Big 12 Blog

Player of the Week

Pierre Jackson, Baylor

Jackson was given a lot of hype this offseason and was picked as the favorite to be the conference player of the year. He hasn’t disappointed as he started the 2012-2013 season by getting a double-double with 14 points and 12 dimes against fellow standout guard CJ McCollum of Lehigh. He then backed it up in his next performance in another blowout victory against Jackson State, by scoring 25 points and getting 7 assists in only 24 minutes of play. On the year he’s now averaging 19.5 ppg 3 rpg 9.5 apg and 2.5 spg with shooting percentages of 52.2 from the field, 30 from deep and 80 from the line.

Who’s Hot

Sheldon McClellan, Texas

After having a surprisingly solid freshman year last season, McClellan appears to have taken it up a notch this season. He’s opened the season with back to back 20 point outings. He hasn’t done much more then score yet, but his scoring has been sensational. He’s averaging 22.5 ppg in under 30 mpg, while getting the line an average of 12 times per game.

Honorable Mention: Cory Jefferson, Baylor- Jefferson only played sparingly last season, but in two games this year he’s averaging 20 and 10 on an obscenely good 78.3% from the field. This newfound production along with his length and athleticism alongside Isaiah Austin is going to be a force to be reckoned with in the Big 12.

Who’s Cold

Korie Lucious, Iowa State

After transferring from Michigan State and having huge efficiency problems there, he transferred to ISU only to continue to struggle to maintain an efficient style of play so far. He’s shooting very poor percentages, scoring at a low rate, and while his playmaking has been put on display (5.5), so have those issues (6 topg).

Honorable Mention: Rodney McGruder, Kansas State- After having his breakout season last year as a junior where he averaged around 16 ppg, McGruder has shot poorly in his first outing of the 2012-2013 season. The Wildcats have won both games in blowouts, but you would hope your star scorer would be able to manage better then he has done against the inferior competition. He’s averaging under half of last season’s ppg (7.5), and is shooting a putrid 33.3% from the floor, as well 12.5% from deep.

Top 5 True Freshman

1. Marcus Smart-struggled from the floor, but his overall impact on the game cannot be understated, his intangibles and all-around play are huge for Oklahoma State.

2. Isaiah Austin-Surely played up to preseason hype, scoring 22 points in only 17 minutes of play in his debut.

3. Georges Niang-Stellar start for Niang, who’s averaging 16 ppg, 8.5 rpg and 3 apg. Other coaches will take notice of this guy soon, and he could be ‘the man’ at ISU before the year is up.

4. Perry Ellis-Very talented freshman who has the benefit of playing beside Jeff Withey, but Ellis has done well for himself. He’s off to a nice start and is one of the better prospects in the Big 12.

5. Ricardo Gathers-Stuck behind Jefferson and Austin in Baylor’s frontcourt, he won’t exactly get the perfect chance to shine in this year. However, with Austin out he stepped up in 27 minutes of play by going for 13 and 10 on 6/8 shooting. He’s a tough guy who will be a staple at Baylor for years.