Quinton Hooker passed the 1,000-point mark for his collegiate career while scoring more than 30 points in two North Dakota wins. The Brooklyn Park, Minnesota native has been named NetScouts Basketball's National Player of the Week for games from February 22nd to February 28th.
The 6-foot junior guard began his scoring outburst on Thursday in an 80-77 win against Portland State. Hooker scored 38 points on 15-of-20 shooting and a 3-of-6 display from deep while connecting on all five free throw attempts. He also added five rebounds and three assists. His 38 points were a program record at the Division I level. Hooker responded by scoring 34 points in a 97-71 win over Sacramento State while shooting 11-of-12 from the field, 5-of-5 from three, and 7-of-8 from the free throw line. On the week, Hooker averaged 36.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game while shooting 81.3% (26-32) from the field, 72.7% (8-11) from deep, and 92.3% (12-13) from the free throw line.
Hooker is now averaging 19.9 points per game this season as North Dakota sits tied for third in the Big Sky race. He'll need to continue the magic for the to win the conference tournament and earn a bid for the NCAA Tournament.
Rokas Gustys had a monster week on the glass in two Hofstra victories. The Kaunas, Lithuania native has been named NetScouts Basketball's International Player of the Week for games from February 22nd to February 28th.
The 6-foot-9 forward opened with an impressive double-double, posting 12 points and 21 rebounds in a narrow 70-69 win at UNC Wilmington. His 21 rebounds matched a career-high. On Saturday, Gustys posted another double-double, this time with 13 points and 14 rebounds, in a 72-63 victory against Charleston. On the week, Gustys averaged 12.5 points and 17.5 rebounds per game while shooting 69.2% (9-13) from the floor.
Gustys has been a double-double machine this season, bringing his total to 19 after this week. He's now posted seven consecutive double-doubles as Hofstra has won six straight games.
Carl Berman is Managing Partner of NetScouts Basketball