Monday, November 27, 2006

MACON, Ga. – Freshman sensation Jonathan Rodriguez sparked Campbell to its best start since 1997-98 with a pair of huge games on his way to earning Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Week honors as announced by the league office on Monday.

Rodriguez averaged 23.5 points, 11.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists in two games last week. In a 100-94 win last Monday over defending Colonial Athletic Association champion UNC Wilmington, Rodriguez scored 15 of his 22 points in the second half as the Fighting Camels overcame a 12-point half-time deficit to post their first victory over the Seahawks since 1995-96. Rodriguez added a team-leading eight rebounds and six assists versus the Seahawks as Campbell improved to 3-0 for the first time since 1997-98. The Miami, Fla., native wrapped up the week with season highs of 25 points and 15 rebounds in an 87-80 road loss to Radford. For the week, he shot 43.9 percent (18-of-41) from the floor, 37.5 percent (3-of-8) from 3-point range and 61.5 percent (8-of-13) from the free throw line.

On the year, Rodriguez is the lone Camel to score in double figures in each of the team's four games. Heading into Monday night's contest at Appalachian State, Rodriguez leads the Atlantic Sun Conference in scoring (19.3), rebounding (10.0), is second in assists (4.75), third in assist/turnover ratio (1.9) and fourth in blocked shots (1.25). He also leads the league in defensive rebounds, is second in offensive boards and 14th in field goal percentage (.490). Rodriguez has yet to determine a major.

The Atlantic Sun Conference hands out Player of the Week awards weekly during the 2006-07 men’s basketball campaign.

The 12-member league headquartered in Macon, Ga., consists of Belmont, Campbell, ETSU, Gardner-Webb, Jacksonville, Kennesaw State, Lipscomb, Mercer, UNF and Stetson with Florida Gulf Coast and USC Upstate beginning competition in 2007-08.

OTHER TOP PERFORMERS
• Tyrone Curnell, Jacksonville (Fr. - F - Ocoee, Fla. - Sports Management Major)
Averaged 14.0 ppg and 8.0 rpg as Dolphins post 2-0 week

• Brian Fisk, Lipscomb (Sr. - G - Newbern, Tenn. - Psychology Major)
Scored season-high 22 points to lead Lipscomb to 3-0 start at home

• Matthew Dotson, Belmont (So. - F - Centerville, Tenn. - Undeclared Major)
Posted first career double-double (17pts/10rebs) versus Fisk