The Wildcats survived a thriller in Provo last week before knocking off in-state rival ASU to complete a season sweep of the Territorial Cup, largely in part due to the play of one of their phenom freshmen. Following back-to-back double figure games, including a career-night against No. 13 BYU, Arizona guard Brayden Burries was named Big 12 Player and Newcomer of the Week.
Burries erupted on Monday night against the Cougars. In addition to scoring a career-high 29 points, he also tallied five rebounds and four assists, while connecting on 13-of-14 shots at the charity stripe. He followed up his career night with a 17-point outing in the Duel in the Desert, while also recording seven rebounds and four assists.
On the week, he averaged 23.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, while connecting on 12-of-22 (54.5%) of his shots from the field, including 50.0% from the perimeter, as well as 19-of-21 from the free throw line.
He is the second Wildcat to earn weekly conference honors, joining fellow star freshman Koa Peat. Peat earned Co-Big 12 Player and Newcomer of the Week honors following his 30-point debut against the defending national champion Florida Gators in Arizona’s season-opener victory in Las Vegas.
Jaden Bradley named to Bob Cousy Award Midseason Watch List
Burries isn’t the only Arizona player garnering some attention for his play this season. On Monday, UA point guard Jaden Bradley earned one of 10 spots on the Bob Cousy Award Midseason Watch List.
He is one of four Big 12 players on the midseason watch list, alongside Houston’s Kingston Flemings, Iowa State’s Tamin Lipsey, and Texas Tech’s Christian Anderson.
After not earning any preseason honors at the conference or national level, Bradley has been playing at an All-American level in his final season in Tucson. The veteran guard is averaging 13.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game, and is shooting a career-best 50.5% from the field through 22 games. In Big 12 play, Bradley is averaging 14.6 points, scoring in double figures in six of nine games.
While Burries and Peat have been Arizona’s most dynamic scorers this season, Bradley has been a mature and collected presence for the Wildcats, earning the nickname “The Closer” for his clutch play in the second half of games this season.
Burries was on the preseason watch list for the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award, while Peat was a preseason selection for the Malone Award. Those midseason lists will come out later this week.
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