For the first time in his career, Saint Joseph’s junior Shavar Newkirk has been named the Atlantic 10 Co-Player of the Week. Newkirk shares the award with Richmond’s ShawnDre’ Jones, who exploded for 31 points in the Spiders' season opener.
Newkirk, a 6-foot guard, scored a carrer-high 28 points in the Hawks’ season-opening win over Toledo. He also grabbed seven rebounds and shot 7 of 9 from the foul line.
In Saint Joseph’s season opener, the lead changed 25 times in the second half. Newkirk gave the Hawks the lead for good after a jumper with 46 seconds left and then sealed the win with two free throws with 25 seconds to go.
The Hawks will play Columbia Monday night and then head to the Paradise Jam in the U.S. Virgin Islands from Nov. 18-21, where they will face Loyola Chicago in the opening round.