Rush The Court

Patrick Sellars is the RTC correspondent for the Big 12 Conference.

Power Rankings:

1. Kansas (3-0)
2. Texas (3-0)
3. Kansas State (4-1)
4. Oklahoma (2-1)
5. Missouri (2-0)
6. Texas A&M (3-0)
7. Iowa State (4-0)
8. Oklahoma State (3-0)
9. Texas Tech (5-0)
10. Baylor (4-0)
11. Colorado (3-1)
12. Nebraska (2-1)

Team of the Week: Texas Tech Red Raiders – TTU got a big home win over an Oregon State team that many experts think have a chance at the postseason in a weak Pac-10. Junior guard David Tairu had 19 points in the victory.

Player of the Week: James Anderson (G), Oklahoma State – Anderson is already averaging 25 points and 11 rebounds per game. If he can somehow keep those stats going for the whole season he may be the frontrunner for Big 12 Player of the Year when it’s all said and done.

Top Stories

• #1 Kansas Squeaks by Memphis.  The #1 Jayhawks narrowly escaped their first loss against the unranked Memphis Tigers, and while KU didn’t play very well I think this game showed us just how good the Kansas defense can be, holding Memphis to an abysmal 34.5% field goal percentage. However, because this game was on a neutral court, it makes you wonder if Kansas can handle top competition when away from home.
• Mike Anderson Lands Big Recruit.  The Tigers just signed 6’8’’ small forward Tony Mitchell, a five-star recruit according to Rivals. This is the exclamation point on a tremendous class that Anderson is bringing to Columbia (ranked 14^th by ESPN).
• Jeff Capel’s Team Upset at His Old School.  Oklahoma lost on the road to mid-major powerhouse VCU 82-69. Willie Warren may have had his worst performance in a Sooners uniform: 3 of 14 shooting, 0 for 8 behind the arc, 6 turnovers, and just 8 points. If OU is trying to hang with Kansas and Texas they need a much better performance from their star guard.
• CU Rising?  Colorado looks like they have taken a huge step in the right direction this season as the Buffs had a great performance against Gonzaga in the Maui Invitational. It will be interesting to see how Cory Higgins and his team performs against the Arizona/Wisconsin loser on Tuesday.
• Iowa State As Well?  Iowa State looks like they are motivated to make the NCAA tournament this season behind junior forward Craig Brackins and freshman forward Marquis Gilstrap. The two are combining for 31.5 points and 17 rebounds through four games.

Games to Watch this “Feast Week”-

• O’Reilly Auto Parts CBE Classic Final 11/24 – Texas vs. Pittsburgh tonight should be an epic battle of coaching wits between Barnes and Dixon.
• Texas A&M vs. Clemson 11/26 – Undefeated A&M plays Clemson, a team that many are calling the most underrated in the ACC.
• Missouri vs. Old Dominion 11/26 – Old Dominion is a very good mid-major opponent, and this has potential to be another win for the CAA over the Big 12.
• Colorado in the rest of the Maui Invitational 11/24 and 11/25 – The Buffaloes played great against Gonzaga, even if it was in a loss. Cory Higgins is a talent that every Big 12 team wishes it had in their starting lineup.