AUSTIN, Texas -- The Big 12’s head coaches reminded everyone today of the expectations Longhorns sophomore point guard Myck Kabongo brings with him into this season by naming him to the Preseason All-Big 12 Team.

Kabongo, a 2011-12 All-Big 12 honorable mention selection, started all 34 games last season as a true freshman. A pass-first point guard, he finished fourth in the league in assists per game (5.2), second on the team in steals (38) and third on the team in scoring (9.8 ppg).

“I think it is a testament to the coaching staff and the work that I’ve put in,” Kabongo said. “Just countless hours in the gym and you are seeing it pay off.”

Kabongo is joined on the team with Baylor’s Pierre Jackson, Kansas’ Jeff Withey, Kansas State’s Rodney McGruder and Oklahoma State’s Le’Bryan Nash.

“I just want to continue to get better,” he said. “I know it is a preseason honor and I am honored for it. But at the same time I know any of my teammates could have been on that list. So I’m just happy to be on the list.”

Fellow Longhorns sophomore Sheldon McClellan was named an Honorable Mention selection. He’s the team’s top returning scorer after averaging 11.3 points per game last season.

Jackson, Baylor’s point guard, was named the Preseason Player of the Year. Amath M’Baye (Oklahoma) was voted as the Preseason Newcomer of the Year and Flower Mound (Texas) Marcus’ Marcus Smart (Oklahoma State) was tabbed the Preseason Freshman of the Year.