February 20, 2007

DICKIE V'S WEEKLY AWARDS

PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Derrick Byars, Vanderbilt

The 6-7 transfer from Virginia was instrumental in a pair of big wins. He had 24 points, eight assists and five steals as the Commodores upset #1 Florida, 83-70. Byars enjoyed a career-high 32 points, hitting 11-of-15 field goal attempts while adding seven rebounds in a 78-68 win over South Carolina earlier in the week.

TEAM OF THE WEEK: Louisville

What a special week for Rick Pitino's squad. First came an impressive, eye-opening performance in a 66-53 stunner at Pittsburgh on Big Monday. Pitino said his team needed the kind of breakthrough win that would make a statement for the NCAA selection committee. The Cardinals followed with a thrilling 61-59 surprise at Marquette on a last-second buzzer-beating three-pointer by Jerry Smith.

COACH OF THE WEEK: Georgetown

John Thompson III is doing a super job with the Hoyas. Georgetown won a pair of Big East games, beating West Virginia and Villanova, the latter coming on the road. This Hoyas squad is in contention to win the Big East title and the current nine-game win streak is impressive.

DIAPER DANDY OF THE WEEK: Brook Lopez, Stanford

The big man came through with a pair of solid performances. He had a career-high 26 points and 10 boards in a win over Oregon. Earlier in the week he scored 20 points while grabbing seven rebounds against Oregon State.

CO-SHOCK OF THE WEEK: NC State over Virginia Tech and South Carolina over Tennessee

These results were surprising, but the margins were really shocking. The Wolfpack shot the lights out against a Virginia Tech team that stunned North Carolina in Chapel Hill earlier in the week. Seeing an 81-56 result was shock city, baby! The Gamecocks beat the Vols 81-64. South Carolina hit 13 trifectas as Tre' Kelley scored 25 big points. Tennessee' Chris Lofton was held in check, scoring just 13.

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