Smith, Kersgieter named co-Big 12 Players of the Week
Statement performances from opposite ends of the preseason rankings
After an opening week where Baylor outscored its two opponents 217-75, one would figure a Lady Bear would manage an early Player of the Week honor out of those riches — so sophomore NaLyssa Smith did.
But so did Kansas freshman Holly Kersgieter, who also picked up the Jayhawks’ first Freshman of the Week award since 2015.
More from Big 12
- Your Day in Women’s Basketball, November 2: Shakeup in the ACC with Bollin commit, UNC retool
- Your Day in Women’s Basketball, October 21: Former Texas Tech coach Stollings files lawsuit
- Your Day in Women’s Basketball, August 9: Taurasi to play again, but when?
- Your Day in Women’s Basketball, August 4: Wubble Trouble for the Liberty
- Baylor adds UCLA transfer Jaden Owens
This was the first Player of the Week honor for Smith, who had a career week for Baylor. She tied her career-high of 21 points in both games, and grabbed a career-high 14 rebounds against New Hampshire on Nov. 5 and added 13 more against Grambling State on Friday.
One of three Lady Bears on the Preseason All-Big 12 Team, Smith averaged 8.4 points and 5.1 rebounds per game her freshman season, including 14 points and six rebounds in the national championship.
In her first week playing college ball, Kersgieter averaged 16 points and 8.5 rebounds. Her standout game came in Kansas’ opener against Indiana State, where she had 24 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block.
Baylor and Kansas were picked to finish first and last in the Big 12 preseason poll, respectively. Both teams opened the 2019-20 season 2-0.
Next up, the Lady Bears host Houston Baptist on Thursday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. CT (ESPN+), while the Jayhawks take on Omaha on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. CT (ESPN+).
Love our 24/7 women’s basketball coverage? Join our Patreon now and support this work, while getting extra goodies and subscriber-only content for yourself.