UNC’s RJ Davis Earns AP Player of the Week with Record-Breaking Performance – Sky Bulletin
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The week’s top honor in men’s college basketball, the Associated Press Player of the Week, has been awarded for Week 17:
THE STANDOUT: RJ DAVIS OF NORTH CAROLINA
At the Dean Smith Center, a new scoring record has been established, thanks to North Carolina’s standout 6-foot senior guard RJ Davis. In a gripping 75-71 victory over Miami on Monday, Davis delivered an astounding 42-point game. His performance marked the highest point total from a North Carolina player since 1998. Davis managed to outscore his fellow Tar Heels by nine points, an accomplishment last achieved when Michael Jordan took to the courts in 1983. Going 14 for 22 in field goal attempts and an impressive 7 for 11 from beyond the arc, Davis continued his hot streak by adding 14 points in a subsequent win over North Carolina State, surpassing Brad Daugherty to claim the 10th spot on North Carolina’s all-time scoring leaderboard.
SECOND PLACE
Creighton’s Baylor Scheierman fell just shy of the week’s top honor. The impressive 6-7 senior managed averages of 23 points, 13.5 boards, 3.5 assists, and 2.5 steals across two crucial victories in the past week. Scheierman posted 20 points and 11 rebounds in an 85-64 triumph against Seton Hall and then improved his stat line with 26 points and 16 rebounds in a marquee 89-75 victory over 8th-ranked Marquette. He currently sits third in the Big East for scoring with 18.5 points per game and second for rebounds, averaging 8.9 per game.
OTHERS TO WATCH
Also receiving recognition this week are Deivon Smith of Utah, Jordan King of Richmond, and Tyler Perry of Kansas State.
UP-AND-COMING
Dalton Knecht of Tennessee emerges as a player to keep an eye on. With Knecht’s contributions, the Vols are on the cusp of clinching their first SEC title under coach Rick Barnes. This past week, the 6-6 senior tallied 39 points and nailed 5 out of 8 three-pointers in a vital 92-84 win against 13th-ranked Auburn. Knecht had previously scored 13 in an 81-74 victory over 16th-ranked Alabama. The Vols are positioned to secure their first regular-season title in six years if they can seize wins over the currently 17th-ranked South Carolina and 15th-ranked Kentucky this week.
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Members of the AP voting panel: Aaron Beard, Cliff Brunt, Gary B. Graves, Beth Harris, Mike Marot, John Marshall, Eric Olson, Dave Skretta, Teresa M. Walker.
AP RANKINGS AND NEWS
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FAQ Section
- Who won the AP Player of the Week?
- RJ Davis of North Carolina was named the AP Player of the Week.
- How many points did RJ Davis score to set the new record?
- RJ Davis scored 42 points to set the Dean Smith Center record.
- Who was the runner-up for the AP Player of the Week?
- Baylor Scheierman from Creighton was the runner-up.
- Which player is highlighted as one to “keep an eye on”?
- Dalton Knecht from Tennessee is suggested as the player to “keep an eye on.”
Conclusion
The week’s AP Player of the Week announcement has stirred excitement with North Carolina’s RJ Davis taking center stage with his record-breaking performance. Not only did Davis’s stellar play ensure his spot in the Tar Heels’ history books, but it also underscored the level of talent present in college basketball today. Baylor Scheierman’s recognition as the runner-up highlights the diversity of skills showcased across the nation, while players like Dalton Knecht continue to make names for themselves with their on-court contributions. The AP top rankings and weekly honors continue to reflect the dynamic and competitive spirit that is emblematic of college basketball.
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