With just a handful of games left in the conference season, it’s time to look at our predictions for the Big 12 Postseason Awards.
Player of the Year: Buddy Hield, Oklahoma Sooners
Come on, you didn’t expect anything different did you? Hield has been the most dominant player in the country, let alone the conference. He leads the Big 12 in scoring and has plenty of “POY moments” to go along with the Sooners competing for the conference title. ‘Nuff said.
Coach of the Year: Lon Kruger, Oklahoma Sooners
Sure, the Sooners were expected to compete for the league title, but Kruger is due to finally get recognized for his brilliance. The coaches in this conference shafted him back in 2014–though the AP did name him Big 12 Coach of the Year, that season–and it’s about time to make up for past mistakes.
Defensive Player of the Year: Jameel McKay, Iowa State Cyclones
This is perhaps the toughest award to name because McKay has dealt with injury and suspension issues at ISU, but he’s top five in blocked shots and rebounds, anchoring the Cyclones defense when he’s healthy. In reality, it’s hard to imagine McKay getting this award with his disciplinary issues, but he’s the best defender in the conference for my money.
Most Improved Player: Jaysean Paige, West Virginia Mountaineers
One season ago, Paige was only on the floor 13.3 minutes per game, scoring 5.6 points per game in those minutes. This season, he’s one of the country’s most explosive scorers, dropping 14.2 points per game in just 21.4 minutes per. That’s a 26.5 points per 40 minutes average. I know his minutes are low, but he and Kansas State’s Wesley Iwundu have to be leading for this award, in my eyes.
Freshman of the Year: Juwan Evans, Oklahoma State Cowboys
Most national folks first took notice of Evans when he put 42 points on rival Oklahoma, but forget that he was a borderline five-star prospect a year ago known for his ability to, quite frankly, get buckets. In a year of disappointing freshmen in the Big 12, Evans stands out.
