Kansas sophomore center Flory Bidunga was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and senior guard Melvin Council Jr. was named Big 12 Newcomer of the year following his transfer from St. Bonaventure. Both men were named after their performances in the league. Bidungo was also named to the All-Big 12 First Team and the All the All of the Defensive Team, becoming the ninth Jayhawk to do so and the first since Dajuan Harris won the award in 2023. Meanwhile, freshman guard Darryn Peterson was selected for All-The-Night Second Team after a standout performance.