Big 12 Basketball: 3 bold predictions for the 2019-20 season

2) Devon Dotson wins Big 12 Player of the Year and is an All-American

As good as I think Ramsey will be, Devon Dotson will be the unequivocal top star in the conference. Heck, I think he’ll become one of the biggest stars in the sport as he builds on what he did over the final month of last season.

Dotson emerged as KU’s No. 2 option behind Dedric Lawson down the stretch, averaging 14.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game in February and March. Yet it was his ability to control the game, compete defensively, and create for others that allowed him to stand out. In fact, he stood out so much that he was considered a borderline first-round pick in the NBA Draft before opting to return to school in the final hour.

What NBA scouts wanted Dotson to work on – his three-point shooting – was the only real weakness in his game. He only shot 36.3 percent from distance a year ago and, considering his relative lack of size at 6-2, improving that will open up the rest of his game.

And the rest of Dotson’s game is already pretty good. He’s quick, smooth, makes good decisions, and is incredible finishing around the rim. He showed flashes of his immense potential but, as a freshman, wasn’t ready to consistently play at the elevated level he needed to be at in order to carry a team.

Dotson is ready for that role now, and we’ve seen Bill Self’s ability get several point guards ready – Tyshawn Taylor, Frank Mason, and Devonte’ Graham in recent memory – to handle featured roles. The former McDonald’s All-American has the skill set necessary to make an impact and is being given the keys to the car. If he becomes a more consistent three-point shooter, he could be unguardable and one of the most dangerous players in the country.