Newcomers Making Their Mark
(St. Louis, MO) – During this ‘portal pandemic’ era, remade rosters mean newcomers have great opportunities to win weekly honors. They did just that this week in the Missouri Valley and Ohio Valley Conferences.
Returners are holding their own too, but with so many transfers and freshmen getting playing time, we’re still figuring out who the prominent players will be in either of these conferences.
Players of the Week
Tennessee Tech’s Rodney Johnson enjoyed an outstanding first week. The 6’5 senior scored 12 points during the Golden Eagles loss to Georgia and added a career high 27 against Bryan College. Johnson, the OVC ‘Player of the Week’ averaged 10.7 points last season.
Illinois Chicago won its first two games and Utah State transfer Javon Jackson averaged 17 points and 3.5 steals during the Flames two victories. This week’s MVC ‘Player of the Week‘ helped the Flames record back-to-back 91-point performances.
Newcomer Weekly Honors
In this crowded field, UT Martin’s Josue Grullon stood out in the OVC. Grullon scored 18 points in the Skyhawks’ big road win over Illinois State and 19 against Kentuky Christian. The OVC ‘Newcomer of the Week’ finished off Illinois State with three late free throws.
Samage Teel came to Indiana State as a proven scorer and the Presbyterian transfer averaged 20.5 points during the season’s first week. The Valley’s ‘Newcomer of the Week‘ has been perfect from the free throw line and making .593 of his field goal attempts.
Freshmen Weekly Honors
Jadis Jones came to Lindenwood after a stellar high school career. Rated Missouri’s third best senior, signed on with Kyle Gerdeman and the Lions. The OVC ‘Freshman of the Week’ averaged 12 points and 7.5 rebounds as the Lions split their first two games. During Jones’ debut at Oklahoma, he recorded a double-double of ten points and ten rebounds.
Evansville rookie Gabriel Pozzato leads the MVC scorers. The 6’7 Italian is averaging 23 points-per-game and is making .621 of his field goal attempts. His 28-point, opening game performance is Evansville’s best-ever opening night freshman tally. The MVC ‘Freshman of the Week’ recorded Evansville’s second-best rookie scoring mark ever. Colt Ryan racked up 31 in 2010.
Editor: Cover photo of Javon Jackson courtesy of UICFlames.com.
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I haven't heard, nor do I know, how does this apply to the typical 'foreign' basketball player that is most often over 19?
Obviously, this is a sentimental and not a ‘spreadsheet’ notion, but would hate to see @MVCsports change the #ArchMadness format from the traditional ‘family reunion’ feel by cutting teams from the experience. #FatherHarry
Another nice @MVCsports basketball schedule announcement. #FatherHarry . .
Congrats to @ISURedbirdGolf. T.J. Barger sets a school record. Pietro Pontiggia records the Redbirds' second-ever top 20 finish at a regional. The team finishes tent in the region which is tied for the program's best regional finish! #FatherHarry
