Jaden Bradley has etched his name in Big XII Conference history, achieving a rare double: he’s now the fifth player ever to claim both the Regular Season Player of the Year and the Tournament Most Outstanding Player awards in the same season. His exceptional performance was instrumental in leading the Arizona Wildcats to secure both the regular season and tournament championships. Adding to Arizona’s success, teammate Brayden Burries also earned a spot on the prestigious Big XII All-Tournament team.
Bradley’s Dominance on the Court
Throughout the Big XII Tournament, Bradley showcased his all-around game, averaging an impressive 12.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per contest. His efficiency was remarkable, shooting 46.4 percent from the field. Notably, in a testament to his clutch play, he made his only three-point attempts of the entire tournament against Houston and was nearly perfect from the free-throw line, converting eight out of nine attempts.
Bradley’s tournament run will forever be remembered for his game-winning, buzzer-beating shot that propelled Arizona past Iowa State in a thrilling semifinal matchup. This iconic moment underscored his leadership and ability to perform under immense pressure.
In the championship game against Houston, Bradley’s impact was felt early. He scored all 13 of his points in the first half, contributing significantly to Arizona’s eventual 79-74 victory. He also added five rebounds and two assists before a wrist injury forced him to leave the game in the second half. Despite the early exit, his first-half heroics were enough to secure the title.
Injury and Teammate Contributions
Following his departure from the game, sideline reporter Kris Budden reported that Bradley underwent an X-ray after heading to the locker room. Fortunately, the results of the X-ray were negative, easing concerns about the severity of his injury.
With Bradley sidelined in the second half, other Wildcats stepped up to ensure the victory. Brayden Burries and Koa Peat emerged as offensive leaders, each scoring 21 points. Ivan Kharchenkov also made a significant impact, with all 12 of his points coming in the second half, providing crucial support for Arizona’s championship aspirations.
Burries’ All-Tournament Performance
Brayden Burries also delivered a stellar performance throughout the Big XII Tournament, earning his place on the All-Tournament team. He averaged 15.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists, coupled with 1.3 steals per game. His shooting efficiency was solid, hitting 43.3 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc. Burries was also a force at the free-throw line, making an outstanding 14 out of 15 attempts.
Burries demonstrated resilience and determination, overcoming a slow start in the championship game. After missing all seven of his shots in the semifinal on Friday, he bounced back strongly on Saturday to contribute significantly to Arizona’s success.
The All-Big XII Tournament Team
The All-Big XII Tournament team recognized the top performers from the championship. Jaden Bradley and Brayden Burries represented Arizona. They were joined by A.J. Dybantsa of BYU, Joseph Tugler of Houston, and Milan Momcilovic of Iowa State. Dybantsa’s inclusion was notable as he was the sole player on the team whose team did not reach at least the semifinal round, highlighting his individual brilliance for BYU.
