Big 12 Basketball: 2022 Conference Tournament preview and predictions
By Tuck Clarry
Players to watch
Ochai Agbaji, Kansas
19.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists
While it’s unfair to discredit Agbaji’s supporting cast, especially junior Christian Braun, the leap the fourth-year player made was essential for the Jayhawks to win the regular-season title and fight for a top seed in their tournament region. He’s grown into his frame as a shooting guard and has incrementally increased his attempts while improving his field goal percentage to a career-high 47%.
He’s cemented himself as lottery prospect and in the discussion for first-team All-American. Kansas’ hopes for a national championship is on the ability for Agbaji to score and control the game.
Izaiah Brockington, Iowa State
17.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists
After a disappointing 2-22 season, Iowa State brought in TJ Otzelberger, who overhauled the Cyclones roster by bringing in high-level transfers like Brockington. The senior guard led the conference in shot attempt percentage and was second in possessions while averaging an effective field goal of 48.9%.
Brockington had 10 games of scoring 20 points or more and was a large reason for the team going undefeated in nonconference. He’s also been the reason the Cyclones get back to the tournament.
Kendall Brown and Jeremy Sochan, Baylor
10.1 points, 5 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 8.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.7 assist
The two freshmen for Baylor have been massive as the team looked for secondary scoring after losing Macio Teague and Davion Mitchell and glue rebounder Mark Vital after the championship. Brown has provided the offense with an effective field goal percentage of 62.9% and Sochan has been one of the most natural gifted rebound chasers averaging nearly seven boards in just 24 minutes per game.
But what puts them both on this list is how they impact Baylor after losing Tchamwa Tchatchua for the remainder of the way. Baylor still has the personnel to go deep once again. James Akinjo is worthy of being listed here and he’ll certainly be the point of attack.
But for Drew’s team to go deep they’ll need to play small and ask Sochan and Brown to help in the post. Both are capable and could have a conference and national tournament run that puts them in the NBA lottery discussion.