Conventional wisdom says a lot of things, especially about sports.

One frequently cited truism is the existence of a freshman wall. This imaginary barrier usually pops up once freshmen are subjected to the rigors of conference play. Their play drops off, and their inexperience results in more egregious errors. If conventional wisdom is correct, then this is the time of year when Kansas’ sizable freshman class ought to run head-first into this wall.

But despite the name, conventional wisdom is frequently misguided.

Take the notion that a freshman is bound to hit a wall somewhere during early conference play.

Tyshawn Taylor doesn’t seem to think much of that. In fact, he seems dead-set on disproving it.

Since Big 12 play began against Kansas State, Taylor has continued as the most effective freshman in the conference.

In those games, Taylor has played an average of 29 minutes. Playing time has helped cement him as a steady force next to preseason All-Big 12 guard Sherron Collins. Taylor’s ability to handle the ball has allowed Collins the freedom to operate in the open court and find his own shot. Without Taylor playing well at point guard, Collins would likely find it more difficult to score at the rate he has. Taylor’s defense has also eased the burden on Collins’ shoulders.

But Taylor’s contributions to the young Jayhwawks go far beyond the intangible.

Taylor has scored an average of 15 points per game since conference play began, up five from his season average — which ranks third behind Collins and Cole Aldrich. Were he forcing up shots outside the natural flow of the offense, his scoring average would be less impressive. But that’s not the case.

Taylor is shooting a ridiculous 75 percent from the floor. Taylor could probably score more than he already does if he looked for his shot more often. But his most important statistic since the team has begun conference play isn’t his scoring average, assists total or steals total. No, the most important statistic Taylor is partially responsible for is 3-0. That is the record Kansas has amassed to begin Big 12 play.

If Taylor were slamming into some talent-depreciating wall, Kansas wouldn’t have dispatched Kansas State as easily as it did. Nor would the Jayhawks have trounced Colorado, easily walking away with their first road victory of the season. On Monday night, Taylor scored in the first half, helping Kansas distance itself from Texas A&M. He was quiet in the second half, in part because he didn’t need to make much noise.

In that, Taylor’s best attribute becomes clear. He is perfectly willing and able to do what needs to be done in order to win.

It’s that same selflessness that has enabled Taylor to tear down the freshman wall.

— — Edited by Grant Treaster