Thomas Named Big 12 Newcomer of the Week

AUSTIN, Texas -- University of Oklahoma senior forward TaShawn Thomas was named the Phillips 66 Big 12 Newcomer of the Week today following his performances in wins against George Mason and Baylor.

The 6-8, 242-pound transfer from the University of Houston averaged 16.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in just 23.5 minutes a contest to help OU improve to 10-3 overall and to 1-0 in Big 12 play. Thomas shot .682 from the field (15 for 22) for the week.

Against George Mason, the Killeen, Texas, product was limited to 16 minutes due to foul trouble but still posted nine points (on 4-for-5 shooting) and seven rebounds in a 61-43 victory. In OU's 73-63 win over No. 22 Baylor, Thomas made an OU-season-high 11 field goals on 17 attempts and finished with 24 points and a season-high-tying eight boards. His 24 points fell one shy of his season high.

Thomas leads the Big 12 with his .604 field goal percentage and is averaging 11.8 points and 5.4 rebounds on the year. He is OU's leading scorer over the last six games at 16.0 points per outing (shooting .672 from the floor).

The Big 12 Newcomer of the Week award was Thomas' first. Oklahoma State's Phil Forte was named the league's player of the week.

The 16th-ranked Sooners are in Austin to take on the No. 10 Texas Longhorns tonight at 8 CT in an ESPN Big Monday game.