It was a big week for Washington Huskies junior guard Isaiah Thomas.
He played a critical role last in the Huskies wins over Oregon and Oregon State and was rewarded Monday by being selected the Pac-10 Conference Player of the Week.
It is the first time Thomas has been so honored and the 40th time for a Husky. It also is the second consecutive week that a Husky has been honored. Senior forward Matthew Bryan-Amaning was given the award a week ago after his efforts in the Huskies’ conference-opening victories in Los Angeles.
It’s the first time UW players have won the award successively since the conference first started handing out the award in 1983-84.
Thomas averaged 19.5 points, 8.5 assists and shot 46.2 percent from the three-point range as Washington moved to 4-0 in Pac-10 play. He had an assist to turnover ratio of 4.3 (17 assists/4 turnovers) to lead Washington to its best start in conference play since 1984.
In addition, Thomas moved among a select group of 20 candidates for the Bob Cousy Award, the prestigious award given to the nation’s top point guard. The field started with 60.
It’s a blessing and everything I do is dedicated to my brother (Abdul) Gaddy,” said Thomas in a statement. Gaddy, the team’s starting point guard, torn the anterior interior cruciate in his left leg last week and is out for the season.
It’s an honor to be picked player of the week, he added, but I wish there was an award for the team of the week because without my teammates, I don’t get this award.”
Against the Ducks on Thursday, Thomas scored 20 points and equaled a career-high with nine assists. He also grabbed six rebounds had three steals and threw down his first collegiate dunk.
Saturday against the Beavers, he scored 19 points – including a career-high tying four three-pointers – and dished out eight assists.
The Huskies, who play at Stanford (9-5, 2-1) Thursday, have won 11 straight games against Pac-10 opponents. They also have won a record six straight road contests in the Pac-10 and six straight against the Cardinal.
The team’s fast start also has improved its national stature. The Huskies moved from 23rd to 17th in The Assoicated Press poll. They also are ranked again in the ESPN/USA Today poll, now 18th.
