Congratulations to Wake Forest power forward/center Devin Thomas, who won the Lute Olson National Player of the Week Award for his efforts in two wins versus Rutgers and Arkansas.
He combined for 43 points and 29 rebounds in the two games, and also chipped in 5 assists, and 6 blocks. He is the first Wake Forest player to have consecutive 20 point, 10 rebound games since Al-Farouq Aminu in 2009.
His second half burst against Arkansas is arguably the reason the Deacs' won the game, and his refined offensive game has been noticeable throughout the early part of the season.
Thomas is averaging a double-double on the season with 18.6 points per game, and 11.6 rebounds per game. His 27% defensive rebounding rate is 37th best in the country. His fouls drawn rate of 8.3 per 40 is 23rd in the country.
Despite his efforts, Thomas did not win the weekly ACC player of the week award, losing out to UNC guard Marcus Paige, who scored 33 points and accumulated 9 assists in leading the Heels to two wins last week as well.
Wake Forest will look for more of the same as they take on UNC-Greensboro next Tuesday night (December 15th) at the LJVM in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.