Coach Barnes tutors sophomore guard Justin Mason Credit: Photo courtesy of UT

Rick Barnes was named the Big 12 Coach of the Year Monday after leading the Longhorns to a share of the conference regular-season title and a school-record 26 wins this season.

His sophomore point guard D.J. Augustin made the All-Conference first team, while A.J. Abrams and Damion James made the second team.

Justin Mason fittingly made the All-Defensive team, while the much, much improved Connor Atchley got no love from the conference.

Kansas State’s Michael Beasley joined Augustin on the first team and took his first step in following Kevin Durant‘s shoes by being named the Big 12 Player of the Year.

This article appears in March 7 • 2008.

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