Player of the Week
Hunter Dickinson, Kansas Jayhawks
5th year senior Hunter Dickinson is continuing his domination from last season with the Jayhawks. In this weeks games against #9 UNC and Michigan State he averaged 11 rebounds and 25 points. He is simply a double-double machine. The veteran has also led Kansas to a 3-0 start despite their challenging start to the season. The hawks have risen to the occasion after a disappointing tournament run last year. They will go as far as Hunter Dickinson takes them, and that could very well end up in San Antonio at the Final Four.
Who’s Hot
Tobe Awaka, Arizona Wildcats
After taking a bench role over the past two seasons, Tobe Awaka is ready to contribute to the Wildcats in a major way. The Junior from New York put up 18 points on 15 boards in a blowout victory over Old Dominion. It looks like the forward has found his role on a Wildcats team longing for a National Championship run. It will be interesting to see if Awaka can keep up his play when conference play starts in a couple of weeks.
Mike Sharavjamts, Utah Utes
The do-it-all guard from Mongolia has been lighting up the stat sheet to start his 2024-25 campaign. On Tuesday night against Queen’s University he put up 19 points on 7 boards and 3 assists. That’s coming just after a performance where he had 8 rebounds and boards. It’s only a matter of time before Sharavjamts gets a triple-double, I would be surprised if he didn’t get one with the start he’s having. If the junior can keep up his stellar shooting and playmaking, who knows how far he can take the Utes?
UCF Knights
The Knights have gotten back on track after a subpar 2023-24 season. Their victory on opening night against #13 Texas A&M turned some heads. Then on Tuesday night they defeated FAU, who is no walk in the park. They are led by a trio of guards in Jordan Ivy-Curry, Darius Johnson, and Keyshawn Hall. The Knights will be a fun team to watch this season.
Who’s Not
Houston Cougars
The Cougars fell to #11 Auburn this week in a close one that ended 74-69. Coming into the season ranked #4 makes the expectations high for the Big 12 regular season champs from last season. The Cougars have loads of talent, so it’s only a matter of time until they get back on track. They’re sure to be a title contender down the stretch. Houston is led by returning seniors Emanuel Sharp and LJ Cryer.
Top 5 Names in the Big 12
Jazz Henderson, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Poopha Warakulnukroh, UCF Knights
Luke Champion, Arizona Wildcats
Jizzle James, Cincinnati Bearcats
JT Rock, Iowa State Cyclones