Jan. 22, 2002
Fairfield, Conn. -- Deng Gai, a 6-9 freshman forward, received the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Co-Rookie Of The Week award, as he helped the Fairfield University men's basketball team post a 2-1 record last week.
Gai earned the award after he averaged 13.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.7 blocks and 1.7 steals in a 2-1 week for the Stags. He blocked eight shots in a win over Rider, and scored a game-high 17 points with nine rebounds in the win over Loyola.
Gai currently ranks second in Division I for blocks per game, averaging 4.4 rejections per contest. His 66 blocks are the most by any freshman in Division I, and is the only freshman with more than 60 blocks this season. For the season, Gai averages 11.5 points and 5.5 rebounds.
He shared the award with Rider's Jerry Johnson, who averaged 14 points, 2.3 steals and 2.0 rebounds in a 2-1 week with the Broncs.
Fairfield University owns a 5-10 overall record and a 4-4 MAAC mark under head coach Tim O'Toole. The Stags host Loyola College on Wednesday, January 23 at the Arena at Harbor Yard. Game time is 8:00 PM. For ticket information, call the Fairfield University ticket office at (203) 254-4103 or go on-line at www.fairfieldstags.com.
