Ohio State redshirt junior forward Keita Bates-Diop (33) passes the ball in the second half in the game against Michigan State on Jan. 7 in Value City Arena. Ohio State won 80-64. Credit: Jack Westerheide | Photo Editor
After carrying his team to victory against No. 1 Michigan State Sunday, Ohio State redshirt junior forward Keita Bates-Diop was named the Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week, the U.S. Basketball Writers Association announced Tuesday.
On Monday, he also was named Big Ten Player of the Week.
In two games last week — against Iowa and Michigan State — the 6-foot-7, 235-pound forward averaged 29.5 points and 10 rebounds. He tied a career-high in points with 27 against the Hawkeyes and surpassed that with 32 against the Spartans. He shot 57.9 percent from the field on 22-of-38 shots, including 4-for-10 from beyond the arc.
Bates-Diop has been the Buckeyes’ top player this season and has emerged as a strong contender for the Big Ten Player of the Year award. He has averaged 20 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game this season. He is ranked 10th in the 2018 kenpom.com player of the year standings.
