All of the Big 12 (minus Texas) breathed a sigh of relief at the end of last season when freshman terror Kevin Durant bolted to the NBA.  Little did they know that a new phenom up in Manhattan was going to be terrorizing the league this season à la Durant.  You’ll find that phenom – plus four other players quick out of the gates – on the Big 12 All-November team.

 

Guard – D.J. Augustin – Texas – SO

17.7ppg, 6.6apg, 2.1spg

Best game – Nov 23^rd – New Mexico St – 25 points, 10 assists, 4 steals

 

No Durant, no problem.  The Longhorns are Augustin’s team now and he hasn’t disappointed, leading them to victories over #7 Tennessee and #1 UCLA.  He’s also been unconscious from downtown, hitting 18 of 36 for three.  Now, about those turnovers (4.3 per game)?

 

Guard – Mario Chalmers – Kansas – JR

13.3ppg, 4.6apg, 2.3spg

Best game – Nov 11^th – UMKC – 23 points, 6 assists, 4 steals

 

The defensive stud has led the deep Jayhawks to a perfect start, including dropping 20 points on ranked USC.  Add his 48% from long range to his tenacious D and you’ve got yourself a handful.

 

Guard/Forward – James Anderson – Oklahoma St – FR

19.7ppg, 1.5spg, 16/36 3pts

Best game – Nov 9^th – Prairie View A&M – 29 points, 5 assists, 4 boards

 

Anderson is letting it be known that there is more than one standout freshman residing in the Big 12 this season.  He currently leads the Cowboys in scoring, three’s made and is tied for the lead in blocks.  Not bad for a frosh.

 

Forward – Michael Beasley – Kansas State – FR

26.7ppg, 15.0rpg, 1.6bpg

Best game – Nov 9^th – Sacramento St – 32 points, 24 boards, 4 blocks

 

The aforementioned phenom is none other than Mr. Beasley.  While Kansas State hasn’t knocked off any teams of significance yet, Beasley has been a nightmare to opponents.  Just look at his averages – ridiculous.

 

Center – Aleks Maric – Nebraska – SR

16.2ppg, 9.0rpg, 2.3bpg

Best game – Nov 17^th – Alabama A&M – 21 points, 16 boards, 4 blocks, 4 steals

 

It’s hard for a guy measuring in at 6’11” 270lbs to fly under the radar, but Maric does.  One of the top players in the Big 12, he’s really picked up his D numbers so far, tripling his steals average from last season and doubling his blocks per game.  Can he keep it up?

 

- Big East coming tomorrow -