Big 12 Basketball: Ranking of top 20 overall players since 2000

7. Johnathan Motley – F Baylor (2014-2017)

Career Stats (3 seasons): 12 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 51% FG

The key with Motley was about progression and how a lowly-rated player from Houston was able to become an All-American. Motley started out with the Bears after Baylor has had some success. However, Motley led them to heights Baylor has never gotten to before.

Starting every game as a freshman, Motley finished with a solid 7.7 PPG, to go along with 4.2 rebounds and shooting 43% from the field. Obviously still raw, Motley would make a jump in the right direction as a sophomore.

Switching numbers from #35 to #5 in the process, Motley would get 11.1 PPG, to go along with a much improved 62% from two-point range. Motley was the biggest thorn to the side of Iowa State. The Sophomore combined for 54 points in the two meetings as Baylor got the better of Iowa state both times.

Motley made the biggest noise in his junior season when he led the Bears to a #1 ranking in the AP Poll. It was the first time in school history, Baylor had gotten that high. Baylor would finish in the Sweet 16 that year and ride a 14 game winning streak to begin the season.

Motley’s role was expanded and he was relentless on both ends of the floor. He averaged over 17 points and almost 10 rebounds per game. Motley would rack up the awards for leading the Bears to a 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament and his outstanding individual performance.

Motley would receive All-Big 12 First Team, 2nd Team All-American, and won the Karl Malone Award, for the best Power Forward in College Basketball.

Motley’s tenacity and intensity on the glass kept him a notable name and would eventually land with the Dallas Mavericks. He would then, get traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, where he spends his time now in the D-League.