Nov. 18, 2007
PITTSBURGH - Duquesne University freshman forward Damian Saunders (Waterbury, Conn./Notre Dame Prep) has been named Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week for his performance in Duquesne's wins over Winston-Salem State and Rice last week.
Saunders averaged 11.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.5 blocks and 2.5 steals in the two games. He finished with 10 points, eight rebounds, four blocks and four steals in the win at Rice and had 12 points and nine rebounds in the victory over Winston-Salem State.
The 6-7 first-year player is averaging 13.7 points, 7.0 rebounds per game and shooting a team-best 69.6 percent from the field. He leads the team with seven steals and ranks second on the team with six blocked shots.
Saunders is the second-straight Duquesne player to take home a weekly Atlantic 10 honor. Last week graduate student forward/center Kieron Achara (Stirling, Scotland/Maine Central Institute) was named A-10 Player of the Week.
Duquesne (3-0), off to its best start since 1998-99, will look to go 4-0 for the first time since 1986-87 when the Dukes take on Oakland (2-1) at Rochester, Mich. on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. (EST).
