Mister Big Shot

Player of the Week

Matt Coleman, Texas

The Longhorn Senior could not have had a stronger start to his final collegiate season, with the standout moment of the week in the Big 12. Coleman hit an incredible, step-back jumper with only 0.1 seconds on the shot clock to beat No.14 North Carolina 69-67, and win the Maui Invitational. He led both teams with 22 points in the game and is in the top five of the conference in both points and assists per game. The 6’2 point guard has led Texas to a 4-0 start and has scored double figures in every game thus far. He has been incredibly consistent and reliable while being their key player every game. Besides his impressive passing and scoring, his efficiency has been on display as well, shooting above 40% from deep and above 50% from the floor. A sterling opening week for both the Longhorns and Coleman.

Who’s Hot

Cade Cunningham, Oklahoma State

Cunningham came into the season as a favorite to be next year’s top pick in the NBA draft, and had a tremendous first week to his collegiate career. The 6’8 freshman guard looked the part of a top three pick with his smooth shooting stroke and ability to attack in the half court and transition. He leads the Big 12 in scoring through his team’s first three games with 18.7 points per game. Moreover, the star guard is averaging three assists and almost seven rebounds per game. The Cowboys are undefeated, and Cunningham’s immense talent is the main reason for that. While they have not played the most daunting competition, the 19-year-old has played well despite incredibly high expectations. Additionally, he has played solid defense for a young player, adding five steals and three blocks in his last two games. While he figures to only stay in college for one year, Cowboy fans will appreciate every minute Cunningham is in Stillwater.

The 6’8 redshirt freshman was the best player on the court during No.7 Kansas narrow 65-62 win over No. 20 Kentucky. Wilson was the only player on his team to shoot at least 50% from the field and did so by shooting 8-16 for 23 points. He also contributed by hauling in 10 rebounds. While his team struggled mightily to play well offensively, the young forward stepped up. After a frustrating loss to No.1 Gonzaga, Kansas needed to win this important game against another ranked team. The Jayhawks were down six at the half, but Wilson was there to rescue them and secure the victory. He scored 21 of his 23 points in the second half, and the 23 points was a career high for the former 4-star from Denton, Texas.

Scott Drew, Baylor

Baylor’s head coach Scott Drew was sidelined for the first two games of his team’s season after testing positive for COVID-19. Drew returned and immediately defeated No.5 Illinois 82-69 to cement his team’s status as the second best in college basketball. Despite his star player, Jared Butler, scoring only 12 points on 6-18 shooting, the Bears dominated the Fighting Illini. The commanding score line was thanks to a great game plan, forcing talented big man Kofi Cockburn into early foul trouble and limiting his production. This strategy left Illinois with just one star, and Ayo Dosunmu struggled to score with any efficiency. He ended the game with 12 points on 6-18 shooting from the field. Even though Baylor had some mistakes, they started the season 3-0 and already defeated another title contender. They are deep, experienced and look impenetrable on defense.

Who’s Not

Kansas State

The Wildcats are widely regarded as the worst team in the Big 12. Even with that designation, the opening to this season was horribly disappointing. The Wildcats started 1-2 and lost games to Colorado and Drake. Their only win thus far came against Missouri-Kansas City of the Western Athletic Conference. They were dismantled by Colorado, 76-58, and their leading scorer is shooting just 37% from the field. Despite solid shooting numbers, an inability to sustain possessions has crushed their offense. They have 49 turnovers compared to just 37 assists. Numbers like that showcase an offense that is too predicated on isolation scoring, with limited success. If the opening to the season is any indication, it will be a struggle for Wildcats fans this year.

Early Season Cupcakes

Rather than shake off the rust against high-quality competition, some squads do so against teams that stand no chance against them. However, that is not the case this year in the Big 12. While some of the teams are facing weaker competition, there are multiple incredibly enticing matchups already. Next week alone there will be three ranked versus ranked matchups featuring Big 12 teams. One of those showdowns includes No.1 Gonzaga vs. No.2 Baylor in what should be one of the most exciting games of the season. College basketball fans deserve ranked teams playing each other early in the year, and this year, that will happen in spades.

Top 5 Teams in the Big 12

1. Baylor

Despite Kansas’s continued excellence and their dominance over the Big 12, this year should be different. The Bears have already proven they can beat top competition and look outstanding defensively. They are talented, athletic, and have one of the best players in the country: Jared Butler. They should win the Big 12 this year.

2. Kansas

Even with the loss of Devon Dotson and Udoka Azubuike, Kansas should have the fire power to be the second-best team in the conference. Marcus Garrett is probably the most versatile and effective defender in the country and can impact the game offensively as well. They have depth too, with four players averaging more than 11 points per game. With their experience being a title favorite and with Bill Self as head coach, they could be in a position to threaten Baylor as the best team in the Big 12.

3. West Virginia

The Mountaineers are always physical, aggressive, and grind games out with hustle and intensity. While Bob Huggins will still expect the same defense and grit from his team, the Mountaineers have even more talent to back it up. Oscar Tshiebwe is the best big man in the conference, and one of the most dominant in the country. He and power forward Derek Culver combine for a powerful front court presence. This is the best West Virginia team in a decade and should make some serious noise in March.

4. Texas Tech

Even with the early loss to Houston, the Red Raiders are one of the best teams in the conference. Led by Georgetown transfer, Mac McClung, Texas Tech has impact players at every position along the starting lineup. McClung is averaging 18 points per game, while fellow transfer Marcus Santos-Silva is leading the team in rebounds with 8.7 per game. This is a well-rounded team and have players who can play and defend multiple positions. There are questions about their lack of size, but their scheme and hustle will help mitigate any defensive issues presented by their stature.

5. Texas

The Longhorns have quickly proven that they are a talented team with wins over North Carolina and Indiana. Starting guards Matt Coleman and Courtney Ramey combine for a great backcourt. Together they have averaged 31.3 points and 8.5 assists per game. They have long, physical defenders in the front court, and looked really good so far. They need to lean on Coleman as their star to be the fifth best team in the Big 12, with aspirations of a decent run in March.