Player of the Week
Davion Mitchell, Baylor
In Baylor’s most important game of the season, Mitchell was at his best. He scored a game-high 27 points, added four assists and a steal to help propel No. 2 Baylor over No. 6 Texas 83-69. This win essentially secures the regular season title for the Bears, who are 17-0 overall and 9-0 in conference. Texas was the only Big 12 team within reach, as they were 5-2 coming into this vital matchup. Mitchell helped seal the needed victory due to incredible shooting ability, as he was 11-16 from the field and a sensational 5-7 from deep. This improved shooting, and his ability to create for others has been on full display this season and elevated his draft stock from a late second round pick to a middle first rounder. With averages of almost 50% from behind the arc on the season, and more than 2 steals per game, it is easy to see how Mitchell can provide 3-and-D help for any NBA team. Adding scoring outputs of 27 and 31 over two of the last three games and almost six assists per game this season, all while playing a challenging schedule, Mitchell is checking every box for an NBA prospect. He is slight even for a point guard at 6’2, but his defensive ability and continued improvement on offense should have scouts drooling.
Who’s Hot
Cade Cunningham, Oklahoma State
Cunningham looks unstoppable. Despite being out since January 12th, the freshman phenom scored a game high 21 points for the Cowboys off the bench. He contributed in more areas than just scoring, with seven rebounds, five assists and three steals in the 81-77 win over Arkansas. Once again, Oklahoma State had faith in him to deliver in crunch time, and once again he did. Cunningham hit a tough step back jumper with 21 seconds remaining to put his team up two and hit two free-throws to officially ice the game. He is top-10 in the Big 12 in assists, rebounds and steals, while leading both the conference and all freshmen with 18.1 points per game. He has solidified his spot as the best prospect in this year’s class and has Oklahoma on the cusp of the AP top-25. They were the 26th team listed this week and missed the ranking by just six votes. Cunningham’s ability, as well as his clutch scoring has vaulted Oklahoma State into contention for March Madness as well.
Oklahoma Sooners
Even though Oklahoma lost a heartbreaker to No. 13 Texas Tech, they have been so impressive. They won five straight games, including beating three straight top-10 opponents. They are just the second team in 25 years to accomplish that feat, and the first in over 45 years to beat four AP top-10 teams in one month. De'Vion Harmon and Austin Reaves have been the driving forces behind this shocking run and vaulted all the way to ninth in the AP poll. Despite playing four of five games against ranked teams, the Sooners played extremely well, and their balanced offensive attack helped defeat four potent squads. In two games they have to go against No. 2 Baylor, which will be a true test for them, after losing by 15 earlier in the season.
Who’s Not
Texas Bigs
Greg Brown and Kai Jones have been regarded as potential lottery picks because of their immense potential. If they continue to have performances like they did against Baylor, that sentiment may chance quickly. They combined to score just nine points, despite playing 42 minutes between them. Neither has shown much ability to generate their own offense or be aggressive in finding open looks. Even worse was how they were unable to impact the game in other areas. Total they snared just four rebounds, had one assist and three turnovers. That stat line would be paltry if it was just one standout big man, let alone two. Both have the physical gifts and age to improve and be highly productive NBA players. They even have workable three-point shots, which has started becoming a must in the NBA. However, if they keep neglecting to use their natural ability to put up better numbers, they will start free-falling down NBA draft boards.
Top Five Teams in the Big 12
1. Baylor Bears 17-0 (9-0)
While the Big 12 has been very good this season, one team stands well above the rest. The No. 2 team in the country is ranked that high for a reason. They are undefeated and have had just two games end within single digits despite beating four ranked teams. Some of their best games have been postponed, but Baylor should continue to dominate the conference even as the schedule gets more daunting. Thanks to stellar guard play from Mitchell and Jared Butler, they have a chance of going undefeated the rest of the year.
2. Texas Longhorns 11-4 (5-3)
While the Longhorns could not upset Baylor, they still have the star power to be the second-best team in the conference. Ranked initially as the fifth best team in the conference, they have been able to exceed expectations thanks to stellar play from Matt Coleman, Courtney Ramey and Andrew Jones. Those three guards have combined for 42 points, over ten assists and over 11 rebounds per game. They need more from Jones and Brown, but they have the results and production to believe that more good results are coming.
3. Oklahoma Sooners 11-5 (6-4)
While playing an incredibly difficult schedule, the Sooners have responded well and one four of their last five, finally falling to another ranked team. They have five players averaging at least 34% from behind the arc and have three averaging 11 points per game. Reaves has been a scoring machine despite his patented three-point shooting disappearing this season. They may begin to fade while continuing to face ranked teams, but they have proven enough to be placed third.
4. Texas Tech Red Raiders 13-5 (5-4)
Mac McClung transferring from Georgetown to Texas Tech has been an enormous offensive boost for the Red Raiders. He is third in the conference with 16.8 points per game and has been the driving force in Texas Tech’s offensive success. In addition, Terrence Shannon Jr. has averaged the second most points on the team, despite not always starting, and playing the fourth most minutes among guards. They lost a nail biter to West Virginia but passed them on this list because their offensive output gives them a higher ceiling, and have been the only team to beat Oklahoma in almost a month.
5. West Virginia Mountaineers, 12-5 (5-3)
[Player: Miles McBride has been one of the great surprises of the conference and has transformed into a two-way nightmare for opponents. Adding in the physical presence of Derek Culver and the scoring touch of Taz Sherman and West Virginia has a dangerous starting lineup. They just suffered a frustrating loss to Florida but have only lost one game this season by more than five points. They keep almost every game close; they just need to play better down the stretch to close out games. They have only beaten two ranked teams at the time of the game, and one of them is Richmond who is no longer ranked. They get the edge over Kansas due to their enormous slide down the rankings and losing 4 of their last six games.