Big 12 Blog

Player of the Week

Jeff Withey, Kansas

Lost amid all the praise being thrown at Kansas power forward Thomas Robinson, is the 7’0 center. In an important 88-80 win over a tough and talented Long Beach State team, the senior recorded a monster stat-line, registering 13 points, 13 rebounds, and an incredible nine blocked shots. He has been playing a bit inconsistent this season, but when he plays well, the Jayhawks are a dangerous team capable of beating just about anyone. On the season, he is now averaging 8.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game. The former McDonald’s All-American is putting together a very solid season season so far, and has the opportunity to be a game-changer for Kansas as the season goes on.

Who’s Hot

Jordan Tolbert, Texas Tech

In what is shaping up to be a tough season for the Texas Tech Red Raiders, they have found a bright spot in the freshman forward. In a 75-69 loss to TCU this week, he erupted for a career high 27 points and 5 rebounds on 12-16 shooting from the floor. On the season, he is averaging 13.0 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. The Red Raiders desperately need a go-to-scorer, and Jordan Tolbert looks like he is going to be that guy.

Honorable Mention

Phil "Flip" Pressey, Missouri – In a hard fought 81-71 win over Villanova, he led Mizzou’s charge with eight points, 12 assists, and 3 steals, while shooting 6-6 from the free-throw line.
Sheldon McCellan, Texas – 23 points and six rebounds in a Longhorn win over UT-Arlington. He shot 8-11 from the field, 4-6 from 3-point land, and 3-5 from the foul-line.

Who’s Cold

The junior guard is having a tough week for the Cyclones. In the past two Iowa State contests, against Michigan and Prairie View A&M, he has had games far below what he is capable of producing. Against the Wolverines, he posted five points and five rebounds, and shot 2-12 from the field, and a woeful 1-10 from the 3-point line. Following that performance, he managed five points and nine rebounds against Prairie View A&M, and shot only 2-7 from the field and 1-6 from downtown. Ouch.

Conference Power Rankings

1. Missouri (8-0)
2. Baylor (7-0)
3. Kansas (6-2)
4. Texas A&M (7-1)
5. Kansas State (5-1)
6. Oklahoma State (6-2)
7. Texas (6-2)
8. Oklahoma (6-1)
9. Iowa State (6-3)
10. Texas Tech (4-4)