MORGANTOWN, W. Va. — Derek Culver’s college career took another major step forward Monday.
West Virginia’s powerful 6-foot-10 forward earned all-Big 12 first-team honors after he led the Big 12 in rebounding and double-doubles.
In 26 games, Culver averaged 14.8 points and 9.8 rebounds and finished with 11 double-doubles.
It’s the first time any WVU player was awarded first-team all-Big 12 since Jevon Carter in 2018.
Oklahoma State’s Cade Cunningham was voted the league’s Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year, becoming just the fourth Big 12 freshman to sweep both awards, joining Marcus Smart, Michael Beasley and Kevin Durant.
Baylor’s Scott Drew was named the Coach of the Year for the second consecutive season.
Texas Tech’s Mac McClung was the Newcomer of the Year, Baylor’s Davion Mitchell was the Defensive Player of the Year, Kansas’ David McCormack was the Most Improved and Texas’ Kai Jones was the Sixth Man Award winner.
The honors are voted on by the Big 12 coaches, who are not permitted to vote for their own players.
The Mountaineers (18-8, 11-6 Big 12) will travel to Kansas City to play Oklahoma State (18-7, 11-7) in the Big 12 quarterfinals at 11:30 a.m. Thursday.
WVU was well represented throughout the conference honors.
Aside from Culver, Deuce McBride was named to the second team and Taz Sherman and Sean McNeil were named honorable mention.
Gabe Osabuohien was named to the All-Defensive team and Jalen Bridges was named to the All-Freshman team.
Joining Culver on the first team were Cunningham and Mitchell, as well as Baylor’s Jared Butler and Oklahoma’s Austin Reaves.
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