Player of the Week
Jamal Shead, Houston Cougars
Ever since losing back-to-back games against Iowa State and TCU last month, the Cougars have been red hot, and senior Jamal Shead has been a driving force behind their success. He’s averaging 20 points per game in his last four outings, and on the other end of the court, he’s been even more dominant. The guard is an integral piece to the Cougar’s top-ranked defense, as he’s putting up over two steals a game. He’s a star who can completely change games with his defense and shot-creating ability. You will hear his name a lot come March.
Who’s Hot
Hunter Dickinson, Kansas Jayhawks
Hunter Dickinson has been a match-up nightmare for Big 12 teams this season. The Michigan transfer is having his all-around best season yet in Kansas. The senior is averaging over 18 points per game, along with 11 boards. The big man plays with a bunch of grit and intensity. He has had some unfinished business since leaving Ann Arbor. Dickinson simply wants to win more than anything. In just one season with the Jayhawks, he’s without a doubt the leader of this team, which isn’t an easy task with all of the talent they have on their roster. He’s one of the most unique players in college basketball, and despite Kansas’ struggles as of late, he’s still putting up some incredible numbers that should not be overlooked.
RayJ Dennis, Baylor Bears
Baylor has put it into another gear since the start of February. They’ve bounced back from their skid in January after their red-hot 14-2 start to the season. Senior RayJ Dennis has been a valuable piece to this young Bear’s team putting up 13 points per game on six and a half assists. Dennis and star freshman, Ja’Kobe Walter, have been huge contributors to their lethal offense this season. Scoring points will never be a problem for Baylor, the question will be if they can stop the country’s best teams on defense.
Who’s Not
Kansas State Wildcats
It has been a month to forget for the Kansas State Wildcats. Since the beginning of the month, they are 1-4, and on top of that, they came into the month on a three-game losing streak. The glaring problem for the Wildcats is their inconsistent offense. Their inability to score against good teams has been crushing over the past couple of weeks. Their March Madness hopes can be put to bed.
Oklahoma Sooners
The Sooners are currently projected to be a seven or eight seed in March Madness. Losing five of their last eight games has given their tournament seeding a hit, after being a potential five seed just two weeks ago. Oklahoma has a problem with keeping up with ranked opponents. They’re 2-5 versus ranked teams this season, and they have made a living beating up on bad teams, who won’t even make the tournament. This could end up being the Sooners’ fatal flaw. Oklahoma will have two more chances this season to improve their stock before March as they have a matchup at #6 Iowa State and home versus #2 Houston.
Big 12 Top 5 Standing Prediction
Houston Cougars
They’ve been the most complete team in the conference all season. Their recent win against the Cyclones all but seals up their regular season Big 12 title.
Iowa State Cyclones
It has been an incredible year for Iowa State, and they have a lot to look forward to this March, however, as far as the Big 12 goes, they will come up just short.
Baylor Bears
Baylor will sneak into third place by beating Kansas at home in a few weeks. They’re getting hot at the right time.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
The Red Raiders couldn’t quite keep up with their quick Big 12 start, but it will be enough to get them a middle seed in the tournament.
Kansas Jayhawks
The Jayhawks can turn their regular season around over the next couple of weeks. They have enough talent to make a run but will need to put it all together soon.