Player of the Week
Simas Lukosius, Cincinnati Bearcats
Lukosius has made a name for himself to start the 2024 season. This week he played a huge role in their blowout wins over Northern Kentucky and Nicholls State. Against the Colonels, Lukosius scored a team-high 19 points, including five three-pointers on seven attempts, and contributed six rebounds and six assists. Earlier in the week he led the team once again in a 20 point performance where Cincinnati put up triple digits in a 109-54 victory. He’s been a key player for the Bearcats early on, and is a big reason for their undefeated start.
Who’s Hot
Elijah Malone, Colorado Buffaloes
The senior saved Colorado from what would’ve been a horrible upset to start the season against Northern Colorado. In that game, Elijah Malone put up 27 points shooting 8-of-12 from the field with five rebounds to go along with it. This performance included hitting the 100th three-pointer of his college career. Malone has shown that he can perform at college basketball’s highest level in his first season in Division I.
Jayden Quaintance, Arizona State Sun Devils
Arizona State has started hot out of the gate, and the team has been led by freshman Jayden Quaintance. The forward has been a double-double machine this week, accomplishing that feat against St. Thomas-Minnesota and Cal Poly. He’s also a standout star on the other end of the court, racking up 13 blocks in his first five starts. You wouldn’t know that Quaintance is the youngest player in college basketball based off of his play in the first month.
Keyshawn Hall, UCF Knights
Hall is averaging 17.5 points per game in the Knights five game winning streak. He scored a season-high 26 points in last week’s victory over FAU. Then followed up that performance with a 20 point, eight board game against Tennessee Tech. Friday will be a huge test for Hall and the Knights as they take on Wisconsin.
Who’s Not
Arizona Wildcats
The Wildcats surrendered their first loss of the season in their third game against Wisconsin. In their game their defense struggled, letting up 103 points with 41 of them coming from guard John Tonje. Arizona will need to find a quick fix to their defensive woes before their battle against #12 Duke on Friday night.
Top 5 Home Court Advantages in the Big 12
1. Kansas Jayhawks – Allen Fieldhouse
The history, the rowdiness of the fans, the brand of basketball, Allen Fieldhouse has it all.
2. Iowa State Cyclones – James H. Hilton Coliseum
The Cyclone fans create an incredible atmosphere in the Hilton Coliseum night in and night out. The students are some of the most loyal in the country.
3. Kansas State Wildcats – Bramlage Coliseum
There aren’t many places like Bramlage Coliseum when the Wildcats are playing good basketball. Their stadium famously holds the nickname “Octagon of Doom”
4. Oklahoma State Cowboys – Gallagher-Iba Arena
Seeing a sea of orange behind the bench is as intimidating of an environment you will find in college basketball.
5. BYU Cougars – Marriot Center
BYU has one of the biggest arenas in college basketball, they have an incredible home court advantage led by their students.