Big 12 Blog

Big 12 Player of the Year:

Thomas Robinson, Kansas

Absolutely dominated college basketball this season. His 18.0 and 11.9 rebounds per game brought Kansas yet another Big 12 regular season crown, and have him in the running for 2012 National Player of the Year.

Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year:

Jeff Withey, Kansas

One of the absolute best shot-blockers in the country this season. He averages an impressive 3.2 blocks per game to date, and had two games with nine blocks, against Long Beach State as well as Kansas State.

Big 12 Rookie of the Year:

Quincy Miller, Baylor

The Baylor freshman arrived in Waco, Texas with a ton of hype, and he lived up his his prep billing. He averaged 11.5 points and 5.0 rebounds for the Bears and he is crucial to their success in the tourney.

Big 12 Sixth Man Award:

Michael Dixon, Missouri

He could be the best sixth man in all of college basketball. While he could start for many schools in the country, he is just fine with averaging 13.3 points and 3.1 assists off the bench for Mizzou. He also isn’t afraid to take clutch shots for his team.

2012 Big 12 Coach of the Year:

Fred Hoiberg, Iowa State            

In just his second year at Iowa State, he led the Cyclones to a 22-9 record, 12-6 in conference. They have victories over Kansas and Baylor and are a dangerous team in the upcoming NCAA tournament.

2012 Big 12 First Team:

Thomas Robinson, Kansas – Perhaps the best player in America this season. 18.0 points and 11.9 rebounds each time he is on the floor. Need I say more?
Tyshawn Taylor, Kansas – There isn’t a player in the NCAA who is more important to his team. His 17.2 points and 4.9 assists pace the Jayhawks backcourt.
Royce White, Iowa State – Exploded onto the Big 12 scene this season. Fills the stat sheet with 12.9 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.2 assists each game.
J'Covan Brown, Texas – A breakout performer this season. He raised his scoring average from 10.4 to 20.0 points this season, while leading the conference in scoring.
Marcus Denmon, Missouri – A 2012 All-American candidate. He averages 18.0 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists each game for a powerful Missouri offense.

2012 Big 12 Second Team:
                   
[player: Pierre Jackson], Baylor – If not for ISU’s Royce White, the 5’10" athletic point guard would be the conference’s best newcomer. He controls the Bears explosive offense.
[player: Perry Jones III], Baylor – While critics will say he hasn’t lived up to the hype, 13.1 points and 7.5 rebounds still seem like awfully good numbers to me.
[player: Rodney McGruder], Kansas State – Both the offensive and defensive leader for the Wildcats. Finally living up to his enormous potential.
[player: Ricardo Ratliffe], Missouri – The lone post presence on a guard-laden Mizzou team. His 13.8 points and 7.5 rebounds will be crucial in the tournament.
[player: Keiton Page], Oklahoma State – The Big 12’s best shooter. His 16.8 points and veteran leadership helped Oklahoma State in a difficult, rebuilding year.

2012 Big 12 Third Team:

Quincy Acy, Baylor
Phil Pressey, Missouri
Kim English, Missouri
Jeff Withey, Kansas
Quincy Miller, Baylor

NCAA Tournament Teams: / Postseason Prediction / Why?

Kansas Jayhawks / Sweet 16 / The Jayhawks are good, but one bad Tyshawn Taylor game and Kansas will go down.
             
Missouri Tigers / Elite 8 / The Tigers guards are very good, but they are doomed when they play a team with a loaded frontcourt.

Baylor Bears / Sweet 16 / The Bears have flown under the radar behind Kansas and Mizzou, but the Bears are suprememly talented.

Iowa State Cyclones / Round of 32 / Coach Fred Hoiberg will have his team of misfits ready to surprise people in the tournament.

Kansas State Wildcats / First Round Loss / It’s been a surprise season for Frank Martin and KSU, but it will end in the first round of the NCAA’s.