March 13, 2006

WEEKLY AWARDS

Here is my weekly award list for Championship week:

PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Gerry McNamara, Syracuse
It looked like the Orange was going to fall short of an NCAA berth until McNamara took the team on his back and carried them to the Big East championship. He made big shot after big shot, converting the game-winner against Cincinnati, as well as leading Syracuse to wins over Connecticut, Georgetown and Pittsburgh. He had special performances, baby!

CO-TEAM OF THE WEEK: Syracuse, UCLA
The Orange got it all together at the right time, repeating as champion of the Big East tournament. The Bruins were dominant in wins over California, Arizona and Oregon State in capturing the Pac-10 tournament.

COACH OF THE WEEK: Sean Miller, Xavier
The Musketeers were reeling after the loss of Brian Thornton. Xavier rebounded and won four gamesin four days as the #10 seed to win the Atlantic 10 tournament. Miller and company have a lot to be proud of.

DIAPER DANDY OF THE WEEK: Shawne Williams, Memphis
He has enjoyed a super season and he came through again as the Tigers won the Conference USA championship.

SHOCK OF THE WEEK: Syracuse over Connecticut The Orange, coming off a hard-fought win over Cincinnati, locked up an NCAA berth with an upset over Jim Calhoun's Huskies.

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.