Releford named Big 12 Player of the Week

IRVING, Texas - Kansas junior Travis Releford was selected Phillips 66 Big 12 Player for games of Jan. 2-8 in voting by a panel of media covering the conference. It is the first career honor for Releford and the fourth time this season for a Jayhawk as Thomas Robinson has earned the honor three times (1128, 1212 and 12). Releford averaged a Big 12-best 22.0 points for the week, leading the Jayhawks to a 2-0 start in league play with wins over Kansas State (67-49) and at Oklahoma (72-61). The Kansas City, Mo., guard opened with career-highs in points (16) and rebounds (11) versus KSU to record his first career double-double. He followed the performance by matching that career-high in the first half and finishing with 28 points as KU handed the Sooners their first home loss of the season. Releford shot 62.5 percent in the two games, including 55.6 percent from three-point range. He also made 9-of-10 (.900) free throws, with three assists and two steals. Releford is averaging 10.1 points this season and has recorded double figures in three straight contests and eight times this season. Last season, Kansas mens basketball players were named Big 12 Player of the Week four times with conference player of the year Marcus Morris three times and Markieff Morris once. In 2001-02, KU earned the leagues player of the week accolades six times Drew Gooden (four times) and Kirk Hinrich (two times).