Allentown

Just when it looks like Kansas is going to face stiff competition from two teams in the Big 12, the conference turns on its head. A top team lost twice this week, earning themselves a spot on the “Who’s Not” list.  Meanwhile, Oklahoma State won their first Big 12 game this year, and followed it up with their second a few days later. While Oklahoma State was turning things around, so was TCU, but it wasn’t for the better. They lost all three of their games this week, weakening their NCAA tournament chances. The most impressive performance this week happened in Waco, where a familiar face was found dominating again, helping him take his third player of the week honors of the season.

Player of the Week

Just when you think Johnathan Motley has peaked on the season, he outdoes himself again. I have a hard time believing he’s going to top his performance that he had this week against Texas. Motley was clearly the best player on the floor from the opening tip and he didn’t slow down for a second against the Longhorns. He put up season highs in points, with 32, and rebounds, with 20, while tying his season high in blocks, with three, on the year. Motley was most impressive on the offensive boards, pulling down seven, matching the entire Longhorns team total for the game. His play wasn’t in a blowout either, as without Motley the Bears likely do not win the game, as they only had two other players score in double digits on the night. He didn’t do anything out of the ordinary from a skillset perspective, but he did the things he does well (scoring in the paint and rebounding) at the highest level of his career.  Motley has the chance to continue to grow his draft stock, but he still needs to work on his jumper if he wants to climb his way into the top ten. With that said, based on Motley’s performance against the Longhorns (who boast a strong defensive and rebounding presence in Jarrett Allen) he will have a role in the NBA. Most teams in the NBA would welcome his rebounding and hustle, and his jumper developing would give him the chance to blossom into a star.

Who’s Hot

Kansas State has continually played well this year, even when losing two games in a row to Texas Tech and Baylor, they did so by one point and nine points, respectively. Their play paid off this week, taking down both of their opponents to get back on track in the standings. The key player in their season has been Wesley Iwundu, and he showed why in the way he played this week. Iwundu and the Wildcats took down the Oklahoma State Cowboys in their first win of the week, and Iwundu put together a good all-around performance. He racked up 15 points, eight assists, and eight rebounds for the Wildcats. Iwundu’s ability to find his open teammates was important, as Kansas State had to keep pace with a dominant Oklahoma State offense that put up 88 points in the game. Iwundu followed up his performance against the Cowboys with another good game in an upset victory over West Virginia. Iwundu tallied 13 points while grabbing nine boards. His 36 minutes against the Mountaineers may be his most impressive statistic, considering how much West Virginia pushes the pace on offense and defense. Iwundu’s constant presence on the floor helped stave off the Mountaineers in their attempt to come back in the closing stages of the game. While he may not have had any truly dominant statistical performances (although you could argue he did against Oklahoma State), Iwundu’s continued high level of play has been key in Kansas State’s season. He’ll need to keep up that level of play if the Wildcats hope to make the NCAA tournament.

Who’s Not

West Virginia

That didn’t take long. After being hot last week, the Mountaineers find themselves at the opposite end of the spectrum; losing both of the games they played this week by a combined six points. Their first loss may have been the most damaging one, losing to an Oklahoma Sooners team that has struggled all year and had one conference win coming into the game. The Mountaineers lost the turnover battle to the Sooners and that is an awful sign for a team whose style of play relies on turnovers. The game went to overtime, where West Virginia should have a clear advantage because of their pace, yet they still couldn’t overcome the struggling sooners. This is the kind of loss that could haunt the team when they are seeded for the NCAA tournament. Their second loss of the week was not nearly as bad, but still a loss nonetheless. The Mountaineers went to Kansas State and were defeated by the Wildcats. West Virginia again lost the turnover battle, and again lost the game because of it. With their two losses this week, the Mountaineers will most likely need to win out to have any shot at the regular season Big 12 title, as Kansas has won 18 straight since losing their opener to Indiana.

Freshman of the Week

Allen had double-doubles in all three games this week, including two against the conferences best teams. Allen opened the week with 17 points, 10 boards, and three blocks against the Baylor Bears in a loss. He then followed it with a phenomenal 22-point, 19-rebound game against Kansas, while also tallying three blocks. This game was Allen’s best of the year, and he did more than his fair share in attempting to keep the game close, before the Longhorns ultimately fell to the best team in the conference. Allen closed the week with 10 points and 12 rebounds in a victory over the Sooners in the Red River Rivalry. Allen will need to cut down the turnovers (he had 13 in three games) but he continues to show why he was so highly recruited coming out of high school.

Resetting the Top Five: Power Rankings

With every team in the conference facing an SEC team this week, this seemed like a good time to reset the power rankings in the conference. With roughly five weeks left of the regular season, we’re reaching the home stretch as teams attempt to make their case for the NCAA tournament, whether it is for a bid, or a higher seed.

5. TCU Horned Frogs

This may be the most surprising team on the list, given their three-game losing streak, but I still have faith in Jamie Dixon here. The Horned Frogs have played better than anyone could have expected in Dixon’s first year as head coach, and they should still find themselves in the NCAA tournament when all is said and done.

4. Kansas State Wildcats

At the beginning of the year, I said Bruce Weber was coaching for his job this season. It’s safe to say, after how well Kansas State has played, Weber is no longer on the hot seat. The Wildcats have outperformed expectations, much like the Horned Frogs, in their march to 15 victories to this point. With no signs of slowing down, Kansas State should find themselves in the Big Dance for the third time under Weber.

3. West Virginia Mountaineers

Even with their recent struggles, the Mountaineers are still the clear-cut third best team in the Big 12. I can’t imagine their struggles lasting much longer, given their recent success. While they may no longer contend for the regular season conference titles, Bob Huggins and the Mountaineers should still find themselves with a high NCAA tournament seed. And with their pressing style, I wouldn’t be surprised to see West Virginia win the Big 12 tournament.

2. Baylor Bears

Just like West Virginia is the obvious third-best team in the conference, Baylor is the obvious second-best team in the conference. Unlike the Mountaineers, the Bears still have a strong chance to win the Big 12 regular season title.  Not only that, but they have the most impressive non-conference resume in the country. That should help propel them to a possible top-line seed in the NCAA tournament. With two matchups coming up against Kansas, the Bears can also control their own fate when it comes to the regular season conference title.

1. Kansas Jayhawks

Well, we all saw this coming. With roughly one third of the conference slate played, the Jayhawks stand alone at the top. They are the clear favorite to win the conference and have complete control of where they land in the NCAA tournament. The biggest hurdle remaining for the Jayhawks isn’t Baylor or West Virginia. Instead, it’s a battle this week with the Kentucky Wildcats, in what should be an absolute must-watch game. If Kansas can take down Kentucky, they should be positioned nicely for the number one overall seed in the NCAA tournament, and a great chance to win the national championship.