Big 12 Conference

Withey leads Big 12 All-Tournament team

Updated: 2013-04-23T22:49:06Z

Jeff Withey, C, Kansas

Withey, who was chosen most outstanding player, got progressively better throughout the tournament. After going for 23 points and 10 rebounds combined in victories over Texas Tech and Iowa State, Withey played his best game against the Wildcats with 17 points, nine rebounds and a blocked shot. He also altered plenty of shots, helping the Jayhawks hold K-State to 35 percent shooting.

Perry Ellis, F, Kansas

Where has this been all year? In practice, teammates say. Much was expected of Ellis when he arrived on campus as a McDonald’s All-America, but he didn’t start and averaged 14 minutes. Against Iowa State, Ellis went for a season-best 23 points, and he followed that with 12 points and six rebounds against K-State. He threw in his second three-pointer this season in the process.

Rodney McGruder, G, Kansas State

The tournament’s top scorer with 67 points for a 22.3-point average, McGruder had the hot hand throughout the tournament. He was at his best against Oklahoma State, with 25 points and nine rebounds. Had the Wildcats beat KU, McGruder would have been the most outstanding player.

Angel Rodriguez, G, Kansas State

As he’s done all season, Rodriguez quarterbacked the Wildcats success in Kansas City. He averaged 13.3 points and dished out a total of 10 assists. He also had his best game against Oklahoma State in the semifinals, scoring 17 to go along with four assists. He hit three three-pointers in each game.

Marcus Smart, G, Oklahoma State

The Big 12 player of the year scored 21 points in the Cowboys’ quarterfinal victory over Baylor, helping ward off Pierre Jackson and his 31 points. Smart followed that with an 18-point performance in the semifinal loss to Kansas State. Smart also had 11 rebounds and five assists in the two games.

| Blair Kerkhoff, bkerkhoff@kcstar.com

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