Player of the Year

■ Jeff Withey, Kansas

Withey was the league’s most disruptive player on defense last season. If he can show improvements to his offensive arsenal, the Jayhawks could make another trip to the Final Four.

Newcomer of the Year

■ Marcus Smart, Oklahoma State

What makes Smart special, Oklahoma State coach Travis Ford says, is his ability to change the game in a seemingly unending amount of ways.

All-Big 12 Team

■ Le’Bryan Nash, guard, Oklahoma State

Nash had an up-and-down freshman season in Stillwater, but coaches have praised his work ethic. When he’s on, Nash is one of the league’s most explosive offensive players.

■ Pierre Jackson, guard, Baylor

Jackson was Baylor’s leading scorer last season, his first in Waco. He may have to repeat the feat with the Bears losing three players from last year’s team to the NBA.

■ Rodney McGruder, guard, Kansas State

McGruder led the Wildcats in just about every major offensive category last season. Can he continue to thrive in a new offense under first-year coach Bruce Weber?

■ Amath M’Baye, forward, Oklahoma

M’Baye, a native of France, sat out last season after transferring from Wyoming. He spent his redshirt season in Norman improving his perimeter game.

■ Jordan Tolbert, forward, Texas Tech

Tolbert was forced to carry the load as a freshman due to Texas Tech’s lack of talent. With less pressure to be a go-to guy, he could thrive in Chris Walker’s new up-tempo offense.

■ Deniz Kilicli, forward, West Virginia

As the Mountaineers’ top returning scorer from a season ago, Kilicli will be asked to shoulder a heavy offensive load as West Virginia acclimates to its first season in the Big 12.

Compiled by Nick Kosmider