Player of the Week
Keshon Gilbert, Iowa State Cyclones
The Cyclones continue to have stars emerge against some of the top teams in the nation. They find themselves in second place in the Big 12 after defeating #7 Kansas on Saturday. The player to rise to the occasion this weekend was Keshon Gilbert. The junior has averaged 17 points in his last four games, including 16 in the win against the Jayhawks. He’s having his best college season yet since transferring from the University of Las Vegas this year. The guard has been a productive second option for Iowa State this season and is starting to emerge as a leader of the team. If Gilbert continues to perform at such a high level, the Cyclones may be able to crack into a top 3 seed in the tournament.
Who’s Hot
TCU Horned Frogs
TCU has been red hot since their pair of losses to Cincinnati and Iowa State. They’ve had victories in their last three games, two being against Baylor and Texas Tech. The Frogs have so many ways to score with Emanuel Miller, Micah Peavy, and Jameer Nelson Jr. It looks like they’re only getting stronger as the season goes on. Expect TCU to climb up the rankings until the end of the regular season.
Chance McMillian, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Junior Chance McMillian has made a name for himself with his three-point shooting this season. The Grand Canyon University transfer is shooting 45% from three this season and is averaging four a game in his last three games. The Red Raiders are currently tied for second place in the Big 12, and they have five players averaging more than 10 ppg. Their versatility makes them a very dangerous team, and the contributions from guys like Chance McMillian could end up being huge for them.
Who’s Not
Baylor Bears
The Bears have been on a skid since their three-game win streak to start Big 12 play. Baylor has had trouble finishing in close games this past week, as they’ve lost all three by less than five points. That includes a 105-102 marathon loss to TCU. Their young team is starting to show their lack of experience in close games. They will need to find a closer if they want to turn those nail-biting losses into clutch victories.
Kansas State Wildcats
The past three games have been a test for the Wildcats with ranked matchups against Iowa State, Houston, and Oklahoma. It’s safe to say that they failed that test, going 0-3 and losing each game by double-digits. KSU has a couple of bright spots on the team in Cam Carter and Tylor Perry, but have proven time and time again that they can’t keep up with the Big 12’s powerhouses. However, they’ll have a shot to get back on the March Madness radar over the next two weeks with games against Kansas, BYU, and TCU.
Predicion of How far Big 12 Teams can go in March Madness
1. Kansas Jayhawks – National Championship
Too much veteran talent to not make it to at least the Elite 8. A fluky loss is the only thing that could stop them. They match up well against some of the teams that are better than them.
2. Houston Cougars – Final 4
All around a great team that’s led by their defense. They still need to prove that they can win the big game.
3. Iowa State Cyclones – Elite 8
Defense wins championships. The Cyclones have a special feeling to them this season. Their ability to score could be the only thing holding them back.
4. Texas Tech Red Raiders – Elite 8
The Red Raiders could make a run because of their star guard Pop Isaacs. He has a chance to make himself a March Madness legend.
5. TCU Horned Frogs – Sweet 16
The Frogs aren’t an easy team to close out. They play all 40 minutes of basketball every night. They’ll go as far as Emanuel Miller takes them.