March 2, 2005

Columbia, Mo. - The Big 12 Conference released the Academic All Big 12 men's basketball team on Wednesday afternoon. Making his first appearance on the first team was junior guard Jimmy McKinney (St. Louis, MO - Vashon HS).

McKinney, who is a general studies major at Mizzou, joined 11 other players from Big 12 schools on the first team. The Tiger co-captain is averaging 6.8 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. He has scored in double figures in eight games this season and has started in 26 of the Tigers' 28 games so far this season.

Nominated by each institution's director of student-athlete support services and the media relations offices, the men's basketball academic all-league squad consisted of 12 first team members combined with five on the second team. First team members include those who have maintained a 3.20 or better GPA, and the second team are those who have a 3.00 to 3.19 GPA.

To qualify student-athletes must maintain a 3.00 GPA or higher either cumulative or the two previous semesters and must have participated in 60 percent of his team's scheduled contests. Freshmen and transfers are not eligible in their first year of academic residence. Senior student-athletes who have participated for a minimum of two years and meet all the criteria except percent of participation are also eligible.

McKinney and the Tigers take on Iowa State tonight in Ames, IA, with tip set for 7 pm on the Mizzou Sports Network. For more information on Tiger Basketball, log on to www.mutigers.com