Wright Performance Earns Sophomore Big 12 Player of Week Honor

Nov. 27, 2006

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

Sophomore Julian Wright was named the Phillips 66 Big 12 Player of the Week following his efforts in KU’s three games last week. The 6-8 forward was named the MVP of the Las Vegas Invitational after averaging 14.4 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists in KU’s three victories.

Wright erupted during the final round of the tournament, scoring a career-high 21 points, including 17 in the first half, against the defending national champions and No. 1 Florida Gators. In addition, the Chicago, Heights, Ill., native grabbed 10 rebounds and shot 75 percent from the field in the 82-80 overtime victory.

For the season, Wright is averaging 13 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2 blocks in 30 minutes per game. His performance this week and throughout the season has also not gone unnoticed on the national circuit, as ESPN.com’s Andy Katz annointed him with his Player of the Week honor following his MVP performance in Las Vegas. To read more about Katz’s recognition, click here.

Wright joins sophomore Mario Chalmers as the only active Jayhawks to earn the Phillips 66 Big 12 Player of the Week Honors. Wright was also recognized once last season as the Phillips 66 Big 12 Rookie of the Week.

Wright, Chalmers and the rest of the Jayhawks return to action tomorrow when they play host to the Dartmouth Big Green. Tip off against the Ivy League opponent is set for 7 p.m. from Allen Fieldhouse.

– KU –