Nick Ward Named Big Ten Freshman of the Week

Jan. 2, 2017

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State freshman forward Nick Ward has been named Big Ten Freshman of the Week for the second consecutive week and third time this season, as announced by the conference office on Monday. Ward averaged 16.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 3.0 blocks last week, shooting .619 from the field and leading the Spartans to a 2-0 start in Big Ten play.

Ward opened the week with a 22-point effort vs. Minnesota, adding 10 rebounds for his second double-double of the season to go along with four blocks. He narrowly missed his second straight double-double against Northwestern on Friday, scoring 11 points and grabbing nine rebounds in just 18 minutes.

Ward is averaging 13.6 points per game to lead all Big Ten freshmen (Miles Bridges averages 16.6 points, but has missed too many games to currently qualify in the stats). His 31 blocks on the season are also the third most in the Big Ten.

Ward and Bridges have combined to take home five of the possible eight Freshman of the Week Awards so far this season.

Michigan State returns to action on Wednesday when it hosts Rutgers for a 6:30 p.m. tipoff. Tickets are available at msuspartans.com.