Player of the Week:
AJ Dybantsa, BYU
Dybantsa continues to strengthen his case near the top of the 2026 draft, closing the gap on Darryn Peterson while leading the nation at 24.9 points per game. Over BYU’s recent three games, he averaged 28 points, nine rebounds, and 7.5 assists while shooting 50 percent, highlighting his expanding all-around impact. In a 79-69 win over No. 6 Iowa State, he produced 29 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists on 58.8 percent shooting, including 50 percent from three in 40 minutes. He followed with 35 points and seven rebounds in a road game at No. 4 Arizona, then added 20 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists in a 90-86 overtime win over Colorado, along with three steals and a block in 43 minutes. His most explosive outing came in a five-point road win at Baylor, where he recorded 36 points, seven assists, and five rebounds while playing all 40 minutes, earning Conference Freshman of the Week honors and further cementing his role as the engine of BYU’s offense.
Who’s Hot?
JT Toppin, Texas Tech
Toppin solidified his status as one of the Big 12’s premier players before his season was cut short, delivering dominant production over his final three games. He opened the stretch with 16 points, 18 rebounds, and three blocks in a win over Colorado, then followed with a signature performance in a 78-75 overtime road victory at No. 1 Arizona, posting 31 points and 13 rebounds while playing 44 minutes. Toppin added 20 points, eight rebounds, four blocks, and two steals in 32 minutes against Arizona State before suffering a season-ending ACL injury in that game. The injury is a major blow to Texas Tech’s postseason outlook and significantly alters his draft timeline, making it very likely he will need to wait until the 2027 cycle to fully reestablish his case as a first-round NBA prospect.
Robert Wright III, BYU
Robert Wright III has been a critical piece of BYU’s success alongside freshman AJ Dybantsa, averaging 18.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists on nearly 49 percent shooting this season. His recent surge began with a 30-point performance in a road win at Baylor, where he played all 40 minutes and scored efficiently while controlling the offense. He followed that with his best outing of the stretch, exploding for 39 points and five rebounds on just 16 shots in a 90-86 overtime victory over Colorado, again playing the full game. Wright then added 13 points at No. 4 Arizona and chipped in six points and four assists in a 79-69 win over No. 6 Iowa State, continuing to shoulder heavy minutes while providing steady shot creation and veteran leadership during BYU’s strong run.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
The Red Raiders have had an impressive season, securing several key victories. They have won five of their last seven games, including two consecutive wins last week. The week began with a dominating 34-point home victory against Colorado. The highlight of the week was a close three-point win against the top-ranked Arizona Wildcats in Arizona. Looking ahead, the Red Raiders have a few easier games coming up before facing road challenges against sixth-ranked Iowa State and 23rd-ranked BYU in the final week of the year.
Who’s Not?
LeJuan Watts, Texas Tech
Watts entered the season as a leading Big 12 Newcomer of the Year candidate but has been inconsistent in recent weeks. On the season, he is averaging 11.9 points and 6.1 rebounds, though his production dipped during a three-game stretch against Colorado (5 points), No. 1 Arizona (9 points), and Arizona State (5 points) while shooting below 35 percent. Watts showed encouraging signs of a rebound in a 100-72 win over Kansas State, posting 19 points and six rebounds on efficient shooting. Texas Tech will need that level of production moving forward as Watts takes on a larger role in the frontcourt.
Arizona Wildcats
After a brief stumble that knocked them from the top spot, Arizona has quickly steadied itself and regained momentum. The Wildcats saw their perfect start end with a four-point road loss at No. 9 Kansas (82-78) followed by a three-point overtime defeat at home to No. 16 Texas Tech (78-75), raising concerns about their depth and consistency. However, Arizona responded with back-to-back ranked wins, defeating No. 23 BYU (75-68) behind 22 points from Anthony Dell’Orso and strong activity from Ivan Kharchenkov, then following with a statement 73-66 road victory at No. 2 Houston. The bounce-back stretch has the Wildcats back on track entering a demanding finish that includes four ranked opponents in their final six games.
Top Five BIG 12 Bigs:
1. Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State
Joshua Jefferson has been a steady interior leader and a key factor in Iowa State’s top-10 success. He is averaging 16.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists while shooting nearly 49 percent from the field. Jefferson played an important role in the Cyclones’ recent win over Kansas, finishing with 11 points and five rebounds in 26 minutes. At 6’9”, his all-around production stands out, ranking among the Big 12’s top 15 in scoring and steals while sitting inside the top 10 in rebounds and assists.
2. Chris Cenac Jr., Houston
Chris Cenac Jr. may not post the gaudy numbers of others on this list, but his tools and two-way impact make him one of the conference’s most intriguing prospects. He is averaging 9.5 points and 7.6 rebounds while shooting just over 50 percent from the field. The 6’11” big brings strong defensive instincts, touch around the rim, and growing perimeter range, connecting on nearly 36 percent from three. Viewed as a potential first-round pick, his long-term professional upside may exceed his current college role.
3. Koa Peat, Arizona
Koa Peat has been an important piece in Arizona’s success, averaging nearly 14 points while shooting better than 54 percent from the floor. Despite standing 6’8”, his motor, strength, and defensive instincts allow him to play bigger inside. A strong athlete, Peat impacts both ends and has shown improving playmaking ability, averaging 2.6 assists. As his perimeter shooting continues to develop, his potential as a true three-level forward will only grow.
4. Joseph Tugler, Houston
Joseph Tugler’s value goes beyond scoring, as he provides key defensive versatility and energy for Houston. He is averaging just under eight points and 5.4 rebounds while shooting 59.2 percent from the field. A relentless competitor, Tugler has the speed and length to defend multiple positions, switching onto guards while still battling inside. His activity shows up in the box score as well, ranking among the conference leaders in both blocks and steals.
5. Tobe Awaka, Arizona
Tobe Awaka often flies under the radar playing alongside high-profile teammates, but his production has been vital to Arizona’s frontcourt. He is averaging 10 points and 9.7 rebounds while shooting over 60 percent from the field. At 6’8”, Awaka plays with physicality and toughness, guarding multiple positions and competing effectively against bigger players. One of the top rebounders in the Big 12, he leads Arizona on the glass and ranks among the conference leaders overall.