Beasley, Walker chosen by Big 12 coaches

Sophomore guard D.J. Augustin (Texas) has been named the Big 12 Preseason Player of the year, it was announced by the conference. Junior forward DeMarre Carroll (Missouri) was chosen as Preseason Newcomer of the Year, while forward Michael Beasley (Kansas State) earned Preseason Freshman of the Year accolades. Players honored in preseason voting were selected by the league head coaches, who are not permitted to vote for their own student-athletes.

Augustin made his impact on the Big 12 record book last season by dishing out 233 assists, the third-best freshman total. He also tied the Big 12 freshman single-game record for assists with 13 at Kansas on March 3, 2007. Augustin's passing skills brought him national attention as he ranked fourth in the NCAA for assists per game (6.7). He averaged 14.4 points and had a 2.0 assist-to-turnover ratio (fifth in the Big 12), while improving in conference play by averaging 15.5 points and 7.4 assists to go along with a 2.2 assist-to-turnover ratio.

Carroll, a 6-foot-8 transfer from Vanderbilt, averaged 10.9 points and 6.4 rebounds in 2005-06 for the Commodores. The Birmingham, Ala., native also led Vandy in steals (37) during his sophomore campaign. He was one of the top underclassman in the Southeastern Conference in '05-06, ranking ninth in the league in rebounds (7.4) and 18th in scoring (12.8 ppg). Carroll sat out during 2006-07 per NCAA transfer guidelines and will have two years of eligibility remaining starting with the 2007-08 campaign.

Beasley is one of the nation's top incoming freshman and regarded as the nation's top power forward by several recruiting services. The Washington D.C., native averaged 28.0 points, 16 rebounds, 4.5 blocks, four assists and two steals during his senior campaign, leading his team to the prep school national title. He was honored as the MVP of the McDonald's All-America game in 2007 and was named to the Parade, Nike Brand and McDonald's All-America teams. Beasley has also been part of the USA National Team for the past two years.

The preseason All-Big 12 team was also announced. In addition to Augustin the following players were recognized - Curtis Jerrells (Baylor), Darrell Arthur (Kansas), Brandon Rush (Kansas), Aleks Maric (Nebraska) and Joseph Jones (Texas A&M).

Rush is a two time All-Big 12 First Team member, while Maric, Augustin and Jones each garnered All-Big 12 Second Team honors a season ago. Jerrells is the second BU player in Big 12 history to be named to the league preseason team (Brian Skinner, 1997-98). A tie in the voting created an additional position on this year's preseason squad.

Preseason Players of the Year

D.J. Augustin, Texas, G, 6-0, 180, So., New Orleans, La,/Brother Martin

Preseason Newcomer of the Year

DeMarre Carroll, Missouri, F, 6-8, 225, Jr., Birmingham, Ala./John Carroll Catholic (Vanderbilt)

Preseason Freshman of the Year

Michael Beasley, Kansas State, F, 6-10, 235, Fr., Washington D.C./Notre Dame Prep

2007-08 Preseason All-Big 12 Team

Name, School Pos. Ht. Wt. Cl. Hometown/Previous School(s)

Curtis Jerrells, Baylor G 6-1 205 Jr. Austin, Texas/Del Valle

Darrell Arthur, Kansas F 6-9 230 So. Dallas, Texas/South Oak Cliff

Brandon Rush, Kansas G 6-6 210 Jr. Kansas City, Mo./Mount Zion Academy [N.C.]

Aleks Maric, Nebraska C 6-11 275 Sr. Syndney, Australia/Life Center [N.J]

D.J. Augustin, Texas G 6-0 180 So. New Orleans, La./Brother Martin

Joseph Jones, Texas A&M F 6-9 250 Sr. Normangee, Texas/Normangee

Honorable Mention (listed alphabetically by school): Aaron Bruce, Baylor; Richard Roby, Colorado; Mario Chalmers and Sherron Collins, Kansas; Michael Beasley and Bill Walker, Kansas State; Marcus Dove, Oklahoma State; Josh Carter and DeAndre Jordan, Texas A&M; Martin Zeno, Texas Tech