University of Oklahoma senior guard Buddy Hield has been named the Big 12 preseason Player of the Year. The awards are chosen by the Big 12’s head coaches, who are not allowed to vote for their own student-athletes.
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As a junior, Martin received honorable mention All-America honors after helping the Cowgirls to their third consecutive NCAA Championship appearance.
Ellis, a unanimous selection, is one of four 2015 All-Big 12 First Team selections named to the all-conference preseason team. Martin is a senior and was All-Big 12 first team last season.
Buddy Hield of Oklahoma was named preseason player of the year.
Iowa State’s Deonte Burton is the Preseason Newcomer of the Year, with Cheick Diallo being recognized as the Preseason Freshman of the Year.
Big 12 fans know the other three seniors as well, including Baylor’s Rico Gathers, Iowa State’s Georges Niang, and the most fashionable man in the conference – Kansas’ Perry Ellis.
Ortiz is a sophomore and was selected Big 12 Freshman of the Year last season.
Burton, a transfer from Marquette, will be eligible at the end of the first semester after being named to his league’s all-rookie team in 2013-14.
With Davis and Johnson’s selection to the Preseason All-Big 12 team, Baylor has now had five duos honored; 2001-02 – Sheila Lambert & Danielle Crockrom, 2010-11 – Brittney Griner & Melissa Jones, 2011-12 & 2012-13 – Brittney Griner & Odyssey Sims, 20115-15 – Nina Davis & Niya Johnson.
A native of Racine, Wis., Ortiz earned Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors a year ago. Carter scored in double-figures 10 times against Big 12 opponents during the 2014-15 season, while Williams led the conference in field-goal percentage (.596) en route to a 12.2 scoring average.
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Higgs was a star the past four years at Cedar Ridge. A Big 12 Women’s Basketball Preview Show will be televised on FOX Sports affiliates prior to the beginning of regular season games.
