Player of the Week
Onyeka Okongwu, USC
The 6’9 freshman had a dominant double double performance on December 15th in a win over LBSU. Okongwu scored 28 points on 68 percent shooting from the floor to go with 12 rebounds. He was able to get it done defensively as well recording one block and three steals. For a guy of Okongwu’s size to be so disruptive on the defensive end and also be so productive offensively, it can’t go unnoticed. And let’s not forget that he is only a freshman.
Okongwu was also an instrumental part in the Trojans thrilling win on December 21st over LSU. He did a little of everything, contributing 10 points, nine rebounds, three assists, four blocked shots and a steal as well if that wasn’t enough. If this USC freshman can continue this kind of production, he will have a lot of eyes on him in no time.
Who’s Hot
Washington State
Needless to say, the Cougars have won their last five games and improved their overall record to 8-4. It is no accident that they are having success as of late. The Cougars defeated Florida A&M on December 19th 87-73. CJ Elleby has been the catalyst more or less for this team this season as well as last season. He scored 25 on 10-15 shooting and 11 rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Washington State had another statement win on December 21st over Incarnate Word. Elleby had another nice game scoring 13 points to go with seven boards, a steal and a block. The MVP for the Cougars was Isaac Bonton who had a strong double double performance with 19 points, 12 boards, six assists and a block. Five players scored in double figures for Washington State in this game. If that could become a trend, watch out for this team as the season progresses.
Who’s Not
Arizona
The Wildcats are coming off back to back losses after having a hot start to the season. After coming off a tough loss in a close battle to 6th ranked Gonzaga on December 14th, Arizona was not able to bounce back against St. Johns. Arizona lost a thriller 67-70 to St. Johns. Usually Nico Mannion is a spark for this team but he wasn’t as efficient as what is expected of him. He shot just 6 of 15 from the floor and he was among several other Wildcats who shot well under 50 percent as well. However, it is still early and Coach Hurley should have this team trending back in the right direction in no time.
Top 5 Individual Performances in the Pac – 12 not named Onyeka Okongwu
1. Isaiah Stewart, Washington
The 6’9, 250 lb. freshman has posted back to back double double performances for the Huskies. Although Washington fell to a talented Gonzaga team, it is worth pointing out the play of Stewart. He had a double double performance scoring 21 points and 10 rebounds on 85 percent shooting. Stewart was able to help the Huskies bounce back against Seattle while having an even better performance. He tallied 27 points and 13 rebounds on 78 percent shooting.
2. Alonzo Verge Jr., Arizona State
The 6’3 junior has put up some impressive performances for the Sun Devils this season. Despite the loss, we would be remiss not to mention how Verge Jr. put up 43 points against St. Mary’s on December 18th. In the Sun Devils most recent matchup, Verge had 19 points and two steals against Creighton on December 21st. He is one of many people ASU had step up this season. They have a special young group.
3. Payton Pritchard, Oregon
The 6’2 senior had a huge game against Texas Southern in a close win. Pritchard was able to contribute 29 points, five boards, and six assists on 75 percent field goals. He was also aggressive on the defensive end putting pressure on the Seattle offense and recording four steals. Expect Pritchard to lead this Oregon team for the remainder of the year. He is the guy for the Ducks.
4. McKinley Wright IV, Colorado
The 6’0 tall junior point guard for the Buffaloes may average just under 13 points per game on the season but he did everything to help his team defeat 13th ranked Dayton in overtime December 21st. Wright IV scored 29 points to go along with 10 rebounds, a steal and a blocked shot. At 10-2, Colorado is in a perfect position to become a team considered among the top in the Pac-12.
5. Oscar da Silva, Stanford
The 6’9 senior has produced consistently for the Cardinals all season and their most recent game against San Diego was no exception. Da Silva had a double double performance with 19 points and 11 boards on 54 percent shooting. He also had five steals and a block which just goes to show how much of a two way player this young man is. He gets after it on both ends, plain and simple.