The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Paul Delaney Named C-USA Player of the Week
11/13/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 13, 2006
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Coming off an outstanding performance at the John Thompson Foundation Classic, junior guard Paul Delaney was tabbed the Conference USA Player of the Week, announced league officials on Monday. It marks Delaney's first such award, while he also becomes the first Blazer in school history to receive the award during the opening weekend of play.
"Paul had a terrific weekend and I am very proud of the way he helped lead us to two victories last weekend against some very good basketball teams," UAB head coach Mike Davis said. "Paul is in for a great year. He is quick, athletic and a very smart basketball player. To average nearly a triple-double is an amazing feat and he certainly deserves this award."
Delaney nearly averaged a triple-double to lead the Blazers to a 2-1 opening weekend record at the John Thompson Foundation Classic in Milwaukee, Wis. Playing three games in three days, Delaney averaged 12.7 points, 8.0 rebounds and 7.9 assists. He posted back-to-back double-doubles in UAB's two wins with 13 points and 10 assists in the 76-63 victory against Radford, and 11 points and 13 rebounds in a 75-60 win over host Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He also assisted on eight baskets against UWM, and scored 14 points in the season opener with Washington State on Friday. The Decatur, Ga. native's 13 boards and 10 assists were both career highs.
Delaney is the first UAB player to reach back-to-back double-double games since Will Campbell achieved the feat during the 2001-02 campaign, at Houston on March 2 (22 points, 11 rebounds) and vs. USF on March 6 (11 points, 10 rebounds). For his efforts, Delaney, along with senior Wen Mukubu, earned all-tournament accolades.
The Blazers will return to action on Saturday, Nov. 18, when they travel to take on the Wyoming Cowboys. Tip off is slated for 8 p.m. CT.
