Feb. 4

PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Joseph Forte of North Carolina came up with two great performances this week. One was in a nationally televised triumph over Duke on Thursday night which makes the Tar Heels No. 1 in the national rankings, in my book.

Forte had 24 points and 16 rebounds against the Blue Devils, leading the Tar Heels to an upset win at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Forte had a double-double by halftime against Duke.

Forte followed this up with a 23-point performance against Georgia Tech on Saturday. Forte is able to get it done both inside and outside.

COACH OF THE WEEK
Tim Welsh of Providence has overcome lots of adversity this season. The Friars were not expected to do much in the Big East, but with victories over Villanova and St. John's last week, Providence is a legitimate contender in the Big East.

The way the Friars are playing right now, they have a good shot at the NCAA Tournament. And these two big wins enhance their chances. Welsh has done a terrific job this season.

TEAM OF THE WEEK
North Carolina is No. 1 in my Dazzling Dozen now, thanks to wins over Duke and Georgia Tech. The Tar Heels are now the lone undefeated team in the ACC (Duke had been undefeated in conference play until they lost to UNC).

SHOCK OF THE WEEK
Wisconsin learned a hard lesson this week when it scheduled a Midwestern Collegiate Conference opponent during a tough part of the Big Ten schedule.

Butler came into Madison and scored a shocking upset over the Badgers. Give credit to the Bulldogs, who controlled tempo and did a great job defensively.

DIAPER DANDY OF THE WEEK
Georgetown's Mike Sweetney has been a pleasant surprise for the Hoyas this season. In fact, Georgetown has surprised a lot of people as well with their solid performance as they make a run toward a potential NCAA Tournament bid. Coming off a loss to Syracuse, Sweetney stepped up big-time against West Virginia.