The Big 12 is reportedly close to signing 10-year, $60 million television rights deal with Fox, a $40 million in increase from what it now receives from its cable contract.

The conference’s broadcast rights contract with ABC/ESPN expire after the 2015-16 season.

Two sources indicated that the $60 million might be a low-end projection. A deal could be announced by early April.

Eric McKnight has decided to leave Iowa State after a freshman season where he played in just 14 of 31 games.

“I want to thank all of the fans, the coaching staff and my teammates at Iowa State,” McKnight said in a statement released Monday by the school.

“I enjoyed my time as a part of the Cyclone basketball family. However, I feel that it is in my best interest to transfer to another program where I can have an opportunity to contribute more to the team.”

McKnight's departure leaves Iowa State with one scholarship less than the NCAA-allotted 13.

Kansas defeated Texas by an 85-73 final in the title game of the 2011 Big 12 Tournament.

Marcus Morris was named Tournament MVP and joined on the All-Tournament team by brother and teammate Markieff Morris, Jordan Hamilton and Tristan Thompson (Texas) and Alec Burks (Colorado).

• Click here to view RealGM’s comprehensive list of 2011 Conference Tournaments.

Marcus Morris of Kansas won the Big 12 Player of the Year Award, while Tristan Thompson of Texas was named Freshman of the Year and Ricardo Ratliffe was Newcomer of the Year.

Joining Morris on the First Team are Alec Burks (Colorado), Marcus Denmon (Missouri), LaceDarius Dunn (Baylor), Jordan Hamilton (Texas) and Jacob Pullen (Kansas State).

On the Second team are Thompson, Markieff Morris (Kansas), Kris Middleton (Texas A&M), Perry Jones (Baylor) and Diante Garrett (Iowa State).

On the Third Team are Gary Johnson (Texas), Cory Higgins (Colorado), Lance Jeter (Nebraska), David Loubeau (Texas A&M), Rodney McGruder (Kansas State) and Marshall Moses (Oklahoma State).

Dogus Balbay of Texas was named Defensive Player of the Year.

• Click here for more award information from the Big 12.

Eight years ago, the NCAA started monitoring the number of players transferring to other Division I basketball programs. That number grew from 385 players in 2003-04 to 442 in 2008-09.

“We’re an instant gratification society,” said Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, also the current president of the National Association of Basketball Coaches. “Kids want to star and start immediately.”

According to rosters of the 346 NCAA Division I or transitional Division I programs this season, 207 had at least one player who started his career at a different Division I program.

“We’re living in a time where if things don’t go well in a job or a marriage, the easy thing to do is look elsewhere instead of trying to remedy the problem where you’re at,” said Greg McDermott, in his first season at Creighton after a four-year stay at Iowa State was dogged by a steady stream of transfers. “Unfortunately, that’s the world we live in today.”

Of the 65 teams that made the 2010 NCAA Tournament, 35 featured at least one Division I transfer.

Korie Lucious will transfer and play for Fred Hoiberg and the Cyclones.

“It’s the best playing opportunity for me to get where I eventually want to go,” the former Michigan State starter said by phone.
“Coach (Fred) Hoiberg has connections, a lot of connections, to the NBA.”

The 5-foot-11 Lucious averaged 6.5 points played in the past two Final Fours, playing a key role last season after point guard Kalin Lucas was hurt in the second round.before parting ways with Tom Izzo and the Spartans.