The freshman center is emerging as one of the top newcomers in all of college basketball
(Irving, TX) Sun Devil freshman center Massamba Diop has been selected to the Big 12 Conference Men’s Basketball Starting Five, the league announced Monday.
Diop put together one of the most productive weeks for any player in the league, excelling in matchups with No. 9 BYU and Kansas State. For his efforts, he is one of five players named to the Big 12 Conference ‘Starting Five’ of the Week, a new weekly award instituted before this season.
Photo – Sun Devil Athletics
Big 12 Starting Five of the Week: Massamba Diop
The Big 12 Starting Five of the Week for games running Jan. 5-11 included Sun Devil center Massamba Diop. He was dominant in both of Arizona State’s matchups this week with Big 12 Conference opponents. In two games, Diop averaged 21.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks in 34.0 minutes of action. He shot 16-of-23 from the field (69.6%) and 11-of-14 from the line (78.6%).
Diop was a catalyst in Arizona State’s win over Kansas State on Saturday, scoring 20+ points for the third straight game and 15+ points for the seventh consecutive contest. He was extremely efficient finishing with 21 points, going 8-of-10 from the field and 5-of-6 from the free-throw line.
On the road against No. 9 BYU earlier in the week, Diop finished with a career-high 22 points, going 8-of-13 from the field and 6-of-8 from the free-throw line. He added nine rebounds, two assists, and a steal in 36 minutes.
Diop becomes the second Sun Devil to claim a weekly conference award this year – joining Moe Odum – who was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Week and landed on the Starting Five after his incredible Maui Invitational run.
Photo – Sun Devil Athletics
Big 12 Starting Five – 1/12
Massamba Diop, Arizona State
Richie Saunders, BYU (player of the week)
Kingston Flemings, Houston
Darryn Peterson, Kansas
Honor Huff, West Virginia (newcomer of the week)
Press Release courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics – Connor Smith
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