Olu Ashaolu's big game leads him to being named Player of the Week (Associated Press)

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After a monster game during what would be a monster week, The Can Ball Report had to name Olu Ashaolu as the NC-Double-Eh Player of the Week. 

Player of the Week

Olu Ashaolu (Toronto) – Soph., Louisiana Tech

Wow!  That is all we can say about Young Ashaolu’s New Year week.  Olu had a monster week, and in every sense of the word.  For the week, he averaged 15.5 points, 16.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists while shooting 11 for 21 from the floor.  For his effort Ashaolu was named Western Athletic Conference Player of the Week and we have also him the nod as well.  Again, all we can say is wow …

Ashaolu’s jewel of the week came against Houston on Dec. 29 in the Bulldogs’ 99-94 win.  In what would be a career night for him, Olu had one of the best performances of any Canadian in recent memory when he single handedly almost outrebounded the Cougars grabbing a career high 21 off the glass, nine on the offensive end.  He also added 17 points also and had his sixth double-double only 15 minutes into the game in 38 minutes.

In Louisiana Tech’s next game in a win over Nevada three days later Olu had another great game to open up the New Year.  In 31 minutes Ashaolu had 14 points and 12 rebounds along with an assist and a steal.  He shot a very efficient 5 of 7 from the field adding four from the line. 

On the season, Ashaolu is averaging 12.3 points, 9.5 rebounds and an assist.  He’s currently shooting 57.7 from the floor and 38.5 from the three.  He is the team’s leading rebounder and fourth in scoring.

Honorable Mention – Paul Campbell, Hawaii – 14 pts, 11 rbs, 1.5 asts, 2 blks, 12 of 16 FG, 4 of 8 FT, 34.5 mins, 2 games.

Line of the Week

Manny Arop (Calgary) – Fresh., Gonzaga

In the Gonzaga Bulldogs are making waves this season and it they have been largely helped by the contingent of Canadians that are currently on the roster.  One of them is Manny Arop who had a great line this past week when the Zags blew out Eastern Washington. 

In his 18 very efficient minutes, Arop managed to score ten points, grab seven off the glass and dish out six dimes.  He scored his points on his 3 of 4 shooting from the arc and topped it off by sinking one of his two free throws.    I’m not big on the efficiency ratings but I’m sure that would be a pretty damn efficient night. 

Honorable Mention – Eric Williams, Niagara -  13 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, 5 of 6 FG, 3 of 4 FT, 16 minutes on Jan 2 vs. Iona.