College Notebook

Duke’s Tatum named National Freshman of the Week

Duke forward Jayson Tatum earned another accolade Tuesday for his breakthrough performances in last week’s wins over Florida and UNLV – National Freshman of the Week from the United States Basketball Writers Association

In his first full week of competition this season after recovering from a foot injury, Tatum averaged 17.5 points on .522 (12-of-23) shooting from the floor while pulling down 6.5 rebounds and executing 2.0 steals and 1.5 blocks per game in Duke’s two wins. He was a perfect 10-of-10 from the free throw line on the week.

Tatum’s coming-out party took place on a national stage against No. 21 Florida on Tuesday night at the Jimmy V Classic as he reeled off 22 points on 7-of-12 (.583) shooting, including 16 points in the second half. He also added eight rebounds and a pair of steals. The effort marked the first 20-point game of his career.

On Saturday, Tatum came off the bench for 13 points, five rebounds, three assists and two blocks as Duke dismantled UNLV.

The St. Louis native has scored in double figures in each of the three games he’s played since returning from injury.

Duke is idle until Dec. 19 when it hosts ET Tennessee State at 7 p.m. in its non-conference home finale.

Saint Augustine’s: Anthony Cadogan was named CIAA Men’s Basketball Rookie of the Week after helping the Falcons win the battle of the boards in a 72-62 victory over Claflin University. The forward grabbed four rebounds as the Falcons out-rebounded the Panthers 41-31. The conference award is the first for Cadogan.

Shaw: The CIAA announced senior Joshua Cassady received Men’s Basketball Player of the Week and senior Benji Bell earned Newcomer of the Week Tuesday. Cassady recorded his first ever triple-double with a career-high 23 points, career-high 18 rebounds and career-high 12 blocks against Virginia Union Saturday. In his debut as a Shaw Bear, Bell amassed 23 points and dished out nine assists in the loss to Virginia Union.

Duke: Nolan Smith, former basketball All-American and current special assistant, announced Tuesday that he is joining the national non-profit Teen Cancer America (TCA) as a celebrity sports ambassador. TCA is dedicated to developing specialized facilities that address the age-specific clinical and psychosocial needs of teenagers and young adults with cancer.

UNC/Raleigh Sports Club: Scott Stankavage, former UNC and NFL quarterback with the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins will be the special guest speaker. Stankavage played with former Bronco quarterbacks John Elway and Gary Kubiak.

Meetings are held in Bradley Hall in Highland UMC, 1901 Ridge Road at the intersection of Lake Boone Trail, just inside the Raleigh Beltline. Doors open at 10:50 a.m. Buffet lines open at 11:30 a.m. and the meeting is noon until 1 p.m. Attendance fee is $15 for members, and $25 for guests. Checks and cash accepted. Door prizes and pick sheets will be available.

ECU: Senior wide receiver Jimmy Williams has been granted a medical hardship waiver by the AAC and will be eligible to compete during the 2017 season. The conference's approval of his waiver request means his participation in two contests as a true freshman during the 2013 campaign will not count as an exhausted year of eligibility. Williams saw action in Pirate victories at North Carolina and Middle Tennessee on Sept. 28 and Oct. 5, respectively, before suffering a season-ending foot injury against the Blue Raiders.

UNC/NC State: UNC’s Joey Ward and N.C. State’s Kevin Jack were each named the Atlantic Conference’s Co-Wrestlers of the Week Tuesday after recording victories over 11th-ranked Colton McCrystal of Nebraska in dual match action last week.

Jack, a junior All-America from Danbury, Connecticut, wrestling at 141 pounds, recorded a major decision over McCrystal, 8-0. The win was Jack’s second straight over a Top 10 foe. Jack is currently ranked fifth nationally by InterMat. The win for Jack was his 12th straight this season.

Ward, a senior All-America from Cleveland, Ohio, who is ranked ninth nationally by InterMat, recorded a 4-2 decision over McCrystal. Ward is now 9-1 on the year and 3-0 in dual competition.

N.C. State: Seeking its second four-game winning streak of the season, the Wolfpack will host N.C. Central Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Reynolds Coliseum. The game is the first meeting between the two teams. N.C. State is 8-2 overall this season and 7-0 at home.

Duke: Coming off moving to No. 18 in the latest Associated Press poll, head coach Joanne P. McCallie will host her next radio show Wednesdayfrom 7-8 p.m. at Tobacco Road Sports Café in Durham. The show also is scheduled four more dates during the season: Jan. 9, Jan. 17, Feb. 7 and Feb. 14.

From news releases

This story was originally published December 13, 2016 at 11:30 PM with the headline "College Notebook."