Dec. 11, 2000

Columbia, Mo. - University of Missouri men's basketball sophomore forward Kareem Rush was named the national player of the week today by ESPN.com.

Rush, who is leading the Big 12 Conference in scoring (21.7 ppg), averaged 28.0 points, and 6.5 rebounds per game in leading the Tigers to two key wins last week against DePaul and Saint Louis. Rush tied a career high with 31 points Wednesday vs. DePaul and followed with 25 in MU's comeback win over Saint Louis on Saturday, including a fall-away jumper in the lane which gave MU the lead for good with 1:33 remaining in the game.

Rush is making an early case for all-American and Big 12 player of the year honors , as he currently ranks among league leaders in scoring (1st - 21.7 ppg), rebounding (12th - 7.4 rpg), free throw shooting (11th - 82.5%), steals (13th - 1.6 spg), 3-pt. Field goal shooting (5th - 50.0%), blocked shots (8th - 1.4 bpg) and 3-pt. Field goals made (3rd - 2.7 pg).

The Kansas City, Mo. native has now scored in double figures in 25 straight games, dating back to last season. He was a pre-season first-team all-Big 12 selection by league coaches and media, and was a third-team all-American by one pre-season publication.