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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9. Sagaba Konate, West Virginia

West Virginia Mountaineers power forward Sagaba Konate is listed at just 6-foot-8 in the media guide, but he certainly plays much bigger than that. The rising junior put up career numbers in the blocks department for the Mountaineers in 2017-18. As they look to return to the NCAA Tournament, they’ll lean heavily on Konate to anchor the defense in the paint.

Konate produced 10.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per contest as a full-time starter in the rotation. Through 36 appearances, he racked up 116 blocks, finishing first in the Big 12 and second in the NCAA ranks. He nearly recorded double figures in blocks against Baylor back on Feb. 20, finishing with nine in a 71-60 victory.

Konate recorded at least one block in all but two games last season for West Virginia. He flirted with the NBA but returned for another season of college basketball. After acting as a defensive anchor during his sophomore year, he should have a bigger role in 2018-19.

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