The 2024-2025 Allstate Big 12 will be loaded with talent, much like it is every season. But, with the transfer portal sending kids around the country, the Big 12 teams did a nice job returning their talent to campus. Here is a look at six impact players returning to the Big 12 basketball conference for the 2024-2025 season:
Six Impact Players Returning in the Big 12
Hunter Dickinson, Kansas Jayhawks
Frankly, it was a disappointing season for Dickinson and the Kansas Jayhawks in 2023-2024. Bill Self did not have the depth he needed to compete in the league, and Hunter Dickinson became a pretty stationary type of player. Now, Kansas has some pieces to build around the big man. Several guys came over in the transfer portal, and hopefully for the former Michigan forward that will open up some space. Dickinson was the second-leading scorer in the league a season ago with 17.9 points per game and more than 10 rebounds. He played in 32+ minutes per game. Self would actually love to get that number down a bit and be able to bring some fresh bodies in to get the job done as well. Dickinson is the top returning player in the Big 12 and is projected for a monster season.
L.J. Cryer, Houston Cougars
Houston made a run in the postseason, but it was cut short, and much of it due to injuries. LJ Cryer finished seventh in the league in scoring with more than 15 points per game. He shot 13 shots per game, and hit three from downtown per game. Cryer continues to be an elite leader for Kelvin Sampson and the Cougars. He will be helped by the return of J’Wan Robarts, and also Emmanuel Sharp and Ja’vier Francis. Cryer will look to fill the void left by Jamal Shead’s departure from the program.
Langston Love, Baylor Bears
The Baylor Bears lost four starters from a season ago, but this team is still projected to be full of talent. Gone are Ja’Kobe Walter and RayJ Dennis. Those two guys combined for more than 27 points per game a season ago. Baylor is excited to see Langston Love get a full array of minutes this season. Last year he played 24 games and averaged just shy of 25 minutes per game. He scored 11 points per game and hit 48% from downtown. Scott Drew will be turning to him, but the additions of Jeremy Roach and Norchad Omier should also help the Bears out.
Keshon Gilbert, Iowa State Cyclones
Iowa State has two guys who could be on the six Impact players returning in the Big 12 Basketball for the 2024-2025 season. Keshon Gilbert and Tamin Lipsey both scored around 13 points per game for the Cyclones last season. It was a banner season for Iowa State, who won the Big 12 tournament. The Cyclones were knocked off in the Sweet 16 by a red-hot Illinois team. Gilbert scored 13.7 points per game and shot nearly 44% from the field. Gilbert also had around 4.5 rebounds and assists per game. Iowa State is certainly going to be able to field a competitive team in the Big 12 this season as well.
Caleb Love, Arizona Wildcats
Despite losing a ton of talent from last seasons team, the Arizona Wildcats led by Tommy Lloyd are going to be awfully good again. Caleb Love was the top scorer for Arizona a season ago with 18 points per game. Love finished fourth in the Pac-12 in scoring. He played in 36 games and averaged nearly 33 minutes per game. He also was able to record nearly 5 rebounds and 5 assists on the season as well. Love is going to enjoy the Big 12, but the physicality could wear on him and his teammates after some time.
Darrion Williams, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Darrion Williams is the leading scorer returning for Texas Tech. The Red Raiders lost three starters, including their leading scorer Pop Isaacs. Williams scored 11.4 points per game, with his damage in the paint. He averaged nearly 8 rebounds per game for the Red Raiders as well. Chance McMillian and Grant McCasland will be the guys that the Red Raiders need to score this winter.#
Those are six of many across the league that will be putting on the uniform this fall and winter in the Big 12. It’s going to be a wild ride with the addition of four new teams to the league. These players are the key players for their team, but other guys, and transfers into the program are going to be massive factors as well. We hope to see these six impact players returning to the Big 12 play well and have a great season.
