Big 12 Basketball: Ranking of top 25 players entering 2023-24 season
By Joey Loose
24. Tamin Lipsey – Iowa State
Last season saw Lipsey play great ball as a freshman, immediately becoming the starter for the Cyclones and he’ll be even more important this upcoming year. He dazzled at times, averaging 7.3 points, 4.4 assists, and 4.0 rebounds in a freshman campaign that saw Iowa State finish 5th in the Big 12 before flaming out in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.
The only returning starter for the Cyclones, the expectations are off the charts for Lipsey for his sophomore season. He’s already emerged as a solid defensive weapon and a young leader for Iowa State and they’ll depend on him even more this year. There are a few things he still needs to work on his game, especially his long-range shooting, but he could be one of the most exciting point guards in the conference.
23. RaeQuan Battle – West Virginia
Rebuilding again through the Transfer Portal, West Virginia will have plenty of new faces this season and Battle is a name that will really bring it on both sides of the ball. Previously a bench player at Washington, he rejuvenated his game with two very good years at Montana State, averaging 17.7 points per game while winning Big Sky Tournament MVP last year.
Battle led the Bobcats to the NCAA Tournament, though the task is clearly harder in the Big 12. Still, he’s a very athletic wing who can score from all over the court. His shooting numbers all increased last season, including a 35% mark from outside the arc, and he rates as an above average defender, which will certainly be needed in this new-look rotation. How will he handle the transition from Big Sky to Big 12?
*Battle’s waiver to play this season was recently denied, though West Virginia is appealing this decision.