Texas Basketball: Sir’Jabari Rice takes home Big 12 weekly honors

Texas guard Sir’Jabari Rice continues to play at a high level for the Longhorns. The Big 12 Conference named Rice as its Newcomer of the Week for the second time this season.

Rice was instrumental in Texas’ 2-0 week with wins over No. 11 Baylor and No. 7 Kansas State. He led the Longhorns averaging 17.5 points per game in the two victories. Rice earned his first double-double over the season with 14 points and 10 rebounds vs. Kansas State.

The New Mexico State transfer is making his case as one of the best bench players in the nation. Rice has carved out a significant role in his first season in Austin and Texas is reaping the benefits.

The Longhorns backcourt of Rice, Marcus Carr and Tyrese Hunter are major reasons for Texas’ success.

Texas moved up to No. 5 in the AP Poll Top 25 rankings following its 2-0 week. A huge Monday night matchup with No. 9 Kansas awaits the Horns next.

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Story originally appeared on Longhorns Wire