• Baylor claims both Big 12 hoops Preseason Players of the Year for second straight year

    Pierre Jackson and Brittney GrinerFor the second year in a row, Baylor student-athletes have been named the Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year by league coaches for both men’s and women’s basketball.

    Now a senior, Brittney Griner claimed the honor for the third straight year; each of the last two years, she followed up the preseason recognition by being named Big 12 Player of the Year come spring. The reigning national player of the year swept virtually every award possible last year, including all four major national player of the year honors for women’s basketball as well as being named the nation’s top female collegiate athlete by the folks at the Honda Cup and the ESPYs.

    On the men’s side, it was senior point guard Pierre Jackson who was recognized for 2012-13 after Perry Jones III was honored last year. Jackson led Baylor in points, assists and steals last year, earning second-team All-Big 12 and honorable mention All-America recognition.

    With PJ3 and BG last year, followed by Jackson and Griner again this year, Baylor is the first school in the Big 12’s nearly 20-year history to claim both preseason men’s and women’s player of the year honors in back-to-back seasons.

    Junior Odyssey Sims joined Griner on the women’s preseason All-Big 12 team. Senior Destiny Williams (women) and freshman Isaiah Austin (men) were each named honorable mention, and Lady Bear Alexis Prince was named Preseason Freshman of the Year by the league’s coaches.

    Baylor fans can get their first look at both teams Friday night when Baylor hosts Moonlight Madness. Portions of the event will be broadcast live on ESPNU, and admission is free; doors open at 7:30 p.m.

    Sic ’em, Baylor basketball!