Big 12 Basketball: Top 5 rising sophomores for the conference in 2018-19

Big 12 Basketball: Top 5 rising sophomores for 2018-19

LUBBOCK, TX - FEBRUARY 07: Jarrett Culver #23 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders brings the ball up court against Lindell Wigginton #5 of the Iowa State Cyclones during the game on February 7, 2018 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Iowa State 76-58. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

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LUBBOCK, TX – FEBRUARY 07: Culver #23 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders brings the ball up court against Wigginton #5 of the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

There were several elite freshmen playing for Big 12 basketball last season. However, with many now in the NBA, who are the best returning sophomores?

2017-18 was a special season for freshmen in Big 12 basketball. Throughout the year, highlights followed some of the top players in the conference for their ridiculous shooting displays, dunks, or blocks. Most notably, Oklahoma’s Trae Young was a walking headline last season. It seemed as though every single one of his moves was analyzed and monitored throughout the year. Despite how your opinion may have been swayed on him considering the amount of national attention he received, you cannot deny how electric he was. However, the No. 5 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft was not the only impact freshman in the Big 12.

In fact, he was not even the only Big 12 freshman to be drafted in the first round of the NBA Draft. Just after Young at the No. 6 spot, Texas’ Mohamed Bamba was selected. One of the most intriguing players in the country this past season, Bamba was extremely fun to watch due to his ability to change any game without touching the ball. His mere presence in the paint as a shot-blocker forced teams to change their gameplan. Lastly, Texas Tech’s Zhaire Smith was also picked in the first round. One of the top athletes nationwide, Smith put on an air show in his time with the Red Raiders. His impact was felt throughout the year as Texas Tech had a big season.

These three were clearly at the top of the list for best freshmen in the conference but they are all in the NBA now. That means that the other first-year players from last year are now ready for their breakout seasons across the conference. So, without further ado, here is my list of the top-5 rising sophomores in the Big 12 heading into 2018-19.

Others under consideration include (but not limited to): Mark Vital (Baylor), Brady Manek (Oklahoma), and Cartier Diara (Kansas State).

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