Missouri player named Big 12 Newcomer of the Year

COLUMBIA — Missouri forward DeMarre Carroll was named Big 12 Conference Newcomer of the Year on Monday. It is the second year in a row that a Missouri player has taken this honor.

Carroll, who transferred from Vanderbilt after the 2005-06 season and sat out last season because of NCAA transfer rules, averaged 13.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game in his first year at Missouri.

Last year, Stefhon Hannah, then a point guard for Missouri, won the award after leading the team in scoring, assists, steals and minutes played in his first year since transferring from Chipola Community College in Florida. Hannah was dismissed from the team in February for violating team rules after he was arrested on suspicion of third-degree assault and missed more than two weeks of classes.

Also, Missouri forward Leo Lyons was named to the Big 12 All-Improved team. Lyons improved his scoring by nearly six points per game and is averaging 1.4 more rebounds than last year.

Kansas State freshman Michael Beasley was named Big 12 Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year. Marcus Dove of Oklahoma State was the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. Sherron Collins of Kansas was given the Sixth Man Award. Texas coach Rick Barnes is the Big 12 Coach of the Year.

Missouri finished the season 16-15 overall and 6-10 in the Big 12. The Tigers’ next game is against Nebraska on Thursday at the Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City.