CSU’s Fred Sims, Jr. Named WAC Men’s Basketball Player of the Week

CHICAGO – Chicago State University sophomore Fred Sims, Jr. was honored by the Western Athletic Conference this morning by being named the league’s Player of the Week after posting an outstanding effort last weekend in a conference road swing through the Northwest.

The award is the first for Sims, Jr. after he recorded averages of 21.5 points and 6.5 rebounds while connecting on 88 percent of his free throw attempts in leading the Green and White to a 1-1 record.

The second-year starter produced his first collegiate double-double with a game-high 25 points and grabbed a career-best 10 rebounds to go along with shooting 5-of-6 from the free throw line as CSU snapped a 17-game losing streak in WAC games by defeating host Utah Valley 70-61 on Thursday night. He also scored 11 points during a key 22-2 run in the second half that have the Cougars the lead for good. Two days later at Seattle, Sims, Jr. scored a team-high 18 points and contributed three rebounds.

On the season, he ranks third in the WAC in scoring (18.6 ppg) and minutes per game (32.75), fifth in made three pointers per game (2.55) and sixth in free throw percentage (.788).

Chicago State returns to action on Wednesday night as it welcomes local NAIA member Roosevelt to the Emil and Patricia Jones Convocation Center for its non-conference finale beginning at 7:05pm The game will be broadcast live on WVON 1690 AM radio.