Player of the Week
Miles McBride, West Virginia
No. 11 West Virginia needed every one of McBride’s season-high 24 points in their 88-87 win over No. 10 Texas Tech. With just six seconds remaining, McBride hit a running layup over the outstretched arms of two Red Raider defenders. In addition, he defended Mac McClung well on the last possession of the game, who narrowly missed a jumper to seal the win for the Mountaineers. McBride added seven rebounds, six assists, a steal and shot 58% from the floor and 75% from deep. This game was another in a string of great games for the 6’4 sophomore from Cincinnati, Ohio. He averages nearly 16 points and 4.2 assists per game, both good for fifth in the conference. He also makes an impact on defense, as he is fourth in the conference with 1.8 steals a game. The Mountaineers have now won their last two games, while McBride continues to elevate his name in draft board discussions.
Who’s Hot
Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma is doing much more than ok. Winners of four straight games, they beat top ten teams in back-to-back games. They defeated No. 9 Kansas, 75-68 on Saturday and then beat No. 5 Texas, 80-79 on Tuesday. They have surged into third in the conference and have propelled to No. 24 in the national rankings. They have vaulted into national relevancy, and that was even before their outstanding takedown of the Longhorns. Oklahoma has been incredibly adept on both sides of the court. They have the league’s lowest turnover rate and have top-40 efficiency in offense and defense. Despite widely being picked to finish just sixth in the conference, Oklahoma has well outplayed expectations. Austin Reaves has led the way, as he is ranked sixth in points and third in assists per game in the conference. They have a daunting schedule with five of their next six games against top-11 teams. However, with their efficiency and defensive ability, they could continue to climb the bracket projections.
The Big 12 Conference
Despite some postponements in recent weeks, the Big 12 conference is looking sharp. They have had a clear front runner for the national title in No. 2 Baylor, who has done nothing to deviate from that ranking. Plus, multiple other teams have continued to play great basketball. Texas Tech, West Virginia, and Texas are all in the top 11, and look the part of teams that will be scary to face come March. Even with perennially power-house Kansas losing their last three games, the Big 12 is loaded with talent. The Oklahoma Sooners are surging up the rankings, and have quickly elevated their status in the conference and country. It’s not just the ranked teams that make the conference great, it’s the unranked teams too. The best player in the conference, Cade Cunningham can lead Oklahoma State to upset wins both in the conference and in inter-conference games. Obviously in conference play, Big 12 teams will lose games, but so far even in losses the upper echelon of teams has played well. This conference has the fire power at the top to make a run at a national title, and the depth that can make deep runs well into March Madness.
Who’s Not
Iowa State Cyclones
The 2-8 Cyclones have had a difficult time this season. They are 0-6 in Big 12 play, and only have Kansas State near them in the conference basement. They had four straight games postponed due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols, and then returned to get pummeled by Oklahoma State 81-60. Rasir Bolton is averaging 15.2 points per game and 4.2 assists, but he is their only sign of life on offense. They average just 67.6 points per game, which ranks 296th in the nation, and 10.9 assists which is 356th. They don’t generate enough ball movement, can’t shoot from deep, and do not have a reliable scorer to generate points or wins. The struggle continues on defense, where they rank 276th nationally in points allowed per game. They may not win a conference game this season, and their struggles can’t be sourced to just one area on the court.
Best Big 12 Starting Lineup
1. Point Guard: Cade Cunningham, Oklahoma State
The favorite to be number one pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, Cunningham is a beast. The 6’8 freshman from Arlington, Texas is a gifted scorer. He leads the conference in points per game with 17.8, on 45.6% shooting from the field and 38.8% from deep. He is consistently the most effective offensive option for the Cowboys, despite being the number one target of opposing defensive strategies. His length and athleticism help him get to the rim, and he has a picturesque shooting form. On the defensive end, he has the height and build to switch onto positions 1-4 and is a tremendous rebounder for the point guard position with over six rebounds per game. He is not the best passer for the position, but his physical gifts and versatility are worth the selection.
Honorable Mention: Miles McBride, Rasir Bolton
2. Shooting Guard: Jared Butler, Baylor
The best player for the conference’s best player, Butler is an easy selection. He is fourth in points and second in assists per game in the conference. The 6’3 junior is a likely draft pick this year for his combination of scoring efficiency, improved shooting percentages and defensive tenacity. Butler is shooting over 50% from the floor and his 48% shooting from behind the arc leads the conference. He has been a consistent contributor on both sides of the ball, with 2.3 steals per game, which leads the conference. He is also a perfect partner to Cunningham, as he has great vision and passing instincts for a shooting guard, who can help mitigate some of Cunningham’s weaknesses in that area of play.
Honorable Mention: Mac McClung Davion Mitchell
3. Small Forward: RJ Nembhard, TCU
This pick may come as a surprise given TCU’s struggles this season, but Nembhard has been spectacular. The 6’5 junior is another scoring punch to the lineup, averaging over 17 points per game. Why he makes the list over other potential options is that he can do so many things well offensively. He can shoot, hitting over 38% from deep, and can distribute, with over four assists per game. Nembhard has also greatly improved over his college career, as he went from barely scoring or shooting to being TCU’s number one option. He averages more than one steal per game, helping showcase his impact defensively.
Honorable Mention: Austin Reaves
4. Power Forward Greg Brown, Texas
Freshman, former five-star prospect and number one recruit in Texas, Brown is crushing it for his home state. Brown has so much potential, with a 6’9, 205-pound frame and incredible athleticism and bounce. He is a thunderous finisher and runs hard in transition to generate easy looks. He also has a workable three-point shot, with over one three per game at 30%. His real value lies on the defensive end. He grabs eight rebounds and records 1.3 blocks per game, both rank third in the Big 12. He has put up strong stats in numerous categories despite playing limited minutes for a starter at 22.2 minutes per game. He has the perfect mold for a power forward and continues to grow and improve. His offensive numbers and efficiency should rise playing around so many shooters who will take the pressure off him. More than just what he has done, his style and build fit this lineup construction perfectly.
Honorable Mention: Jalen Wilson
5. Center Derek Culver, West Virginia
Rounding out the perfect starting five, Culver is the physically imposing force for the Mountaineers. He has played a lot of power forward but has switched fully to center after the departure of teammate Oscar Tshiebwe. Culver is listed at 6’10, 255-pounds, and plays like it. He averages a double-double, scoring over 13 points and collecting more than 10 rebounds per game. He is the top rebounder in the conference and is fifth in blocks per game with 1.1. Between Culver and Brown manning the paint, it will be seemingly impossible to score in the paint or grab an offensive rebound. With four floor-spacers around him, Culver can work inside, and force mismatches of any switches. He is not a threat from outside the paint but is a beast inside of it. He has a simple role in the offense, and is able to focus on finishing, defense and rebounding. His energy and tenacity would also be a great benefit to the team.
Honorable Mention: Brady Manek