Washington named SEC Player of the Week again

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. –-Following two double-double performances and for the second time this season, Arkansas pre-season All-Southeastern Conference forward Michael Washington has been named SEC Player of the Week, the league office announced on Monday.

Washington had double-doubles in Razorback wins over No. 4 Oklahoma and North Texas last week.

Against the Sooners, he was 10-of-12 from the floor and 4-of-7 at the line, finishing with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Oklahoma was within 81-77 with 5:01 remaining, but Washington scored seven straight Hog points to push the lead to 88-81 with 1:33 to go.

Against North Texas Saturday in North Little Rock’s Alltel Arena, he was 12-of-15 from the field and 10-of-12 at the line for a career-high 34 points to go with 11 rebounds. He also set a career high with the 12 shots made and tied his personal best with 10 made free throws.

For the week, he averaged 29.0 points and 11.0 rebounds while shooting 81.5 percent from the floor (22-27) and 73.7 percent at the line (14-19).

He was the league’s player of the week following the opening week of the season when he had 30 points and 14 rebounds against Southeastern Louisiana.

Washington, from McGehee, is the first Razorback with multiple 30-point games in a season since Jannero Pargo had five in 2002. He is the first post player since Joe Kleine, who had seven in 1985.

This is the third time a Razorback has earned SEC Player of the Week honors. In addition to Washington’s two selections, freshman Courtney Fortson was chosen on Dec. 15 following his triple-double performance of 20 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists against North Carolina Central. Fortson has also earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors.

Arkansas’ most recent two-time SEC Player of the Week was two years ago when Gary Ervin was selected on Jan. 8 and March 5.

The three total player of the week selections are the most for Arkansas since 1994 when Scotty Thurman was selected twice and Corliss Williamson once.

The Razorbacks are 11-1 and play host to No. 7 Texas on Tuesday at 8:05 p.m. in a game nationally televised by ESPN2.