Jayson Tatum National Freshman of the Week

dsc_0131DURHAM, N.C. – Duke forward Jayson Tatum earned another accolade for his breakthrough performances in last week’s wins over Florida and UNLV on Tuesday, garnering National Freshman of the Week honors from the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA).

CBS Sports has once again teamed up with the USBWA and the Wayman Tisdale National Freshman of the Year Award to name a National Freshman of the Week each week this season. The winner of the Tisdale Award will be announced in March.

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 chipping in 6.5 rebounds, 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 Tuesdaynight 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.