Every year in college basketball there is a breakout player, or two that come out of nowhere to lead his team. This year will be no different in college basketball, or in the Big 12.
Here, we have compiled a list of our Top 10 Breakout Candidates-Big 12, for the 2012-13 season:
1. Cory Jefferson, Baylor Bears – When you have a roster full of talent like the Baylor Bears it’s hard enough to even get playing time. Jefferson has the ability to be much like Anthony Davis of a season ago. Jefferson is one of the best blocking big man not only in the Big 12, but also in the country. Look for Jefferson to be motivated early in the season with Scott Drew garnering talented recruits to fight for spots.
2. Melvin Ejim, Iowa State University Cyclones – The 6’6 forward from Ontario was the fourth leading scorer for Iowa State last season. Remember, this is a team that made the NCAA tournament a season ago. Ejim knows that in 2012 – 2013 he will need to step up to advance further than a season ago. Look for Ejim to be a guy that could battle for double/double type numbers and threaten as a player of the year type guy.
3. Angel Rodriguez, Kansas State Wildcats – There are a lot of questions for Kansas State, a team that returns everyone from a season ago. One of the keys to the season is 5’11 guard Angel Rodriguez. Look for Rodriguez to thrive in Bruce Weber’s offense in Manhattan. Last season as a freshman, Rodriguez scored 8.3 points and passed for 3+ assists per game. Look for both of those numbers to improve.
4. Travis Releford, Kansas Jayhawks – Each season, the Kansas Jayhawks have a stud player that can carry them to victory. While he has been quiet playing behind talented players in past seasons, this is the season Releford is the man in Lawrence. In his senior season, Releford looks to improve upon his 8.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. He will be paired with fellow seniors Jeff Withey and Elijah Johnson for the defending Big 12 champions.
5. Andrew Fitzgerald, Oklahoma Sooners – Last season the Sooners big man played 28 minutes per game. Look for Fitzgerald’s role this season with Lon Kruger’s team as an even bigger one. Fitzgerald scored just over 12 points per game, and grabbed 5 rebounds. Look for Fitzgerald to remain one of the top scorers for Oklahoma, but also be able to grab more rebounds, and be a borderline double/double guy.
6. Myck Kabongo, Texas Longorns – Kabonog, now a sophomore, spurned the 2012 NBA Draft for another season with the Longhorns. This, is huge news for Texas and head coach Rick Barnes as Kabongo has all the potential in the world to burst onto the national scene in 2012-13. The point guard was highly-touted out of high school, but had a so-so freshman season in comparison to that hype. Now, with the loss of J’Covan Brown in the back court, Kabongo has all the tools to take over this Longhorns’ squad.
7. Jaye Crockett, Texas Tech Red Raiders – The Red Raiders won just one game in conference play a season ago. Clearly in 2012 – 2013 they are going to need a leader to step up. The top choice is the 6’7, 200lbs forward out of Clovis, Minnesota. Crocket scored just shy of 10 points per game last season. Look for that to improve, as we project him to be the top scorer this season in Lubbock.
8. Deniz Kilicil, West Virginia Mountaineers – One of the new comers to the conference – Kilicil will want to make a lasting impression on his new Big 12 foes. Kilicil played in 26 minutes a season ago, and was the third leading scorer for Bobby Huggins squad. Kilicil is a 6’9 forward from Turkey, who has put up better numbers in each of his three collegiate basketball seasons.
9. Le’Bryan Nash, Oklahoma State Cowboys – Nash came in with a ton of hype, but has sizzled a bit since then. This is the season that Nash puts everything together. Oklahoma State has had a bit of a rocky off-season, so they are in dire need of a leader. Nash has to become a bigger factor, and he has faith that he will be able to do it.
10. Garlon Green, Texas Christian University Horned Frogs – Another newcomer to the conference, the folks in the Big 12 are going to quickly find out this kid can play some basketball. Green is a 6’7, 210lbs guard/forward out of Missouri City, Texas. Last season, Green was the third leading scorer, with just shy of 10 points per game. Green looks to be a leader with the two leading scorers departing.
Look for these players, and more to make the Big 12 another fantastic season in the world of hoops. We look forward to watching these players pan out, and see which ones can be true leaders for their team.
