Pitt's Blake Hinson Earns More Player of the Week Awards
PITTSBURGH -- Pitt Panthers star forward Blake Hinson has earned more national and conference recognition after a historic week that included two key wins for his team.
In addition to being named ESPN's Player of the Week by Jeff Borzello, Hinson has earned Player of the Week honors from the ACC and Naismith Awards.
Hinson averaged 34 points and 4.5 rebounds per game while knocking down 53.8% of his 3-pointers, 64.7% from 2-point range and 80% from the free throw line over those two contests. He dropped 27 points in an upset win over the Cavaliers, which also snapped Division I's longest home winning streak, before scoring an astounding 41 points - tied for the third-most in a game in school history and the most by a Panther at the Petersen Events Center - against the Cardinals.
Head coach Jeff Capel praised Hinson's ability to stay level through the ups and downs of this season. Even with the Panthers riding a hot streak that has them back in contention for an NCAA Tournament bid and the far reaches of the AP Poll, Capel says Hinson has been the same steady player and leader.
"Blake is the same every day. That's one of the beautiful things about him," Capel said. "He's just about being a really good teammate, being locked in on what we're trying to do and help us win, ... He is a leader for our program, especially the young guys. ... He doesn't get caught up in that stuff, I don't think he really pays attention to it. I've never heard him talk about it. ... He just plays the game and takes the day that's in front of him and tries to make the best of that day."
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