January 8, 2007

TEAM OF THE WEEK: Arkansas
I was not surprised when the Razorbacks beat Alabama in Arkansas. It was the margin that led the Razorbacks to the Team of the Week status. The 88-61 win was an eye-opener. Stan Heath's team also beat Tulsa earlier in the week.

COACH OF THE WEEK: Tim Floyd, USC
His Trojans handed Oregon its first loss of the season, 84-82 in Eugene. Then came a surprisingly easy blowout at Oregon State, 91-46.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK:Aaron Brooks, Oregon
He had a pair of stellar performances for the Ducks. In a win over #1 UCLA, Brooks came through with 25 big points. He also scored 31 in a loss to USC. In two games Brooks shot 20-of-31 from the field.

DIAPER DANDY OF THE WEEK: Kevin Durant, Texas
You have to look at Durant as a potential first-team All-America. He showed why he is one of the premier newcomers, putting up 37 points and 16 rebounds in a win over Colorado. He also scored 21 points while pulling down 15 boards against Texas-Arlington.

SHOCK OF THE WEEK: St. Bonaventure over St. Louis
The Bonnies entered the game ranked in the bottom 10 of the RPI. The Billikens were talking about being an NCAA contender, coming into this match-up with a 10-3 mark. Zarryon Fereti, who did not score in the prior game, had 26 to lead the Bonnies.

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.