Player of the Week
Jalen Wilson, Kansas
Jalen Wilson once again came through in the clutch moments of a pivotal game for Kansas. This time, Wilson hit the go-ahead three-pointer with just 42 seconds left to take down No. 8 Creighton 73-72. However, Wilson did not just close the game effectively, he was efficient and dynamic throughout the top-ten contest. During Kansas’s most challenging game yet, Wilson had a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while shooting 67% from both the field and the three-point line. The biggest question for Kansas coming into the year was if they had a reliable scorer that they could lean on late in games. With amazing outings in two important games, Wilson has answered that question resoundingly. He also is fifth in the conference in points per game, and third in rebounds per game.
Who’s Hot
Brady Manek Oklahoma
Against UTSA, the 6’9 sharpshooter joined an exclusive group of Sooners who have scored 29 points or more and eight three-pointers in a game. He is one of just five Oklahoma players to accomplish the feat, including former stars Buddy Hield and Trae Young. In addition, Manek is second in the conference in points per game with 20. The senior was expected to be one of the best shooters in the country this season, and has lived up to that billing, shooting 12-21 (57%) in the first three games of the season. He is also averaging 1.3 blocks per game, which is fifth in the conference, helping show more to his game than just his offensive output.
West Virginia Mountaineers
While it may seem odd to feature a team that suffered a loss, the Mountaineers gave No. 1 Gonzaga a great fight. While they lost 87-82, their physical frontcourt presence overwhelmed the best team for a large portion of the game. Oscar Tshiebwe fouled out with under eight minutes to play, which shifted the momentum. He and Derek Culver played extremely well, combining for 32 points and 24 rebounds. Even though the score didn’t go in their favor, this game proves that they can match up with any team in the country because of their size, rebounding and defense. If their big men can consistently stay out of foul trouble, the Mountaineers will be one of the most challenging teams to beat in the country, not just the Big 12. Plus, they had a good win over Georgetown, 80-71, to rebound from the loss.
Who’s Not
Kansas State
For the second consecutive week, the Wildcats have landed on this list. This week, Kansas State dropped a game by double-digits to 1-4 UNLV. Even worse, they followed that loss up by getting beat at home by 13 to Division II school, Fort Hays State, who was 0-3 in conference play, and without their head coach because of COVID-19. It was the first time since 2000 that a non-Division I school beat a major conference team on the road. Kansas State was thoroughly outplayed, with senior guard Mike McGuirl as the only bright spot for most of the game. He scored 22 of the teams 68 points and shot 4-6 from behind the arc. The rest of the team combined to go 0-15 from the three-point line. It was a truly embarrassing showing for Kansas State.
Anticipation
Last week was supposed to feature the best matchup of the year when No. 1 Gonzaga faced off against No. 2 Baylor. Instead, there was a COVID-19 outbreak in the Gonzaga team and the game was called off. This game would have been full of storylines, star players and most importantly the two best teams in the country playing each other. Baylor’s great defense versus the highly touted Gonzaga offense would have been special to watch. While it might be rescheduled, this news was heartbreaking for fans of college basketball. There will be other marquee matchups, and the season will be littered with upsets, buzzer beaters, and much more. Still, it would have been such a thrilling and intense game, and rarely do the two best teams play so early in the year. COVID-19 has taken away a lot this year, and this amazing matchup was unfortunately added to the list.
Top 5 Prospects Right Now
1. Cade Cunningham, Oklahoma State
The Oklahoma State freshman is the likely number one overall pick and is the clear best prospect in the conference. The 6’7 guard is not only an elite basketball player, but also fits the modern NBA perfectly. He scores with ease at every level of the floor, leading the conference in points per game with 20.6, and has done so while shooting 50% from the floor and 47% from deep. In addition to his scoring, the 19-year-old has great vision, ball handling and is a strong rebounder for a guard. He checks every box and should be a star in the NBA due to his immense talent and understanding of the game.
2. Greg Brown III, Texas
The freshman forward has not posted staggering offensive numbers for the Longhorns yet. He has averaged less than 10 points per game while shooting just 38% from the field. However, the former five-star recruit does have immense potential as a versatile defender and scorer. He is only 19 years old and his mix of size, athleticism and defense show the potential to be a solid NBA player. He needs to build a more reliable three point shot to vault his name higher on draft boards, but Brown is already in the first-round discussion on potential alone.
3. Jared Butler, Baylor
The Baylor guard can impact every facet of the game. He is a willing and physical defender, confident shooter and dept passer for a non-point guard. He averages over 15 points, almost five assists and over two steals per game for the Baylor Bears. He projects as a three and D type player at the next level due to his shooting touch, 47% from three-point range and harassing defensive intensity. The main knocks against him are he is a junior and does not have much room to grow as a player. However, his impressive stats, well-rounded game and leadership should give him early draft looks.
4. Terrence Shannon Jr., Texas Tech
Another player who will draw interest because of his potential is Texas Tech sophomore guard Terrence Shannon. The 6’6 guard is a tremendous athlete, and he is fearless in attacking the rim. He has good size to play as a shooting guard or small forward in the NBA and has room to grow as a shooter and passer. If he can develop a consistent jumper to pair with his downhill slashing ability, he will be a potent offensive force at the next level.
5. Kai Jones, Texas
6’11 with a 218-pound frame, Kai Jones has an interesting build for the NBA. He is long and active enough to affect shots at the rim, and quick enough to switch on pick and rolls. He is a smooth finisher and has begun adding more of a three-point shot this year. He has great athleticism, which leads to easy finishing chances, rebounds and blocks. He can handle the ball well for a big man, and has great hustle and speed in transition. He needs to add more strength to play at center in the NBA, but his length and touch plus his improvement from last season should have scouts excited.