For the most part, this was a standard weekend in Big 12 basketball, even though Texas did their best to make it interesting (more on that later) and Kansas started the season 0-1. A lot of new faces shined in new places, like Jamie Dixon at TCU, and a lot of young talent made their debuts, like Josh Jackson in Kansas. Teams have not played enough games to formulate a true opinion on them, and players have not logged enough minutes to know how good they really are. That’s part of what makes this part of the season so exciting. This opening weekend will set the tone for the rest of the year, and is the chance for some teams, like Kansas State, to give fans reason for excitement, even if it’s only temporary. Without further ado, here is our recap of the first weekend of the season in the Big 12.
Player of the Week
Guard Frank Mason III, Kansas
With only 15 games played by Big 12 teams this opening weekend, and most teams playing glorified exhibitions, the options for player of the week were limited. Luckily, Frank Mason III made it very easy to choose. Mason dominated against Indiana, even though Kansas took the loss in overtime. He became the leader on the floor that the Jayhawks will need to make a deep run. He was not particularly efficient, shooting 8-20 from the floor and 1-5 from three, but that did not affect his overall performance and doesn’t properly show his impact on the game. Mason finished with 30 points and nine assists, and 15 free throw attempts, leading the Jayhawks in all of these categories. Mason also tied Landen Lucas for the team lead with seven rebounds. Incredibly, even with the ball in his hands for a large portion of the game (he played 40 of 45 minutes), Mason managed to only turn the ball over two times. More importantly, he proved that he can handle the full workload and the brunt of the leadership at Kansas. Mason did end up fouling out against the Hoosiers, but he was not alone as four Jayhawks and three Hoosiers fouled out of what was a very physical game. Without Mason on the floor, Kansas was a noticeably different team offensively, further showing how vital he will be to their success for the rest of the season. With that said, Mason was the most impressive player, with the most impressive performance, with the most difficult opponent of any Big 12 team. For that reason, he is our Big 12 player of the week.
Who’s Hot
Guard Jawun Evans, Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State may not win an overwhelming number of games this year, but they should be very fun to watch. Cowboy fans can thank the starting backcourt combo of Jawun Evans and Phil Forte for that. Evans was the star of the two this weekend lighting up the box score in both games, albeit against weak opponents. In Oklahoma State’s season opener Evans put up 34 points on only 18 shots and controlled the Campbell Camels, adding six boards and three assists. He had his way with their defense, getting to the free throw line 11 times, making 10 of them. Evans showed off defensively as well, grabbing five steals while only accumulating two fouls. He continued that performance against the Central Arkansas Bears, diversifying his stats, “only” putting up 23 points (on 11 shots) and tallying five boards and eight assists. He once again showed his talent defensively, netting three steals. Evans looks like a college star in the making with his defensive prowess and his ability to get to the line. Although it will be difficult to maintain his high efficiency that he has enjoyed, he will continue to be the engine that makes Oklahoma State go. Evans has the opportunity to put up some ridiculous stat lines as the season continues. He will have the opportunity to really explode in the Cowboys’ next matchup, as they take on the New Orleans Privateers. Putting up a 40-point performance against the Privateers would not be a surprise for Evans. Health permitting, he will likely make many appearances on the “who’s hot” list as the season continues as, not only one of the top performing guards, but one of the top performing players in the Big 12.
Who’s Not
Texas Longhorns
With not a lot going on in the conference, it was difficult for any team to be considered cold right now. Enter, the Texas Longhorns. Texas faced a challenge all the way to the end against the Incarnate Word Cardinals, barely sneaking out with a 78-73 win. The Longhorns, my pick to finish second in the conference, should have blown out the Cardinals, but managed to let them linger until guard Eric Davis Jr. finally put them away with two free throws with one second left. The Longhorns struggled to stop Incarnate Word on the offensive glass, giving up 12 offensive rebounds. Texas can blame part of their struggles on not having guard Kerwin Roach, who was suspended for a violation of team rules. Roach is the team’s starting point guard and came back against Louisiana Monroe and helped lead the longhorns to an 80-59 victory over the Warhawks. If the Longhorns had Roach for their matchup against Incarnate Word, it’s reasonable to expect that the Longhorns would have performed much better. There was one major bright spot against the Cardinals for Texas, freshman center Jarrett Allen. Allen was wildly impressive, showing off his length and athleticism getting two blocks in his debut to go with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Allen did a good job staying out of foul trouble, which will be a major key if he wants to have a successful season for Texas. Although the Longhorns are still 2-0 they were the only team that didn’t play at a quality level this weekend. Even Kansas, who lost and doesn’t have a win yet, was far more impressive than the Longhorns were in their weak showing against Incarnate Word. Texas will have to learn from their performance if they want to contend with Kansas for the Big 12 this season.
Top Five Must-Watch Non-Conference Games (Starting November 16th)
5. Oklahoma at Wisconsin (December 3rd)
This could be a very important game for Khadeem Lattin and the Sooners. Oklahoma should be 4-0 heading into their matchup with the Badgers, which will be their first true test of the season. The Kohl Center is not an easy environment when Wisconsin is having a down year, and when they’re a preseason top ten team like they are this year, it is a nightmare for road teams. This game will be even more intriguing if Lattin guards star Wisconsin forward Nigel Hayes.
4. West Virginia vs. Illinois (November 24th)
This game essentially boils down to Malcolm Hill vs. Press Virginia. The score may not end up being close, but Hill is must see TV any time he takes the floor (he already has one 40-point game this season) and so is Bob Huggins’ full court press. Hill is not the point guard for the Fighting Illini, but he will have the ball in his hands quite a bit. West Virginia will do their best to use traps to force the ball out of his hands whenever possible. This could end up being a great win for West Virginia if Hill is able to lead Illinois to a postseason berth.
3. Oklahoma State at Maryland (December 3rd)
Another game that may end up being a blowout, but this time it’s the guard play that makes it a must watch. Oklahoma features the previously mentioned Jawun Evans and Phil Forte in what may end the season as the highest scoring backcourt in the country. They will match up against Maryland’s Big Ten player of the year candidate Melo Trimble and highly touted Freshman Anthony Cowan. Evans and Trimble both have the ability to take over the game and that could lead to some must see one-on-one matchups for these two.
2. West Virginia at Virginia (December 3rd)
December 3rd is shaping up to be a big day for the Big 12, and this game is the centerpiece. If you love defense, this game is for you as two of the top defensive teams in the country will take the court. Virginia is lead by London Perrantes and the undisputed leader of the Cavaliers. He will lead the Cavaliers attempt to break the West Virginia press. This will be West Virginia’s toughest test, and may determine whether or not this year will be a rebuilding year going into conference play.
1. Kansas at Kentucky (January 28th)
Need I say more? It’s Kansas-Kentucky. These two college basketball heavyweights will square off and it would be quite the surprise if both aren’t considered top ten teams at that point in the year. Josh Jackson will have most likely settled in to the college game at this point and he will face one of his toughest tests, going head to head with Kentucky guard Malik Monk. This game has a chance to be the game of the year between two of college basketball’s blue blood programs.