PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The American Athletic Conference has announced the winners of the league’s weekly men’s basketball honors for the week of Jan. 2-8.
AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Markel Crawford · R-Jr. · G · Memphis · Memphis, Tenn.
Crawford collects his first career player of the week accolade after leading Memphis to a 2-0 week in American play. The junior went 17-of-23 from the field, averaging 21.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. In Memphis’ victory over UConn, Crawford posted 19 points to go along with a season-high eight rebounds. Crawford wrapped his week by going 8-of-11 from the field, knocking down a career-best five three-pointers en route to 24 points in the Tigers’ 21-point win at Tulane. In his last three games, Crawford has scored now scored 71 points, going 26-of-36 from the field and 16-of-20 from the free throw line while grabbing 14 rebounds.
AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
Quinton Rose · Fr. · G · Temple · Rochester, N.Y.
Rose earns his third rookie of the week honor after posting 14 points in both of Temple’s games this week. Coming off the bench, Rose recorded five steals in addition to his 14 points at SMU. On Saturday, Rose was one of five Owls in double figures as Temple notched its first win in American play. Through four games, Rose leads The American in steals, averaging 3.0 per game.
WEEKLY HONOR ROLL
Semi Ojeleye · Jr. · F · SMU · Ottawa, Kan.
Ojeleye helped SMU extend its winning streak to 10 games, as the Mustangs went 2-0 on the week. The junior was the leading scorer in both victories, opening the week with 21 points in SMU’s win against Temple before notching 19 against USF. Ojeleye went 13-of-24 from the field, adding 8.5 rebounds per game.
Dedric Lawson · So. · F · Memphis · Memphis, Tenn.
Lawson notched two double-doubles as Memphis went 2-0, extending his season total to 13. In Memphis’ victory over UConn, Lawson tallied 15 points and 11 rebounds, adding six assists. The sophomore concluded the week with a 24-point, 10-rebound effort at Tulane, chipping in five blocks.
Kyle Washington · Jr. · F · Cincinnati · Chaplin, Minn.
With a team-high 19 points, Washington led No. 22 Cincinnati to a key road win at Houston. The lefty was 8-of-17 from the field, adding nine rebounds and two blocks.
Rodney Purvis · Sr. · G · UConn · Raleigh, N.C.
With 17 points and four rebounds, Purvis helped lead UConn to its first American victory of the season. On the week, Purvis averaged 15.5 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, and in 73 minutes of action had just one turnover.
Damyean Dotson · R-Sr. · G · Houston · Houston
Dotson recorded his team-leading fifth double-double of the season in Houston’s loss to No. 22/22 Cincinnati with 10 points and 10 rebounds. In the Cougars’ midweek victory against Tulsa, Dotson led all players with 18 points, knocking down four three-pointers.