Big 12 Basketball: Ranking of top 20 overall players since 2000
By Andrew Tineo
10. Udoka Azubuike – C Kansas (2016-2020)
Career Stats (4 seasons): 12.3 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 2 BPG, 74% FG
Similar to the jokes of Perry Ellis and Frank Mason III, it seemed like Azubuike played in college for seven seasons. However, he used up his final season just last year and was he ever a massive impact.
The 7’0 from Nigeria might have been the most consistent, effective shooter, over the span of four seasons that has ever been seen in the conference. His 74% career field goal percentage would indicate how automatic he was from near the rim.
Azubuike was a menace on the glass as well, notably his senior year, where he averaged a double-double. He finished his career as the most efficient shooter in all of College Basketball history
Although the ending of his career did not go how he planned it to be, with COVID-19 interfering with his last chance at a national championship, he will go down in history as the most efficient shooter in CBB.
Azubuike would take a majority of the awards, including NABC Defensive Player of the Year, Big 12 Player of the Year, and a 2nd Team All-American.
From a legacy perspective, Azubuike rarely attempted a shot past 15 feet and never lead Kansas to a deep tournament run. However, his uniqueness and shot-blocking ability makes him one of the ten best players to come through the Big 12.