Big 12 Basketball: Top 10 returning players for 2018-19

LUBBOCK, TX - FEBRUARY 07: Jarrett Culver #23 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders reacts after dunking the basket during the game against the Iowa State Cyclones 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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2. Dean Wade, Kansas State

Forward Dean Wade returns as the Kansas State Wildcats leading scorer from a season ago. They certainly could have used him during the NCAA Tournament, as he missed the final five games of the season. The 6-foot-10 forward put up 16.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.5 steals per game through 33 appearances in 2017-18.

He provided a solid frontcourt threat for Kansas State as his outside shooting stretched the floor. Wade shot 44 percent from the 3-point line and 55 percent from the field during his junior season, both career-high numbers. He put up 20 points or more in at least 11 games for Kansas State last year.

Wade’s return will give the Wildcats a solid trio of scorers along with Jaylen Fisher and Bobby Brown Jr. in the backcourt. He should be one early favorite for Big 12 Player of the Year. Look for the Wildcats to challenge the Kansas Jayhawks for the Big 12 title.

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