Ben McLemore named Big 12 rookie of the week

By Staff Reports Dec 24, 2012

Nick Krug

Kansas guard Ben McLemore extends all his limbs as he defends against an inbound pass from Ohio State forward Sam Thompson during the first half on Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012 at Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio.

Kansas University freshman guard Ben McLemore on Monday was named Big 12 rookie of the week, the conference office announced.

McLemore, a 6-5 red-shirt from St. Louis, averaged 18.0 points and 6.5 rebounds as the Jayhawks defeated Richmond (87-59) and won at then-No. 7 Ohio State (74-66).

He opened with 14 points off 5-of-9 shooting versus the Spiders and added seven rebounds. He scored 22 points and grabbed six rebounds in KU’s win in Columbus, Ohio. He shot 50 percent (13-of-26) for the week, including 55.6 percent (5-of-9) from three-point range.

McLemore, who was honored by the league for the first time, leads KU and all Big 12 freshmen in scoring at 16.5 points per game, including four 20-point performances. His 16.5 ppg ranks second overall in the conference.

This marks the 23rd time in the 17-year history of the Big 12 that a Kansas player has been named Big 12 Rookie of the Week. Rookie of the week recognition goes to first-year players in the conference.

Kansas State’s Rodney McGruder was named player of the week. He scored 26 points in a win over Texas Southern and had 13 points and six rebounds in a win against Florida.