Before the Big 12 begins conference play, we'll break down the best of each class Monday through Thursday then reveal our All Preconference First and Second teams on Friday. Come back each day to see who the best going into Big 12 play are.
FRESHMAN OF THE PRECONFERENCE: Thomas Gipson, Forward, Kansas St. Wildcats
Gipson didn't come into the league as the most heralded freshman, but he's put together a resume that exceeds those of all his peers. Ranking in the top 4 amongst Big 12 rookies in scoring and first in rebounding per game, Gipson is unexpectedly helping to carry a veteran 10-1 K-State team.
Jordan Tolbert, Forward, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Tolbert is first amongst conference freshmen in scoring, contributing 14.7 points per game, good for the team-lead and placing him 7th overall in conference. While playing for a team averaging a lowly 67.8 points per game, the 6-7 Tolbert has excelled offensively, shooting 62.4% from the field (3rd best in conference) and 75.6% from the line (16th). Besides leading the team in scoring, he is also first in rebounds per game (6.5 rpg, also good for 8th in conference) despite only seeing the 5th most minutes per game on the team.
Myck Kabongo, Guard, Texas Longhorns
Kabongo is another in a long line of star Longhorn point guards. While only 12 games into his rookie campaign, the 6-1 Toronto native is second in the Big 12 in assists per game at a 5.6 apg clip. He's also averaging a respectable 10.0 ppg and 3.5 rpg, while tied for sixth in the conference with 1.5 steals per game.
Le'Bryan Nash, Guard-Forward, Oklahoma St. Cowboys
Nash came in as the most celebrated Big 12 freshman, but his career got off to a shaky start scoring only 5 in his second game and going scoreless in his fifth. Since then, though, we have seen flashes of why Rivals.com ranked him as the sixth best in his high school class, averaging 15.3 since that scoreless Virginia Tech game. Nash now ranks second amongst Big 12 freshman in scoring, at 13.1 ppg while grabbing 5.1 rpg and blocking one shot every other game game.
Quincy Miller, Forward, Baylor Bears
If Nash wasn't the highest profiled incoming freshman, then Miller was. But unlike Nash, Miller came out of the shoots firing, averaging 15.2 ppg through his first five games, before spraining his ankle and missing the Prairie View A&M game, which happened to be Perry Jones' first game back. Since Jones' return, though, Miller has been relatively quiet, averaging just 7.2 ppg. It's unclear whether Miller's ankle is still giving him issues or if Miller is trying to adjust to playing alongside Jones.
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