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

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AMES, IA – FEBRUARY 13: Nick Weiler-Babb #1 of the Iowa State Cyclones drives the ball as Devonte’ Graham #4 of the Kansas Jayhawks defends in the first half of play at Hilton Coliseum on February 13, 2018 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

3. Nick Weiler-Babb, Iowa State

The Arkansas transfer only played in 22 games (20 starts) for the Cyclones last season due to knee and back injuries but was arguably the most all-around productive player in the conference when healthy, averaging 11.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game. In fact, he was the only player in the country to reach those marks.

Sophomore guard Lindell Wigginton took over in Weiler-Babb’s absence down the stretch and is expected to be one of the breakout players in the country this season, yet while Wigginton is going to be their top option, Weiler-Babb might be Iowa State’s most important player.

The Cyclones went 11-9 in games in which Weiler-Babb started last season compared to just 2-9 in games in which he did not. That’s enough to give Iowa State fans hope that a healthy senior leader will help them improve on their lackluster record from a year ago.

Weiler-Babb is not the kind of player that can singlehandedly carry Iowa State to the NCAA Tournament, but his dynamic all-around game will make him one of the best players in the conference again.

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