Player of the Week
Jevon Carter – West Virginia
Jevon Carter made history this week. Carter became the first player in major-conference history to record 1,500 points, 500 rebounds, 500 assists, and 300 steals in a career. The senior did so in a 24-point, 7-rebound performance against Iowa State. Carter was also able to record 21 points to go along with 7 assists in a win over Texas Tech.
Carter definitely had his ups and downs this year, but he has also had a fantastic career in which he capped off with a tremendous week. With Carter’s help, West Virginia seems to be back on track after a rough stretch on games. The 6’2” point guard is adamant the only thing on his mind is finishing this season on a strong note, but his efforts are not going unappreciated.
West Virginia is back in a position to earn a top seed in the NCAA Tournament and could even further increase their ranking with a deep run into the Big 12 Tournament. Jevon Carter will be a big part in the team’s success due to his leadership, experience, and overall talent. West Virginia is a dangerous and skilled team that nobody will want to face as March rolls around.
Who’s Hot
Devonte Graham – Kansas
As the senior leader on Kansas, Graham helped the Jayhawks propel themselves to a 14th straight regular season Big 12 title. Graham posted 26 points to go along with 4 assists and 3 rebounds in a huge win over Texas Tech in what clinched Kansas at least a share of the Big 12 crown. Graham then recorded a double-double in a win over Texas to improve on his already impressive week.
The 6’2” point guard is undoubtedly the primary weapon on Kansas as he is involved with almost every offensive possession. Leading the team in both points and assists, Graham has been yet another great point guard in the history of Bill Self’s career. Kansas has been one of the most dominant programs in recent memory and Graham has been a big part of that in the last three seasons.
Barry Brown – Kansas State
Barry Brown hasn’t been the most consistent performer on Kansas State this year, but he has that microwave ability to score in bunches. Brown’s last four games have been very promising for the junior guard. He’s recorded 25, 20, 16, and 28 points while shooting at least 50% in every game. Brown has been a big part in Kansas State exceeding expectations this season and could be the X-factor Kansas State needs to make a late season push.
Brown is the Wildcats leading scorer and is also second on the team in assists per game. Although Brown is an offensive weapon, his defense is also notable, averaging 1.9 steals per game, the best on the roster. I’ve been hesitant to buy-in to Brown due to his occasional abysmal performances but this kid could be special as a senior next season and could find himself on some team’s draft boards.
Who’s Not
Texas Tech
After a miraculous start to the season, Texas Tech has seen their season start to fall apart. Although they have been short on some key players, the Red Raiders have lost four straight games and have dropped to 3rd in the Big 12 standings. They’ve allowed three games of 74+ points in this losing streak, something they had only done three times in regulation the entire season.
Keenan Evans is the team’s best player and has missed some games lately which could be a big part in the decline but it’s still worrisome nonetheless. The Red Raiders are in a great position to do some damage in postseason play, but will need to figure things out in order to do so.
Manu Lecomte – Baylor
Lecomte has been putting up decent numbers, but has been horrific in his shooting. In his last four games, the Belgian point guard in just 12-52 from the field, just 23%. Baylor has had a streaky year and Lecomte has been the glue holding it together as best as he can. Now with his struggles, they’ve lost their last two games both by double-digit points.
Baylor sports as a whole has been looking for a bright spot and many were hopeful the basketball program was their team. Unfortunately, the Bears have lost back to back games on 5 separate occasions this year in what was an overall underwhelming season. Baylor will lose their two best players to graduation this year, so they will likely have a rebuilding season next year too.
Top Five Players (My All-Big 12 Team)
1. Trae Young – Oklahoma
The most electrifying player in the NCAA and likely Wooden Award winner has to be #1 on this list. Despite his recent “struggles” Young is still leading the NCAA in points and assists per game and has had one of the most transcendent seasons in college basketball history. No player has been in the headlines more frequently than the freshman, whether it’s setting assist records, turnover records, or yet another 40+ point game, Young has been far and away the best and most exciting player to watch.
2. Devonte Graham – Kansas
Devonte Graham is 2nd in the conference in both points and assists behind just Trae Young. He is the leading player on the conference’s best team and has been exceptional for Bill Self. Graham was the preseason Big 12 Player of the Year and while he likely won’t win the award, he still has been a phenomenal player.
3. Keenan Evans – Texas Tech
The leading player on the surprise team of the conference, Keenan Evans is well deserving of 1st Team honors. Evans is 3rd in the conference in scoring and has led Texas Tech to an outstanding season. Zach Smith was the preseason 1st Team selection for Texas Tech, but Evans has been the 1st Team talent. A lethal offensive weapon and passionate team leader, Evans has been without a doubt one of the best players in the conference.
4. Jevon Carter – West Virginia
Yet another point guard, bus another deserving one. Jevon Carter will possibly defend his Big 12 DPOY honors while also making the 1st Team All-Big 12. Carter has been a fantastic for Bob Huggins and has excelled in his press defense. Jumping passing lanes, getting buckets, rebounding, making plays for others, Carter does it all and will be rewarded for doing so.
5. Mohamed Bamba – Texas
The lone big-man on this list, Mo Bamba has been a dominating force in the paint for Shaka Smart. Leading the conference in blocked shots per game, Bamba has used his incredible wingspan to alter opponent’s shots all season. Furthermore, he has improved his offensive game in the low post by being more physical and has made himself a real threat on both ends of the court.