In a matter of weeks, the NCAA college basketball season will be getting underway, and sports betting handicappers are searching for the breakout stars of this season. College basketball betting fans are ecstatic about the potential of the Big 12 conference as it houses some of the brightest stars in the nation. Here are five Big 12 players who will make an impact this season.

Tyshawn Taylor Kansas Jayhawks – Whether you love them or hate them, Kansas has knack for producing top tier talent. In 2010 enter Tyshawn Taylor, a player we expect to emerge as one of the elite stars of the Big 12, now that Cole Aldrich, Sherron Collins and Xavier Henry have all moved on to the next level.

Taylor’s minutes and role on the team are each expected to go up this season. Along with the rest of the heavily stacked Jayhawks squad, Taylor should be a force in the Big 12.

Marcus Denmon Missouri Tigers – Denmon is part of strong core in Missouri that also includes Kim English, Laurence Bowers and Michael Dixon. Last season, Denmon averaged an abysmal 10 points a game, yet he hit three’s at a ridiculous 40 percent clip. As Missouri appears to be climbing the ladder in the Big 12, Denmon stock should rise considerably.

LaceDarius Dunn Baylor Bears – Unlike their football counterparts, the Baylor Bears basketball program is not a joke. LaceDarius Dunn was a name that at the start of last season, nobody would have remembered, but by season’s end was a name everyone was saying. Dunn helped Baylor go on that magical run that saw them make it to the finals only to lose to Duke. Entering his final season with Baylor, Dunn will look to guide the Bears to their first ever National title.

Jacob Pullen Kansas St. Wildcats – Pullen along with Denis Clemente were the foundation and heart of a strong Wildcats team last year. This season with Clemente gone, it will be up to Pullen to step up and put the team on his back, while guiding them to the March Madness tournament.

Tristan Thompson Texas Longhorns – Thompson enters the 2010-2011 seasons as a freshman for a strong Texas squad. With both James and Pittman graduating in the offseason, Thompson will be the only rookie in the starting five. He will play the ever important power forward position.