Juwan Staten of West Virginia and Kelly Oubre, Jr. of Kansas found early presents in their Christmas stockings as the duo were named the Big 12 Player and Newcomer of the Week for games of December 15-21. Staten is recognized for the second time in his career, while Oubre earns the honor for the first time.

 

BIG 12 PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Juwan Staten, West Virginia, G, Sr., 6-1, 190, Dayton, Ohio/Dayton

Staten had a team-high 24 points to go along with six assists as West Virginia posted an 83-69 win over North Carolina State in the Gotham Classic at Madison Square Garden. The senior guard was named MVP of the event for his performance after connecting on 10-of-17 (.588) shots and making 4-of-4 from the free throw line. In the game, he became the 49th player in WVU history to surpass 1,000 points for his career. Staten has reached double figures in every contest this season and is shooting 43.3 percent from the field.

 

BIG 12 NEWCOMER OF THE WEEK

Kelly Oubre, Jr., Kansas, G, Fr., 6-7, 200, New Orleans, La./Findlay Prep

Oubre is the first Jayhawk to capture newcomer accolades in 2014-15 after Kansas defeated Lafayette, 96-69, in its only game of the week. The freshman guard made his second start of the season and recorded his first career double-double with career-bests in points (23) and rebounds (10). He was 9-of-15 (.600) from the field, including 4-of-7 (.571) from 3-point range and added one steal in 25 minutes of action. Oubre is averaging 13.0 points and 6.0 rebounds in his last three outings.