Jan. 9, 2006

Player of the Week
Vedran Vukusic, Northwestern
6-8, F, Sr., Split, Croatia/Medical
Vukusic averaged 22.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game, while leading the Wildcats to a 2-0 league record, their best start in Big Ten play since the 1982-83 season, to earn Player of the Week honors. In a 66-53 victory over Purdue, he finished the game tying a season high with 28 points on 9-of-13 shooting, while going 8-of-9 from the free throw line. Vukusic then led all players with 17 points, while also tallying seven rebounds and two blocks in a 57-49 road victory over Minnesota. The senior forward finished the week shooting 64 percent from the field (16-of-25), 5-of-9 from three-point range (.556) and 8-of-9 from the free throw line (.889). Vukusic, who currently leads the Big Ten in scoring with 21.8 points per game, has led the Wildcats in scoring in 12 of 13 contests this season. The Split, Croatia, native, earns his second Player of the Week accolade as he was also honored on Dec. 22, 2003.