The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Cokley Named C-USA Player of the Week
11/16/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – On the heels of one of his best games in his young career, UAB sophomore forward Chris Cokley was selected as the Conference USA Men’s Basketball Player of the Week, it was announced by the league on Monday.
Cokley scored a career-high 25 points to go along with 12 rebounds and two blocked shots Friday at Auburn. The Savannah, Ga., native scored six straight points midway through the second half to fuel an 8-0 run and pull the Blazers within one point with just over six minutes remaining. UAB would go on to take its first lead of the game with 36 seconds left.
“I thought he was fantastic,” UAB head coach Jerod Haase said after the game. “He has great hands, great feel for the game and great instincts around the basket. Hopefully that’s going to be a trend that continues.”
Cokley is the first Blazer since Cameron Moore in 2010 to have 20 points in a season opener. He is also the first Blazer to be tabbed the C-USA Player of the Week since Chad Frazier in 2104.
“Hard work pays off,” Cokley said. “My coaches push me to be the best I can be on and off the court. The team works hard every day in practice, so it’s a blessing to be able to win an award like this.”
Cokley and the Blazers return to the hardwood tonight at 8 p.m. when UAB hosts Alabama State from Bartow Arena.
The Conference USA Men's and Women's Basketball Championship is set to return to Birmingham for the second consecutive year, marking the third time the Blazers will host the event. The men's tournament, as well as the women's semifinals and championship, will be played at Legacy Arena in downtown Birmingham, while the women's first round and quarterfinal action will take place at UAB's Bartow Arena.
For more information on UAB men’s basketball, follow the Blazers on Twitter (@UAB_MBB), on Instagram (@blazerhoops) or on Facebook (Facebook.com/UABMensBasketball). For more on all Blazer sports teams follow the official social media accounts of UAB Athletics on Twitter (@UABAthletics), on Facebook (Facebook.com/UAB.Blazers), on Instagram (@uabathletics) or on Snapchat (@uabathletics).
