After suffering an embarrassing loss to Kentucky, Kansas put together four consecutive wins this week and captured the Orlando Classic title. Perry Ellis was instrumental for the Jayhawks and the junior from Wichita, Kan. has been named NetScouts Basketball's National Player of the Week for games from November 24th through November 30th.
Ellis averaged 18.8 points and 7.5 rebounds per game this week while shooting 23-of-47 (48.9%) from the field. He had a team-high 17 points in Kansas' marquee win over Michigan State in the finals of the tournament.
The 6-foot-8 forward has been a contributor since his freshman season and looks primed for a major role this year. As the only upperclassman in the starting lineup, Ellis has provided not only production, but also experience and leadership for the Jayhawks. He's a tough interior post player that is expanding his range as the season progresses. With a young core in Lawrence, head coach Bill Self can count on Ellis for consistent production nightly.
Eastern Washington snapped Indiana's 43-game home winning steak against non-conference opponents while also earning its first win against a Big Ten foe. Junior Venky Jois played a vital role in the upset and had a career night later in the week. As a result, the Australian, a native of Ferntree Gully, Victoria has been named NetScouts Basketball's International Player of the Week for games from November 24th through November 30th.
Jois started the week with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and five blocks in an upset over Indiana. He followed with 14 points and eight rebounds against Northern Kentucky before posting a career-high 38 points on 15-of-21 shooting against Eastern Oregon. The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 24.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 4.3 blocks per game while shooting 29-of-45 (64.4%) from the field as Eastern Washington won all three games.
The Eagles are off to a 6-1 start this season with their lone loss coming on the road to SMU. Six international student-athletes are listed on the roster and Jois has certainly lifted Eastern Washington early on. With a historic week in the books, Jois looks ready for an excellent season ahead.
Carl Berman is Managing Partner of NetScouts Basketball and can be followed on twitter here.