On Sunday, four Colorado standouts were recognized by Big 12 coaches for their achievements during the 2009-2010 basketball season. Freshman Alec Burks, juniors Cory Higgins and Brittany Spears, and senior Bianca Smith received special honors.

Alec Burks made history for the Buffs, becoming the first CU player ever to be named Big 12 Rookie of the Year. He was the highest-scoring freshman in the Big 12 in both overall points and field goals, with an average of 16.8 points per game. Burks also earned a Big 12 honorable mention selection and a spot on the all-Rookie team.

Cory Higgins, selected to the Big 12 Third Team for the second time in his career, had an outstanding season, leading his team in scoring with 569 total points. His points per game (19.0), steals per game (1.9), free throw percentage (0.832), and 3-point percentage (.510) are all personal bests.

Guard Bianca Smith set two more CU records as the first Buff to win the Big 12′s Sixth Man Award (given to the most valuable substitute coming off the bench for his or her team) as well as the first to win any Big 12 postseason award. She is the second-best free throw shooter and ranks #13 in overall shooting. She leads Colorado’s all-time list for career 3-pointers at 256 and averages 13.2 points per game.

For the second time in her career, guard/forward Brittany Spears earned a Big 12 honorable mention. The senior is the leading scorer for the Buffs and #4 in the league with 17.5 points per game. She is also fourth in the league in steals and defensive rebounds and fifth in overall rebounds and free-throw percentage.

With these four standouts on the roster, the Buffs should stand strong against their first opponents in the Big 12 Tournament. The men’s team will go up against Texas Tech in a rematch on Wednesday, hoping to secure another win. Colorado will enter Game One at the No. 8 seed, with Texas Tech close behind at No.9. The women, going into the tournament at the No.11 seed, will face No.6 Baylor on Thursday.

Statistics courtesy of cubuffs.com.