K-State’s Williams, KU’s Alexander honored by Big 12

Big 12

Three forwards – Rico Gathers (Baylor), Nino Williams (Kansas State) and Cliff Alexander (Kansas) – are the latest recipients of the Phillips 66 Big 12 Player and Newcomer of the Week honors. Gathers and Alexander are recognized for the first time, while Williams earns accolades for the second time this season.

BIG 12 PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Rico Gathers, Baylor, F, Jr., 6-8, 280, LaPlace, La./Riverside Academy
Gathers averaged a double-double with 16.5 points and 18.0 rebounds per game as the Bears recorded wins over Huston-Tillotson and No. 19 Oklahoma. The junior forward began the week by setting a Big 12 and Baylor single-game record with 28 rebounds versus HTU, the first Division I player since 2006 with that many boards in a game. He also had a career-high 25 points, becoming the first player in league history to post a 25-point, 25-rebound effort. Against Oklahoma, Gathers scored all eight of his points in the final 5:02 as part of BU’s 23-9 run that secured the win. He made 13-of-24 (.542) shots for the week and 7-of-10 (.700) from the line.

Nino Williams, Kansas State, F, Sr., 6-5, 220, St. Louis, Mo./Leavenworth [Kan.]
Williams led K-State in scoring in both games as the Wildcats split two contests. The senior forward had back-to-back 20-point outings for the first time in his career, starting with a career-best 22 points in a loss at No. 9 Iowa State. He then posted a team-high 20 points in a victory over Oklahoma State. Williams shot 69.2 percent (18-of-26) from the floor on the week, averaging 7.5 rebounds with four assists and three steals. He has scored in double figures in nine of his last 14 outings.

BIG 12 NEWCOMER OF THE WEEK
Cliff Alexander, Kansas, F, Fr., 6-8, 240, Chicago, Ill./Curie
Alexander led Kansas to two victories over top 25 foes as the Jayhawks defeated Oklahoma and won at No. 17 Texas. The freshman forward averaged 14.0 points and 11.0 rebounds while shooting 55.6 percent (10-of-18) from the field. He had his second double-double of the year versus OU, finishing with 13 points and a career-best 13 boards. He had a team-high 15 points at UT, while grabbing nine rebounds. It marks the first time in 2014-15 that Alexander has scored in double digits in consecutive contests.