Four Jayhawks named All-Big 12; Cole Aldrich chosen as Defensive Player of the Year

By Ljworld.Com Staff Reports     Mar 7, 2010

Nick Krug
Kansas center Cole Aldrich blocks Oklahoma forward Ryan Wright's shot during the first half, Monday, Feb. 22, 2010 at Allen Fieldhouse.

The Big 12 Conference announced Sunday the following All-Big 12 award winners for the 2010 season:

• Coach of the Year: Frank Martin, Kansas State

Martin led Kansas State to an 11-5 record in the Big 12 and a 24-6 mark overall. The Wildcats finished in a three-way tie for second place in the conference. The coach has improved his team’s overall record in each of his three seasons.


• Newcomer of the Year: Ekpe Udoh, Baylor

Udoh, a transfer from Michigan, anchored a Baylor team that went 11-5 in conference play. The 6-foot-10 junior forward averaged 13.4 points per game, 9.8 rebounds per game and a league-best 4.1 blocks per game.


• Sixth Man of the Year: Jamar Samuels, Kansas State

Samuels provided Kansas State with rebounding and scoring boosts off the bench in 2010. The 6-foot-7 sophomore forward logged nearly one point every two minutes and 5.2 rebounds per game. Samuels scored 11 points on 4-for-4 shooting in 20 minutes against Kansas in January.


• Freshman of the Year: Alec Burks, Colorado

Burks carried a huge portion of Colorado’s offensive load as a freshman. The Grandview, Mo., native played 30 minutes per game, scored 15.6 points per game and made 53.6 percent of his field goal attempts. Burks was the Buffs’ second-best per-game rebounder and scorer in 2010.


• Defensive Player of the Year: Cole Aldrich, Kansas

Aldrich finished the season ranked second in the Big 12 in blocks and second in defensive rebounds. The 6-foot-11 center blocked 13.2 percent of KU opponents’ shot attempts and collected 9.7 rebounds per game. Despite his aggressive play, the Minnesota native was whistled for just 2.5 fouls per game, 24th most in the conference.


• Player of the Year: James Anderson, Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State wing Anderson posted the Big 12’s best offensive numbers in 2010. He made (and attempted) more field goals than any other player and averaged a league-high 22.8 points per game. The 6-foot-6 junior also corralled 5.9 rebounds per contest.


• All-Rookie Team:

Ekpe Udoh, Baylor

Alec Burks, Colorado

Xavier Henry, KU

Tommy Mason-Griffin, Oklahoma

Avery Bradley, Texas


• All-Defensive Team:

Ekpe Udoh, Baylor

Cole Aldrich, KU

Jacob Pullen, Kansas State

J.T Tiller, Missouri

Dogus Balbay, Texas

Bryan Davis, Texas A&M


All-Big 12 First Team:

Cole Aldrich, KU

Sherron Collins, KU

Jacob Pullen, Kansas State

James Anderson, Oklahoma State

Damion James, Texas

Donald Sloan, Texas A&M


All-Big 12 Second Team:

LaceDarius Dunn, Baylor

Ekpe Udoh,, Baylor

Craig Brackins, Iowa State

Marcus Morris, KU

Denis Clemente, Kansas State


All-Big 12 Third Team:

Tweety Carter, Baylor

Cory Higgins, Colorado

Kim English, Missouri

Tommy Mason-Griffin, Oklahoma

Bryan Davis, Texas A&M


All-Big 12 Honorable Mention:

Alec Burks, Colorado

Marquis Gilstrap, Iowa State

Xavier Henry, KU

Zaire Taylor, Missouri

Willie Warren, Oklahoma

Obi Muonelo, Oklahoma State

Avery Bradley, Texas

John Roberson, Texas Tech

Mike Singletary, Texas Tech

Selections are made by the league’s 12 head coaches, who are not permitted to vote for their own players.

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