The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Rice named Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s Basketball Newcomer of the Week
02.06.2023 | Men's Basketball
Graduate guard averaged 17.5 points and 8.0 rebounds per game in UT’s two wins against AP Top 11 opponents.
IRVING, Texas — University of Texas graduate guard Sir'Jabari Rice has been named the Phillips 66 Big 12 Conference Newcomer of the Week, the league office announced Monday. This marks Rice's second career weekly league honor, as he previously claimed the accolade on Jan. 16.
Rice led Texas to a pair of impressive victories against AP Top 11 opponents this week, as the Longhorns defeated No. 11/11 Baylor (76-71) on Monday (Jan. 30) and won at No. 7/6 Kansas State (69-66) on Saturday (Feb. 4). He averaged a team-best 17.5 points and 8.0 rebounds per game in 21.1 minutes per contest while converting 53.8-percent (7-13) from the floor, including 6-of-9 (.667) from three-point range, and 15-of-17 (.882) free throws.
In Monday's home win against No. 11/11 Baylor, Rice tied a season high with 21 points (5-7 FG, season-best 4-5 threes, 7-8 FT) and added six rebounds in 24 minutes. He returned to record his first double-double as a Longhorn with 14 points (2-4 threes, 8-9 FT) and a season-best 10 rebounds in 18 minutes at No. 7/6 Kansas State on Saturday.
Through the first 23 games, Rice ranks second on the team in scoring (11.1 ppg), tied for third in rebounding (3.7 rpg) and fourth in assists (48) and minutes (23.7 mpg). He has converted 45.9-percent (78-170) from the floor and 84.5-percent (71-84) from the free throw line this season. In his last three contests, Rice has averaged 18.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game while hitting 15-of-29 (.517) field goals, including 9-of-18 (.500) from three-point range, and 17-of-21 (.810) free throws.
No. 5/6 Texas (19-4, 8-2 Big 12) returns to action later tonight when it travels to face No. 9/8 Kansas (18-5, 6-4 Big 12). Tip is set for 8 p.m. Central at Allen Fieldhouse, and the contest will be televised nationally by ESPN.
