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Who should be on the Big 12’s three-on-three team?

Jackson Hodges
Last month it was announced that a three-on-three tournament would be played from March 30 through April 1 in San Antonio.

The tournament, called the 3X3U National Championship, will feature all-star teams from each conference playing for $100,000. The teams will be made up of four seniors who have used up all of their eligibility. A selection committee of media members will choose the players, and the games will be played per general international three-on-rules.

This tournament is a fun addition to what is already one of the best sports weekends of the year. It’ll give fans a great opportunity to see their favorite seniors play one last time, while players get to play a different style of basketball for a big payday.

Obviously the hope is that Devonte’ Graham and Svi Mykhailiuk won’t be able to play in the tournament, as they’ll be preparing to play in the Final Four that same weekend in San Antonio. However, we’re going to ignore those hopes for now and look at who would be on the Big 12’s team if the selection committee were making their decision today.

Devonte’ Graham – Kansas

Graham was an obvious choice for the team, as he’s averaging 18.6 points a game, good enough for second in the conference. He is also averaging 7.4 assists so far this season.

Graham’s offensive ability would make him a dynamic player in a three-on-three setting. He would be able to take his man one-on-one, space the floor from the three-point line while his teammates go to work, or effectively run the pick and roll. Graham is also a solid defender who can guard bigger players if needed, something that will be highly valuable in the tournament.

Keenan Evans – Texas Tech

Evans is an electric point guard who has been the best player for the surprising Red Raiders so far this season. Even though he is only playing 26 minutes per game, Evans is still averaging 17 points on the season.

Evans’ quickness would be devastating in a three-on-three setting. With only six players on the court, there should be plenty of driving lanes available for Evans to attack for basket or kick the ball out to an open shooter on the three-point line.

Jevon Carter – West Virginia

Carter is the best defensive player in league and probably the best in the country. The 6-foot-2 guard plays much bigger than his size and leads the league in steals, averaging almost four a game. Carter is an excellent one-on-one defender and would likely guard the best player on the other team.

For all his defensive prowess, Carter is a bit underrated on offense. He’s a good three-point shooter and is averaging 40 percent from three this season. He also makes smart decisions and is committed to rebounding with bigger players, which would be a big help to this team that is shaping up to be a bit undersized.

Vladimir Brodziansky – TCU

This last spot was the toughest decision to make. The team needed a big man, and it came down to Brodziansky and Baylor’s Jo Lual-Acull Jr. In the end, the 6-foot-11 forward from Slovakia got the call.

Brodziansky gives the Big 12 team size, while not sacrificing any offensive skill. The big man is shooting an impressive 45 percent from three, helping him average 14 points per game on the season. Brodziansky isn’t as strong as you might want on the defensive end, but that shouldn’t matter much when you have Graham and Carter locking down players on the perimeter.

Jackson Hodges

I’ve been a KU fan as long as I can remember, which I chalk up to my love of basketball and the influence of my brothers. I am a graduate of Oklahoma State, but I routinely wore my blue in Gallagher-Iba (yes, I was that guy). I grew up idolizing Wayne Simien and Christian Moody, and I think the post-entry pass is a lost art. I hope you enjoy my work.

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