Player of the Week:
Jalen Wilson, F, Kansas Jayhawks
It was a nightmare week for the Jayhawks who lost two straight games, but Player of the Week could only go to Jalen Wilson this week. Wilson is absolutely on fire and scored 30 or more in both his games last week. In Tuesday’s rivalry game, Wilson went for a career high 38 points to go along with 9 rebounds 2 blocks and 1 assist. Unfortunately, Wilson’s career night ended in a one point overtime loss. Wilson was equally impressive on Saturday against TCU. He scored 30 points grabbed 7 rebounds and provided 2 assists. Unfortunately for the Jayhawks Wilson was the only bright spot in that game where they got run off the floor at home by TCU losing 82-60. Wilson continues to improve his draft stock with his play, but something needs to change for Kansas who are currently spiraling.
Who’s Hot:
Avery Anderson III, G, Oklahoma State Cowboys
Oklahoma State have now won back to back games for the first time since the start of conference play and Avery Anderson led the way in both their victories last week. On Wednesday the Cowboys took on their biggest rivals the Oklahoma Sooners and came away with a decisive 72-56 win. Anderson put in a great all around effort in that one scoring 14 points grabbing 3 rebounds and dishing out 5 assists. He then followed that up with an 18 point, 3 rebound, 5 assist day in a win against 12th ranked Iowa State. Iowa State is one of the best defensive teams in the country making Anderson’s performance even more impressive.
Jalen Bridges, F, Baylor Bears
Bridges has been a very underrated part of Baylor’s success recently and he really stood out this week. Bridges has been great on the glass all season averaging just under 6 per game but his scoring is what has really started to improve lately. He scored 14 points against Texas Tech on Tuesday and then 11 over the weekend against Oklahoma. He’s only shooting 26% from deep this year but he went 3-5 against the Sooners with all three coming late down the stretch sealing a two point win. Bridges plays very well off the ball and if his three point shooting keeps improving, he is going to be a massive boost for Baylor and would probably end up going in the second round of the draft this summer.
Who’s Not:
Keyonte George, G, Baylor
Now before I start this, I am very high on Keyonte George and think that he will be a special player in the NBA. That being said he’s in a bit of a slump right now. Looking at his numbers you wouldn’t really think so, but he’s been pretty inefficient shooting and has been making some careless mistakes on defense. George is a freshman and growing pains should be expected and I think he will figure it out, but this is something he is going to have to work through. Luckily for Baylor they have so much depth at the guard position with LJ Cryer and Adam Flagler as well as Langston Love that they should be fine while George figures it out.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
The Red Raiders skid has now been extended to 7 and they have not won a game since late December. They have been playing tight games against good teams but their only wins against power conference teams have come against Georgetown and Louisville who are probably the two worst teams in the power conferences. With no quad 1 or quad 2 wins this season things are looking pretty bleak in Lubbock and to make the tournament they can probably only afford one or two more losses from here on out.
Best Homecourt Advantages in the Big 12
1: Allen Fieldhouse, Kansas Jayhawks
Often referred to as “The Phog” Kansas always has a rowdy home environment. It’s one of the best atmospheres in all of college sports. At the beginning of the season it was reported that Kansas has sold out Allen Fieldhouse in 324 straight games and I would not be surprised if that streak continues throughout the entire season.
2: United Supermarkets Arena, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Lubbock is crazy about basketball, and it shows when you watch a game there. They have one of the biggest student sections in all of college basketball and they get LOUD. They have gone viral several times over the last couple season and while this may be a down year for the school, people are still showing up.
3: Hilton Coliseum, Iowa State Cyclones
Not many people think of Iowa State when it comes to the best atmospheres in college basketball, but they should. Part of that is most likely due to the struggles the program has recently had but they have turned it around and if you watch any Cyclones home game, you’re likely to see a sold out crowd.
4: Bramlage Coliseum, Kansas State Wildcats
The Octagon of Doom has been the home of the Wildcats since 1988 and when K State is good has some of the rowdiest crowds around. In order to get the nickname “Octagon of Doom” you know that teams have to be afraid of playing there. If you watched Kansas, Kansas State you can see why it gets its name.
5: Ferrell Center, Baylor Bears
Baylor may not have been on this list 10 or 15 years ago but since Scott Drew has completely turned the Bears around the Ferrell Center has become a very tough place to play. Since the start of the 2019 season Baylor has only lost 5 times at home and the home fans have played a big role in that.