Jan. 5, 2009

Milwaukee -

Complete BIG EAST Release (PDF)

Senior guard Jerel McNeal has been named the BIG EAST Conference Player of the Week, the league office announced Monday morning.

The accolade is the second of the season for McNeal, who also garnered the honor on Dec. 8. The Chicago, Ill., native now owns three career weekly recognitions from the league, which is tied for the most by any active BIG EAST performer. Teammate Dominic James also owns three awards, as does Notre Dame's Luke Harangody.

McNeal averaged 25.0 points, 6.5 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game in BIG EAST wins over Villanova and Cincinnati. He combined to shoot 66.7 percent (16-of-24) from the field and 11-of-15 (73.3 percent) from behind the 3-point line, including a 7-for-7 effort from long distance against the Bearcats. He netted game highs in points in both outings and knocked down 9-of-10 shots overall in the victory over UC.