After a busy holiday week of games, forward Cory Jefferson (Baylor) and center Joel Embiid (Kansas) have been named recipients of the Big 12 Player and Newcomer of the Week awards. Both players are recognized for the first time in 2013-14, while Jefferson earns player honors for the second time in his career.

PHILLIPS 66 BIG 12 PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Cory Jefferson, Baylor, F, Sr., 6-9, 220, Killeen, Texas/Killeen

Jefferson averaged 14.0 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks as the Bears posted a 3-1 record during the week. The senior forward hit the game-winning basket with 17 seconds remaining as BU came back from a 14-point deficit against Dayton to advance to the Maui Invitational championship game. He had 15 points in each of the other two Maui contests (vs. Chaminade, Syracuse) and was named to the all-tournament team, his third all-tournament honor in the last two seasons. He then added a double-double (16 pts., 10 rebs.) in the win over Hardin-Simmons. For the week, Jefferson shot 66.7 percent (22-of-33) from the field with one assist, six blocks and two steals.

PHILLIPS 66 BIG 12 NEWCOMER OF THE WEEK

Joel Embiid, Kansas, C, Fr., 7-0, 250, Yaounde, Cameroon/Gainesville [Fla.]/The Rock School [Fla.]

Embiid scored in double digits in two contests as the Jayhawks recorded a 2-1 record at the Battle 4 Atlantis. The freshman center also had 10 blocked shots for the week while shooting 63.2 percent from the field and 71.4 percent from the free throw line. He recorded seven rejections versus UTEP, setting the KU freshman record for blocked shots in a game, previously held by Nick Collison (vs. Nebraska in 2000). Embiid averaged 9.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.3 blocks in the event. He ranks third in the Big 12 in blocks and ninth in rebounds.

2013-14 Phillips 66 B ig 12 Men’s Basketball Weekly Awards



