Dec. 8, 2008
Santa Clara's senior center John Bryant has been named the West Coast Conference Player of the Week after averaging more than 17 ppg, 18 rpg and 4.5 bpg in Santa Clara's two wins last week. Bryant shares the award with Saint Mary's Patty Mills. It is the first Player of the Week for Bryant in his career after he was named WCC Player of the Month last November.
"As one of the top players on the West Coast, John Bryant continues to lead our team on and off the court this season with his outstanding play and leadership. Last week was no exception when he averaged 17 ppg, 18 rpg and 4.5 bpg," said Bronco head coach Kerry Keating. "Our team has experienced a lot in the last month with six straight games on the road and I know John and fellow senior Calvin Johnson will continue to lead our team to new heights as we all keep growing."
Santa Clara, 4-4, hosts Notre Dame de Namur on Sat., Dec. 13 at 7 pm at the Leavey Center before traveling to Las Vegas to play at UNLV on Wed., Dec. 17 at 7:30 pm.
According to the Atlantic Sun Conference, Bryant and Campbell's Jonathan Rodriguez are the only two players in the country to have at least tied for the team lead in both scoring and rebounding in every game this season. Rodriguez has led by himself in every game while Bryant shared the scoring lead in one game (11/17 vs UAB with Perry Petty).
Through eight games this year, Bryant is averaging a double-double with 18.9 ppg, 12.9 rpg, 2.6 bpg in 30 mpg. He has six double-doubles this season and 30 in his career. Bryant is currently ranked the seventh-best center nationally by rivals.com. He currently leads the conference in rebounds and is third in scoring.
In the Dec. 3 win at San Jose State (59-56) Bryant pulled down 21 rebounds and scored 20 points with 3 blocks. The 20-20 was the first for a Bronco since Ron Reis scored 2o points with 20 rebounds vs. UMASS on Nov. 29, 1991 (64-85 loss).
In the Dec. 6 win vs. Sacramento State (51-32) Bryant grabbed 15 rebounds, adding 14 points with a season-high 16 blocks.
Already the school record holder in blocks (183), he is inching closer to Dennis Awtrey's school record of 1,135 rebounds. At No. 6 on the career list, Bryant has 788 career rebounds. He is No. 20 in career points at 1,222. He needs to hit 515 points to pass career school-record holder Kurt Rambis who scored 1,736 point during his Bronco career.
