Josh Jackson named Big 12 Newcomer of Week for third time

Kansas guard Josh Jackson (11) signals the ball going the Jayhawks' way after a Texas Tech turnover during the second half, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017 at Allen Fieldhouse.

For the third time this season, Kansas freshman Josh Jackson’s myriad abilities and robust stat lines nabbed him Big 12 Newcomer of the Week honors, the conference announced Monday.

Jackson, who also has a Big 12 Player of the Week Award on his résumé, averaged 19.5 points and 9.5 rebounds in the Jayhawks’ home victories over rival Kansas State and Texas Tech this past week.

A 6-foot-8 freshman from Detroit, Jackson shot 53.3 percent from the field, and contributed seven assists, four blocks and three steals, as KU improved to 14-1 overall and 3-0 in league play.

A 22-point effort against K-State marked Jackson’s third game of 20-plus points this season.

The star Kansas freshman also earned Newcomer of the Week twice in November.

Fifteen games into what is expected to be a one-and-done season for Jackson at Kansas, the 6-foot-8 NBA prospect is averaging 15.3 points (second on the team to Frank Mason III’s 19.9 average) and 6.6 rebounds (second on KU to Landen Lucas’ 6.6), while shooting 51.7 percent from the floor. He leads KU with 22 blocks, is tied with junior guard Devonte’ Graham for the team lead in steals (23) and averages 3.1 assists (third on the team).

KU travels to face Oklahoma (6-8 overall, 0-3 Big 12) Tuesday night (8 p.m., ESPN 2).

In Jackson’s first Big 12 road game, Dec. 30 at TCU, he fouled out, only played 12 minutes and contributed season-lows of four points and two rebounds.