(Video courtesy ESPN)
Michigan State C Derrick Nix is finally putting it all together.
The 6-foot-9, 270-pound senior struggled with off-court issues and weight problems during his time in East Lansing, but flashed the full package this week as he averaged 17 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 1.5 assists en route to Big Ten player of the week honors.
Nix posted a career-high 25 points to go with 11 rebounds and four steals in a win over Texas after notching nine points and eight rebounds in a victory against Bowling Green.
It is the first weekly award for Nix.
Meantime, Michigan F Mitch McGary was named Big Ten freshman of the week for posting his first career double-double in a win over Eastern Michigan.
The 6-foot-10, 250-pounder scored 10 points to go with 11 rebounds against the Eagles. McGary also had two assists and a career-best three steals in just 18 minutes.
It is the first weekly award for McGary.
For more info about the top talent in the Big Ten, check out CBSSports.com analyst Jeff Goodman’s list of the top 100 NBA draft-eligible players.
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from Big Ten bloggers Dave Carey and Mike Singer, follow @CBSSportsBigTen.