HCS All-Big 12 Men’s Basketball Team, Defensive Team and Freshman Team
The 2022-23 Big 12 men’s basketball regular season has concluded and it’s time for Heartland College Sports to release its All-Big 12 team.
The team mirrors the way the Big 12 does its official team. There is a first, second and third teams. There is also an all-defensive team, an all-freshman team and an all-newcomer team.
The superlatives for the Big 12 as selected by HCS can be found here.
The Big 12 will release its official team closer to the Big 12 Tournament. For now, here is ours.
All-Big 12 First Team
G Markquis Nowell, Sr., Kansas State
G Adam Flagler, Sr., Baylor
G Mike Miles, Sr., TCU
F Jalen Wilson, Sr., Kansas
F Keyontae Johnson, Sr., Kansas State
Notes: I’d pit this starting five against any single team in the conference, perhaps the entire country. Nowell is one of the most dynamic point guards around. Flagler is the best 3-point shooter in the league and has a feel for big moments. Miles can also run the point, drive to the basket, draw fouls and defend. Wilson’s game improved in leaps this year and he remains the best perimeter forward in the league. Johnson, however, was right on his heels after an incredible comeback season after two years away from the game. All five were durable, too. Only Miles missed significant time, and only proved his value to TCU more during his absence.
All-Big 12 Second Team
G Gabe Kalscheur, Sr., Iowa State
G Marcus Carr, Sr., Texas
F Kalib Boone, Sr., Oklahoma State
F Kevin Obanor, Sr., Texas Tech
F Kevin McCullar, Sr., Kansas
Notes: Kalscheur showed marked improvement from last season and at times was the most explosive player on the floor for the Cyclones. Carr had more freedom to operate in a less crowded guard rotation and thrived, providing the Longhorns ballast in the wake of a mid-season coaching change. Obanor was the steadiest piece of Texas Tech’s season and with those consistent numbers came leadership and ballast in the worst of the season for the Red Raiders. Boone emerged as the Cowboys’ primary offensive threat in the paint as Moussa Cisse battled injuries during Big 12 play. McCullar moved from Texas Tech to Kansas and became Wilson’s right-hand man as the Jayhawks won another Big 12 regular-season title.
All-Big 12 Third Team
G Grant Sherfield, Sr., Oklahoma
G Damion Baugh, Sr., TCU
G Gradey Dick, Fr., Kansas
G Erik Stevenson, Sr., West Virginia
G Keyonte George, Fr., Baylor
Notes: Dick and George were the two most impactful freshman in the Big 12 and should be considered among the Top 15 players. Sherfield was the single biggest fuel behind Oklahoma’s offense and was liable to take over a game. He just didn’t get enough help around him at times. Baugh improved as a court leader and passer, while his offense saw a boost, too. Stevenson walked into Morgantown and became the Mountaineers’ leading scorer and, despite some bumps in the road with coach Bob Huggins, emerged as the team’s leader.
All-Big 12 Defensive Team
G DaJuan Harris, Jr., Kansas
G Markquis Nowell, Sr., Kansas State
G/F Kevin McCullar, Sr., Kansas
F Moussa Cisse, Jr., Oklahoma State
F Dylan Disu, Sr., Texas
Notes: Harris always drew the best perimeter defender and at times stopped point guards cold. Nowell led the Big 12 in steals most of the season. McCullar was the league’s best overall defender and one of the few that could block shots and steal balls consistently. Cisse battled injuries throughout Big 12 play, but he played enough to qualify and when he played he made an impact. Disu’s value to Texas was underrated all season. He usually drew the opponent’s best forward and was a valued shot blocker.
All-Big 12 Freshman Team
G Gradey Dick, Kansas
G Keyonte George, Baylor
G Tamin Lipsey, Iowa State
G Richard ‘Pop’ Isaacs, Texas Tech
F Dillon Mitchell, Texas
Notes: Dick and George made impacts right off the bat and all season for the Jayhawks and Bears, respectively. They’ll likely move on to the NBA after the season. Mitchell might too, as his length and athleticism is attractive to the NBA. He came off the bench as a primary threat to rebound and his offense evolved during the season. Lipsey started every game for Iowa State and he was a threat to do everything except hit the 3-pointer. Imagine when that part of his game comes around? Isaacs revealed himself to be a valued player in Big 12 play, and despite missing several games due to injury, he made an impact every time he played.
All-Big 12 Newcomer Team
G Jaren Holmes, Sr., Iowa State
G Sir’Jabari Rice, Sr., Texas
G Erik Stevenson, Sr., West Virginia
F Keyontae Johnson, Sr. Kansas State
F Osun Ossuniyi, Sr. Iowa State
Notes: Holmes and Osunniyi were integral to the Cyclones beating the No. 1 team in the country back in November. Holmes was a consistent threat all season, while Osunniyi came into his own while Aljaz Kunc was hurt in January. Rice was the Longhorns’ best offensive threat off the bench and, at times, he was better than the starters. Stevenson became the Mountaineers’ leading scorer and emotional fulcrum. As for Johnson, what else needs to be said? One year in Manhattan and he likely leaves a legend.
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.
