Brayden Burries Lands Big 12 Award After Breakout Performance

Arizona didn't leave much doubt against Alabama. After a slow first half, the Wildcats poured it on over the final 20 minutes en route to a 96-75 victory in Birmingham.

The Wildcats had too much size for the Crimson Tide, cleaning up on the glass with a 52-32 advantage, including a 22-3 edge on the offensive end.

Dec 13, 2025; Birmingham, Alabama, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Jaden Bradley (0) dribbles against Alabama Crimson Tide guard Houston Mallette (95) during the second half at Legacy Arena at BJCC. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images | David Leong-Imagn Images

The backcourt had an impressive showing as well. Arizona was more aggressive from distance, shooting 26 times from beyond the arc and hitting 10 of them. It was a welcome sight for an offense that has mostly steered clear of the arc this season.

A core reason for the improvement and the win was freshman guard Brayden Burries, who continued his recent breakout stretch with a big showing against Alabama.

Dec 6, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Tommy Lloyd yells out towards his bench during the first half of the game against the Auburn Tigers at McKale Memorial Center. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

The outing was good enough to land Burries a weekly award from the Big 12, which was announced on Monday.

Brayden Burries Earns Spot on Big 12 Starting Five

Dec 13, 2025; Birmingham, Alabama, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) dribbles down court during the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Legacy Arena at BJCC. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images | David Leong-Imagn Images

Burries posted a career-high 28 points against the Crimson Tide. The freshman shot 11-of-19 from the field and nailed five triples from beyond the arc. He also added seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and didn't have a turnover for the first time since the season-opener.

Arizona remains at the top of the AP Poll with a perfect 9-0 record, thanks to Burries' efforts. It came at an opportune time, as fellow freshman star Koa Peat struggled.

The Big 12 crowned its "starting five" for the past week, and Burries' lone performance against Alabama earned him a selection.

December 1⃣5⃣ @OldTrapper #Big12MBB Starting Five🏀 pic.twitter.com/Z6Wpx6wmJA
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) December 15, 2025

However, Burries did not win Player or Newcomer of the Week. Both of those honors went to Kansas' Melvin Council Jr., who hit nine 3-pointers and dropped 36 points in a win against NC State.

Burries and Council Jr. are joined in the by BYU's AJ Dybantsa, Texas Tech's JT Toppin and West Virginia's Honor Huff.

Dec 13, 2025; Birmingham, Alabama, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) makes a fast break during the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Legacy Arena at BJCC. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images | David Leong-Imagn Images

The scoring numbers for Burries have continued to grow recently. He's scored 15 points or more in four straight games, averaging 19.8 points per game in that span. His 3-point shot is still developing, but his 5-of-10 shooting performance from distance against the Crimson Tide was a career-high in both makes and attempts, so the confidence is growing.

ROOF SHOT pic.twitter.com/guja4LLryZ
— Arizona Basketball (@ArizonaMBB) December 14, 2025

This is the third time a Wildcat has been named to the conference's starting lineup and earned a weekly award. Peat has cracked the lineup twice, earning Newcomer of the Week twice and taking home Player of the Week to start the season after a 30-point debut against Florida.

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