Jeff Withey named to preseason all-Big 12; Elijah Johnson honorable mention

By Staff Reports Oct 4, 2012

Nick Krug

Kansas center Jeff Withey pumps his fist after a Jayhawk bucket to end the half against Ohio State during the first half on Saturday, March 31, 2012 at the Superdome.

Kansas senior center Jeff Withey was a unanimous selection to the preseason all-Big 12 team, the conference announced Thursday.

Withey, a 7-foot center from San Diego, was the Big 12 defensive player of the year last season and set a Big 12 record with 140 blocks a year ago.

“This is a great honor,” Withey said. “We have a lot of guys on this team that could have easily been in that category. The Big 12 is one of the best conferences in the nation. It is only preseason and hopefully I will be in the same position at the end of the year.”

Also, KU senior guard Elijah Johnson was named all-Big 12 honorable mention.

2012-13 Preseason All-Big 12 Team

Pierre Jackson, Baylor

Jeff Withey, Kansas

Rodney McGruder, Kansas State

Le’Bryan Nash, Oklahoma State

Myck Kabongo, Texas

Honorable Mention (listed alphabetically by school):

Isaiah Austin, Baylor; Elijah Johnson, Kansas; Romero Osby and Steven Pledger, Oklahoma; Marcus Smart, Oklahoma State; Sheldon McClellan, Texas.

Preseason Player of the Year

Pierre Jackson, Baylor

Preseason Newcomer of the Year