Big 12 Basketball: Who is the 2017-18 star player on each team in the conference?

Oklahoma State Cowboys – Jeffrey Carroll

17.5 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 44 3P% (59 makes)

Jeffrey Carroll is Oklahoma State’s best player by a substantial margin. The 6’6″ wing had a breakout junior season where he established himself as a legitimate NBA prospect with 3-and-D potential. Carroll more than doubled his points per game (8.2 to 17.5) and significantly improved his 3-point shooting (33% to 44%) from his sophomore season.

Carroll is on the short list for Big 12 Player of the Year candidates, but Oklahoma State’s projected struggles could keep him from winning the award. The Cowboys are projected to finish at the bottom of the conference since they have a first-year head coach, Mike Boynton, and lost three of their top four scorers from last season. Their biggest loss was star point guard Jawun Evans, who entered the NBA Draft after his sophomore season.

Evans was an elite college point guard who took pressure off Carroll and created open looks. It will be interesting to see how Carroll adjusts to more defensive focus and more offensive responsibility, but expect the talented wing to put up huge numbers. While his efficiency could decrease, Carroll could easily eclipse 20 ppg. If Oklahoma State is going to be competitive in the Big 12, they need a monster year from the talented senior.