Purdue’s Johnson Named Big Ten Player Of The Week

jajuan_johnsonA day after he scored 20 points, grabbed 17 rebounds and blocked seven shots to lead Purdue to a 20-point win at Michigan State, Purdue senior forward/center JaJuan Johnson was named Big Ten Player of the Week in an announcement by the league office.

The award is Johnson’s first of the year, and the third of his career. Monday’s recognition was also the second in as many weeks for the Boilermakers, as fellow senior E’Twaun Moore earned the acclaim last Monday. Combined with Moore’s two selections and one honor for junior guard Ryne Smith, Purdue has won four Big Ten Player of the Week awards this season.

The Indianapolis native averaged 20.0 points, 13.0 rebounds and 4.0 blocks per game on the week to lead the Boilers to road wins over both Indiana and Michigan State. He shot 57.7 percent from the field, made 2-of-3 attempts from long range and connected on all eight of his free throw attempts in the two games.

Johnson kicked the week off with 20 points and nine rebounds in a 72-61 win in Bloomington, despite playing just 27 minutes due to foul trouble. Five of his nine rebounds against IU came on the offensive glass, and he also tacked on an assist, a block and a steal.

On Sunday, Johnson was the catalyst for Purdue’s first season sweep of MSU since 1997, finishing with 20 points, a career-high 17 rebounds and a career high-tying seven blocks. The effort was Johnson’s second Big Ten game with at least 15 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks; prior to this season, no player had accomplished that feat in a league game since 2001.

Johnson’s performance was also his ninth double-double of the season, and the 23rd of his career. He posted 13 points and 11 rebounds in the first half alone against the Spartans.

Purdue returns to the court on Tuesday, when it welcomes Illinois to Mackey Arena for a 7 p.m. ET tip. ESPN will televise the action live, while the Purdue Sports Network will have the call on the radio waves.

Following Tuesday’s home finale, Johnson and Moore will be honored as part of Purdue’s Senior Night festivities.