Kansas basketball: Svi Mykhailiuk deserves Big 12 recognition

Kansas basketball fans don’t expect Jayhawks to win all the honors. Svi Mykhailiuk did deserve some Big 12 recognition for his hot start.

During the Thanksgiving holiday, I heard from several Kansas basketball fans who are mad at the Big 12 conference.  They thought Svi Mykhailiuk deserved at least a co-player of the week honor from the Big 12 on November 20. As a matter of fact, I had to agree. The Senior from Ukraine is off to a hot start. Considering the limited number of available bodies, the Jayhawks need him leading the way.

On November 20, the Big 12 named Iowa State’s Nick Weiler-Babb Player of the Week. I will admit, Babb who recently moved to point guard had a good week. He didn’t outplay Svi. However, he did earn MVP honors at the Puerto Rico Tip Off in Myrtle Beach.

Babb averaged 16 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists in four games including 3 in the tourney. Those tourney wins included basketball power Appalachian State, Tulsa and Boise State. None of the opponents are among the nation’s ranked teams.   Babb only scored six points from the field against the Broncos in the tourney finale. He did contribute 11 assists.

On the other hand, Svi played against far superior competition. In the Champions Classic win over the #5 ranked Kentucky, Svi struggled with only 3 of 10 from beyond the arc but led the Jayhawks with 17 points in 32 minutes. He also grabbed 3 rebounds and handed out 3 assists in the exciting win in Chicago.

Having a great non conference season

On November 17, Svi hit 5 of 7 threes for a career best 27 points in 30 minutes of action against South Dakota State. He also hustled for 5 rebounds against the Jackrabbits and collected four steals in the 34 point Jayhawk victory. South Dakota State is not ranked but good enough to beat Iowa 80-72 on November 21.

Next: KU basketball fans thankful for walk-ons

Kansas basketball fans are not selfish but believe every Jayhawk deserves appropriate recognition for their play. Except for the season opener, Svi was leading the team in scoring and added 14 points, 4 steals and 5 rebounds to his season totals in the November 24, 102-59 victory against Oakland. He is driving the ball and that opens up opportunities from long distance. Not this week, but c

ertainly, the conference will recognize him sooner rather than later this season.