March 7

Along with the SEC, the Big 12 has been one of the toughest conferences in America this season.

There is plenty of talent to go around, so picking an All-Big 12 team was difficult. As you'll see, there are a number of outstanding players left off this list. Hey, I could only pick five, baby!

	All-Big 12 Team, Awards
	Nick Collison -- Kansas Andre Emmett -- Texas Tech T.J. Ford -- Texas Kirk Hinrich -- Kansas Hollis Price -- Oklahoma
	Player of Year T.J. Ford, Texas Coach of Year Eddie Sutton, Oklahoma St. Diaper Dandy of Year Kevin Bookout, Oklahoma

Let's start with Texas guard T.J. Ford, who in my mind is the best player in America, pound-for-pound. He can do it all, and he makes his teammates better with his outstanding passing skills. Ford is also my choice for the Big 12 player of the year.

Hollis Price of Oklahoma has been Mr. Clutch all season long. He wants the rock in his hands when it comes to winning time. Kelvin Sampson loves the leadership from his senior standout.

Andre Emmett has been a scoring machine for the General, Robert Montgomery Knight. Texas Tech doesn't have that many offensive threats, so Emmett is so important.

Kansas has the best 1-2 punch in America in Nick Collison and Kirk Hinrich. Collison can rebound and score with the best of them. Hinrich is solid shooting from long range and his hustle and spirit are important for Roy Williams' squad.

It was difficult to pick this group. You can make a case for guys like Rickey Paulding and Arthur Johnson of Missouri, Victor Williams of Oklahoma State, Stephane Pelle of Colorado to name a few.

My Big 12 coach of the year is Oklahoma State's Eddie Sutton. His team has been among the elite in the conference throughout the season.

My Big 12 diaper dandy of the year is Oklahoma's Kevin Bookout. He has developed into an inside threat as Aaron McGhee's replacement for the Sooners. Bookout can score and rebound and shows his athleticism and intensity.