Five players to watch
E G LaceDarius Dunn, Baylor, 6-feet-4, Sr.: Some say he’s just a spot-up shooter (Big 12-best 23.4 ppg), but he’s also fourth in steals (2.0).
G Josh Selby, Kansas, 6-2, Fr.: Made immediate impact after coming off nine-game NCAA suspension for accepting benefits.
G Cory Higgins, Colorado, 6-5, Sr.: Preseason all-Big 12 by coaches. Contributes in more ways than teammate Alec Burks.
F Marcus Morris, Kansas, 6-9, Jr.: Nobody in the nation is better at doing the blue-collar work along baseline.
F Jordan Hamilton, Texas, 6-7, So.: Averaged just 10 points as freshman but off to breakout season (19.6).
Five newcomers to watch
E G Josh Selby, Kansas, 6-2, Fr.: Internet recruiting site rated Baltimore native tops among last year’s high school seniors.
G Cory Joseph, Texas, 6-3, Fr.: McDonald’s All-American has spectacular hops and a repertoire of scoring moves.
F Tristan Thompson, Texas, 6-8, Fr.: Averaged 19.5 points and 12 rebounds in a recent two-game span. High school teammate of Joseph.
F Perry Jones III, Baylor, 6-11, Fr.: Top-10 blue-chipper must gain strength but already is eighth among Big 12 rebounders (7.5).
F Melvin Ejim, Iowa State, 6-6, Fr.: Among top Big 12 freshmen in scoring (12.7) and rebounding (7.2).
Five key games
Today: Connecticut at Texas: Big nonconference test for a relatively young Longhorns squad and for Big 12.
Jan. 17: Kansas at Baylor: Host Bears have enough talent and athleticism to match up with anybody in the league.
Jan. 31: Texas at Texas A&M: Mark Turgeon’s Aggies will be out to make a statement.
Feb. 14: Kansas at Kansas State: Don’t look for a Valentine’s Day massacre from either team; could come down to last shot.
March 5: Kansas at Missouri: Could determine the top seed for Big 12 Tournament.
