Player of the Week
Egor Demin, BYU Cougars
The freshman from Moscow, Russia couldn’t have drawn up a better start to his college career in Tuesday night’s season opener against Central Arkansas. In his first game, Demin notched a double-double, racking up 18 points along with 11 assists, reminding some scouts of Toni Kukoc with his smoothness and great vision and passing for his size. With 12 of those points coming from beyond the arc. The versatile forward also performed well on the other side of the ball, recording four steals. Demin showed that he can be a key asset for BYU this season with his combination of scoring, passing, and court vision. He’s a freshman that everyone should keep their eye on with lottery potential.
Who’s Hot
JT Toppin, Texas Tech
Red Raiders New Mexico transfer JT Toppin made an instant impact with his new team in a 94-61 win over Bethune-Cookman on Tuesday. Not only did Toppin put up 19 points, he did so by going 8 for 12 from the field. The projected first round forward brought some life into a Texas tech defense that needed it, racking up four blocks and two steals. JT Toppin could be the missing piece that the Red Raiders need to make a run in the loaded Big 12.
David N'Guessan, Kansas State
Wildcats It’s not everyday where you see a guard put up a 15 rebound performance, but that’s exactly what Wildcats Senior David N’Guessan did on Tuesday. The kid from the Netherlands is looking for his breakout year after averaging eight points on seven rebounds last season. His 21 points and 15 rebounds were both career highs. N’Guessan’s 6-foot-9 stature puts him amongst the tallest guards in college basketball. His senior campaign is off to a great start.
Darius Johnson, UCF Knights Senior
Darius Johnson is no stranger to the spotlight, averaging over 20 minutes per game since his freshman season back in 2021-22. He put up 24 points on five assists and three boards. He also kept up his impressive defensive performance from past seasons, notching three steals. The guard played a huge role in the Knights upset victory against #13 Texas A&M on Monday, maybe they can catch lightning in a bottle through their veteran leaders.
Who’s Not
Baylor Bears Scott Drew and the Baylor Bears had a tough start on the road against #6 Gonzaga on Monday night in their 101-63 loss. Losing stars like Ja’Kobe Walter and Yves Missi may prove to be more difficult than the Bears once thought. Players like Langston Love, Josh Ojianwuna, and Norchad Omier will need to step up if they want to keep pace with the loaded Big 12.
Big 12 Regular Season Standings Prediction (Top 5)
1. Kansas Jayhawks
Bill Self is out for revenge after a disappointing tournament run last season. Kansas appears to be reloaded and fully stocked with talent for a long run this season.
2. Iowa State Cyclones
The most improved team over the past three seasons has solidified themselves as one of the conference’s powerhouses.
3. Baylor Bears
Going to be an interesting combination of transfers, young guns, and returning players for the Bears, but they have too much talent to not put it all together and crack the top 3.
4. Houston Cougars
LJ Cryer, J’Wan Roberts and Emanuel Sharp all returning should prime the Cougars for a deep March Madness run.
5. Kansas State
The Wildcats have eight transfers this season under coach Jerome Tang. I think he’s a talented coach who can lead the Wildcats to a successful season in a difficult conference.