NEW YORK (Jan. 24, 2023) ---
Mervin James of Rider has been named Division I Men’s Player of the Week by the Met Basketball Writers Association.
The designation, for games played Jan. 16-22, is unique in that it encompasses players from 21 Met area Division I schools.
A 6-7 senior forward from St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, James --- who also was named the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference player of the week --- led the Broncs (9-9) to a pair of close homecourt victories in MAAC action, averaging 17.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists while converting 15-of-16 (93.8%) free throws. He exceeded his season averages of 11.8 ppg and 5.7 rpg in both games.
In defeating Niagara 65-62 on Friday, James totaled 18 points and a game-high eight rebounds to assist in Rider’s come-from-behind victory. RU trailed 43-32 early in the second half and then rallied, with James making a key steal late in the game and canning two subsequent free throws to help propel the Broncs to the win.
James registered 16 points, six rebounds and was a perfect 8-of-8 at the line on Sunday as Rider edged Manhattan 67-65 to improve to 6-3 in the MAAC and .500 overall.
Players receiving MBWA Division I Honorable Mention for the week: Chris Mann, Army West Point; Kadary Richmond, Seton Hall; Tyler Thomas, Hofstra.
Previous MBWA 2022-23 Division I Men’s Players of the Week:
Dec. 6,
Caleb McConnell, Rutgers; Dec 13,
Nelly Junior Joseph, Iona; Dec. 20,
Joel Soriano, St. John's; Jan. 10,
Aaron Estrada, Hofstra; Jan. 17,
Joel Soriano, St. John's.