— Russell Robinson

No. 3 — 100 the hard way: Trey-less Jayhawks trip Bears

• Led by 23 points from Darrell Arthur and 22 from Russell Robinson, Kansas didn’t connect on any of its nine 3-pointers, but still out-ran visiting Baylor in a 100-90 victory at Allen Fieldhouse.

“We got what we wanted. They got what
they wanted, but we got the win. It
was an up-and-down game, fast-paced.”

— Darrell Arthur

2008 BIG 12 STANDINGS

Kansas, 13-3

Texas, 13-3

Kansas State, 10-6

Oklahoma, 9-7

Baylor, 9-7

Texas A&M, 8-8

Nebraska, 7-9

Texas Tech, 7-9

Oklahoma State, 7-9

Missouri, 6-10

Iowa State, 4-12

Colorado, 3-13

10 years of Big 12 supremacy

Monday: 2005 and 2006

Tuesday: 2007 and 2008

Wednesday: 2009 and 2010

Thursday: 2011 and 2012

Friday: 2013 and 2014