Chalmers Wins Big 12 Player of the Week

Feb. 13, 2006

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

Freshman Mario Chalmers has been named Phillips 66 Big 12 Conference Player the Week for games of Feb. 6-12 in voting by a panel of media covering the conference. Chalmers is just the second freshman in Big 12 history (Drew Lavender, OU, Dec. 15, 2003) to win player accolades. The Anchorage, Alaska, native is also the first Jayhawk to win conference player of the week honors this season. He and Brandon Rush have both been named Phillips 66 Big 12 Rookie of the Week.

Chalmers averaged 21.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals as Kansas extended its win streak to seven games with two victories last week. The freshman guard had 20 points and four steals in a 69-48 win at Nebraska. He followed with career-highs of 23 points and five rebounds in a 88-75 tally versus Iowa State. He shot 44.8 (13-of-29) from the floor in two games and was 10-of-10 from the free throw line. Chalmers, who has started the last 12 games for KU, is averaging 15.5 points in Big 12 play. He also ranks third in league action with 5.2 assists per game.

KU takes on Oklahoma State tonight from Stillwater. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. and can be seen on ESPN’s Big Monday.