by LakePoint, Ga. – USC Upstate senior center Michael Buchanan (Blackfeet Tribe) was recognized by the ASUN Conference for the second time this season, and third of his career, on Monday afternoon as the Men’s Basketball Player of the Week following his performance in two games last week against UMKC and NJIT, it was announced by the league office.
He shares Player of the Week honors this week with Jacksonville’s Darius Dawkins.
For the week, Buchanan averaged 18.0 points and a team-leading 13.5 rebounds per game on 72.7 percent (16-of-22) shooting as Upstate went 2-0 with wins over UMKC and NJIT. The senior also dished out 3.0 assists per contest while playing in just 24.5 minutes per game. He had double-doubles in both games.
Buchanan helped the Spartans close out non-conference play on Jan. 2 with a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds, as well as a season-high four assists, in the 84-75 victory at UMKC. He followed that performance on Jan. 7 with 24 points and tying his career-high of 15 rebounds on 11-of-15 (73.3 percent) shooting as Upstate began ASUN play with a 75-65 win at home over NJIT. Buchanan equaled his career-best of 11 made field goals in the contest while equaling his season-high of 24 points.
The Las Vegas, Nev. native has nine double-doubles this season and is tied for first in the conference with 10.6 rebounds per game. Buchanan also ranks third in the ASUN in field goal percentage at 65.1 percent. Nationally, he sits in the top 10 in double-doubles, field goal percentage, offensive rebounds per game and total rebounds.
Upstate (11-7, 1-0) remains at home Thursday evening as it hosts North Florida at 7 p.m. The first 200 USC Upstate students in attendance will receive a free Upstate t-shirt.
