Player of the Past Two Weeks
Michael Dixon, Missouri
Playing on a very guard-heavy Missouri Tiger basketball team, the junior is doing his best to make his presence felt. The 6’1" Kansas City native is the current front-runner for national Sixth Man of the Year award. In a victory over William and Mary on December 18th, he exploded for 30 points on 13-19 from the field. He also shot an efficient 3-7 from three-point land. Against nationally ranked Illinois on the 22nd, he helped Mizzou stay undefeated by contributing 18 points, four assists, and two rebounds, while sinking an impressive 10-12 free throws. On almost any other team in America, Michael Dixon would be a starting guard. That shows you exactly how dangerous and deep Missouri’s guards are this season.
Who’s Hot
Rodney McGruder, Kansas State
The Kansas State Wildcats are off to an impressive start this season at 10-1. If they can get consistent play from their 6’4" star shooting guard, it could be another banner year for K-State. The junior showed off his impressive offensive arsenal in a 77-60 victory over Long Beach State this week. He scored 28 points on 10-11 shooting from the field, as well as 2-3 from 3-point range and 6-7 from the free-throw line. He pulled down six rebounds as well for the Wildcats, and was the steadying force the young team will be relying upon all season. He tends to disappear in some games, but from here on out, Kansas State can’t afford for such a talented player to be so inconsistent.
Honorable Mention
Keiton Page, Oklahoma State- In a 68-58 win over SMU, the 5’8" senior scored 27 points, pulled down six rebounds, and collected two steals.
Jordan Tolbert, Texas Tech- The freshman continues to turn heads. In a 74-58 win over CS Bakersfield, he scored 27 points on 10-12 shooting from the field, and snagged six rebounds.
Top 5: Shooters
1. Marcus Denmon, Missouri – The leader for Mizzou is a deadly marksman from anywhere on the court. The senior is shooting 50% from the field and 44% from 3-point land. He is the most imporant piece for this very talented Tiger team.
2. Scott Christopherson, Iowa State – The 6’3" senior is the sharpshooter for the athletic Cyclones. He is shooting 43% from the field on the year, but expect those numbers to increase as the season progresses.
3. Brady Heslip, Baylor – The 6’2" sophomore is a crucial part of Baylor’s run for a national title this season. They have a monstrous frontcourt and two talented point guards in Pierre Jackson and A.J. Walton. The final piece of the puzzle is Heslip, who is shooting 48% from the field and 49% from behind the arc.
4. Keiton Page, Oklahoma State – The senior sparkplug for the Cowboys is having a bit of a rough start to the year, but there is no denying his shooting ability. Expect his shooting numbers to improve from 35% behind the arc as the season goes on.
5. J’Covan Brown, Texas – The junior guard is having a breakout year for the Longhorns. He is averaging 19.3 points per game while carrying the young squad. He is shooting 44% from the field and 35% from the three point line. He is also averaging 4.3 assists and 3.6 rebounds per contest.
Conference Power Rankings
1. Baylor (13-0)
2. Missouri (12-0)
3. Kansas State (10-1)
4. Kansas (9-3)
5. Iowa State (9-3)
6. Oklahoma (9-2)
7. Texas (9-3)
8. Texas A&M (9-3)
9. Oklahoma State (7-5)
10. Texas Tech (6-5)