Jan. 8

PLAYER OF THE WEEK
There were a number of scintillating performances, including Troy Murphy's 37-point performance against Rutgers. But I give my nod to Maryland's Terence Morris.

He had 26 big points at Clemson in the Terps' first ACC road game of the season. Morris had a double-double with 19 points and 13 rebounds to spark Maryland over Georgia Tech.

If Gary Williams' team is going to be a challenger for national honors, Morris must have consistent performances. He has to give them great baseline play every night.

DIAPER DANDY OF THE WEEK
Omar "The Chef" Cook had a big game against Virginia Tech, with 23 points, eight assists and six steals.

He followed that with a brilliant performance against a tough Connecticut team at Gampel Pavilion. It was heartbreak city for St. John's, falling in overtime to the ranked Huskies.

Cook was dazzling with his ball-handling skills, finishing with 11 points and 15 assists for the Red Storm.

The Chef did his thing on the hardwood, earning Diaper Dandy of the Week honors.

COACH OF THE WEEK
We stay in the Big East. Craig Esherick of Georgetown has proved to many that his club is legitimate.

There were many non-believers who thought the Hoyas simply pounded on cupcakes. Georgetown went down to Morgantown, a difficult place to play, and came out with an easy W. The Mountaineers were 7-1 at home at the time, with the one loss coming in a 79-78 nail-biter against Tennessee.

The Hoyas came back at home and beat the highly rated Seton Hall Pirates. Georgetown was in total command. Give the coach some credit as the Hoyas are back, baby!

TEAM OF THE WEEK
It may be difficult for some to salute North Carolina, especially winning on their home floor. Let me tell you, they beat one heckuva basketball team in Wake Forest.

The Demon Deacons came in with the second-longest win streak in America, 17 games. They had momentum, with wins over Kansas and Virginia by a total of 54 points. In the end, the Tar Heels found a way to get it done, with Brendan Haywood putting on a superstar performance.

Remember, Haywood was held to two points in each of the two games prior to the win over Wake.

Matt Doherty had them physically and emotionally ready. North Carolina also rallied from a 12-point deficit to beat Georgia Tech earlier in the week.

SHOCK OF THE WEEK
Many of you are going to say, Sacred Heart? That's right, baby, here's a salute to the Pioneers! They came in 0-10 against Holy Cross, with entered with a 9-3 mark.

Ralph Willard, who has done a super job, has led the Crusaders to several quality wins this season. The Pioneers came away with a 66-61 shocker.

Some might say Indiana's win over Michigan State should be the choice. Playing in Bloomington, the Hoosiers are a different team, so that result wasn't that stunning to me.