Big 12 Tournament: The 12 Most Important Players to Keep an Eye on

The Big 12 has evolved this season into one of the most potent basketball leagues in the nation. Having three teams in the Top Five sometime over the course of the year, they have squads that will be some of the most competitive in the upcoming Big Dance.

Now, the conference tournament is the only thing standing in the way of most of these team's routes to March Madness. Every powerhouse needs to watch their backs at this extremely volatile competition in Kansas City.

Every squad in the nation is led by one or two teammates, making their mark on programs in ways that can't be measured. This middle-American league is no different, as star role players have emerged over the course of the season.

We take a look at 12 players from the conference that deserve a little attention in this year's edition of the Big 12 Tournament. 

Myck Kabongo

The superstar freshman out of Canada, Kabongo has been a difference maker for this Longhorn squad. Ranking third on his team for points with 10 as well as dishing out a squad-leading five assists per game, this young man is a force on the court.

Kabongo has consistently been able to play a major role despite his youth and inexperience. By allowing superstars such as J'Covan Brown to lead the team, Kabongo has silently made his mark in a powerful conference.

Pierre Jackson

The junior guard has been a pure leader on this Bears squad all season. While most of the attention has been on Jackson's giant teammate Perry Jones III, Jackson has been a game changer on the court and in the locker room.

Putting up a solid 13 points, second to just Jones III, and then also leading the Bears with six assists per game, Jackson knows when to shoot and when to let his teammates get the bucket. He has found a way for his team to win in many of the close matchups this year, making himself one of the most constant threats on the hardwood. 

Ricardo Ratliffe

The big-time senior forward has slid under the radar due to the attention on his teammates, such as Kim English, Marcus Denmon, and Phil Pressey. His post play has allowed the Tigers to sit second in the conference at a strong 26-4.

Bringing down a team leading eight rebounds as well as tying for second with 14 points per game, Ratliffe is quick and agile. His size allows for power and speed, a deadly combination when merged with his four years of experience.  

Tyshawn Taylor

This senior guard, hand-crafted by Bill Self, is an underrated part of this Kansas team, taking over the role of leader this season. His influence on the Jayhawks has allowed for a top conference seed and a possible route to the Final Four.

Putting up a solid 17 points per game, Taylor is just second to the prolific talent of Thomas Robinson. Furthermore, he dishes out a team-leading five assists per game. His leadership and experience may be the key to Kansas' success later in the Big 12 Tournament. 

Steven Pledger

The junior guard has helped first-year coach Lon Kruger increase the influence of this program on the conference. While the Sooners haven't returned to the kind of danger they were back when the Griffin brothers occupied the court, their journey back to prominence starts with Steven Pledger.

His team-leading 17 points per game has led Oklahoma to two huge wins over Kansas State this season. Experience and talent is key to his play on the hardwood, officially making Pledger a force to be reckoned with during this conference tournament. 

David Loubeau

The senior forward has been one of the only constants for the Aggies all season. After losing their new head coach to Parkinson's disease for the beginning of the season and star players such as Dash Harris and Khris Middleton to injury, Loubeau's presence has been integral to A&M remaining a decent threat in the conference.

The agile post man has one of the most dangerous hook shots in the game, drawing double teams consistently in almost every game. Putting up a strong 11 points and five rebounds per game, second among players who have competed all season, Loubeau can be the difference in any matchup.   

J'Covan Brown

This year for the Longhorns has been an interesting one. Usually one of the more powerful forces in the Big 12, Texas is one of the bubble teams going into the conference tournament. Some big wins and a deep run up in Kansas City would be a huge step in the right direction for the Horns.

In steps junior guard J'Covan Brown, a young man who has every potential to compete in the NBA. Putting up a team leading 20 points per game and then adding in just around four assists as well, Brown is dangerous. He is the undisputed leader and the Longhorns fate this season purely rests on his shoulders.

Rodney McGruder

While K-State hasn't exactly been one of the big three in the conference this season, they have certainly competed on a level that will put them in position to make a difference in this conference tournament. Rodney McGruder has been the consistent force for the Wildcats that leaves them fifth in the conference. 

Putting up a team-leading 15 points per game, not to mention five rebounds, McGruder is a threat on the hardwood. His experience and leadership has led KSU to huge wins over Missouri and Baylor, making them the possible bane for the power programs of the Big 12.

Royce White

Leading a program that has never been any kind of threat on the hardwood, this sophomore forward has been phenomenal all season. Royce White has, after transferring from Minnesota, become one of the most dominant players in the conference.

The big man leads his team in points, rebounds and assists, putting up 13, nine and five per game, respectively. White's teammates say he is one of the most selfless players they've ever had the pleasure of competing with, giving Iowa State a strong berth in the Big 12 tournament. 

Perry Jones III

Another sophomore forward, Perry Jones III has been a hit this year among the college basketball community. He is raw talent and potential, leading a very talented Baylor squad in both points and rebounds with 13 and seven per game, respectively. 

If his teammate Pierre Jackson is more of the commander-in-chief of this program, Jones III is most certainly the weapon.

His shooting and defending capabilities as such a young contender on the hardwood are eye-catching, making his performance in this year's conference tournament something to watch out for.  

Thomas Robinson

When you stand out at a program such as Kansas, you have to know you're good. In fact, you're possibly one of the best players in the country. Coincidentally, Thomas Robinson is considered to be the the top player in the nation.

The junior forward leads a Top Five squad in the two most important categories: points scored and rebounding. He puts up just under 18 points and pulls down 12 rebounds per game to boot.

This kid is amazing. If you ever have a chance to watch him in person, do it, because one day he'll be heading up an NBA franchise. 

Marcus Denmon

When it comes down to it, the Missouri Tigers have completely over stepped what they were "supposed" to do this season. While they did have a lot of returning talent, Mizzou had just hired a new head coach in Frank Haith, and their move to the SEC had just been completed. 

The key to the entire program's success this year, however, is mostly due to Marcus Denmon. I consider him to be one of the best all-around players in the country on a team that is loaded with experience. Denmon has outperformed everyone in the Big 12 this year.

Putting up a team-high 18 points in addition to pulling down five rebounds per game, second only to Ratliffe, this senior guard is the threat of Missouri basketball. He has some of the greatest instincts I've ever seen and will be one of the most valuable assets the program will ever have.