Brayden Burries wins Big 12 Newcomer of the Week

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TUCSON, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 28: Brayden Burries #5 of the Arizona Wildcats dribbles the ball during the first half against the Kansas Jayhawks at McKale Center at ALKEME Arena on February 28, 2026 in Tucson, Arizona. The Wildcats defeated the Jayhawks 84-61. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images

A stellar freshman year keeps getting better and better for Arizona guard Brayden Burries. He was named the conference’s Newcomer of the Week, in addition to being part of the Big 12’s Starting Five.

Brayden has been named Big 12 Newcomer of the Week pic.twitter.com/8a7hLSpE49

— Arizona Basketball (@ArizonaMBB) March 2, 2026

It’s his second Big 12 Newcomer of the Week award that he’s won this season, and it’s his third appearance on the the Starting Five. He also won Big 12 Player of the Week earlier this season.

Burries earned his spot on the weekly award list with 20 points and 12 rebounds in Saturday’s win against Kansas.

The 12 rebounds were a career high for Burries. His ability to rebound at a high level may have to do with the fact that he goes up against guys like Tobe Awaka and Motiejus Krivas every practice.

“Just going against them has helped me a lot,” said Burries. “Going into the year, I never really played with a big so I just try to get every rebound even though they’re tall. Me helping rebound just makes the job so much easier for my bigs, and to just start a fast break and kick it out for anybody.”

He also had a 24 point performance against Baylor last Tuesday, a game where he played through dealing with bronchitis.

Brayden Burries played through bronchitis last night against Baylor, per @BrucePascoepic.twitter.com/HeWXncDAjG

— Juan Serrano (@Serrano_Sports) February 25, 2026

Head coach Tommy Lloyd said that Burries was going to make a big jump in his performances in the month of January. Not only did he prove Lloyd right, Burries followed it up with another solid month in February.

Burries is listed on the Naismith Trophy Late-Season Watch List. He has scored 20+ points 10 times this season, and averaged 16.9 points on 47% FG shooting and 39% 3FG shooting for the month of February.

As the calendar turns the page to the month of March, Burries will have to have some of his best performances in an Arizona uniform and it starts with Monday’s game against Iowa State.

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