The Southeastern Conference named Florida Gators forward Thomas Haugh as the Player of the Week on Monday, Nov. 17.
Haugh led the Orange and Blue to a pair of victories this week, posting a double-double during Tuesday’s 78-76 win over Florida State and scoring 17 points on Sunday against Miami. He averaged 18.5 points and 10.5 rebounds over the two games, upping his season averages to 19.0 points and 8.5 rebounds. He has scored double digits in all four games for Florida this year.
Haugh’s importance to the team can’t be overstated. As the backcourt works through its shooting woes, Haugh is leading the team from 3-point range. He’s shooting 36.4% from deep with the second-highest number of attempts (22) on the team. His 24 defensive rebounds are also tied for a team-high, with Alex Condon. Both have 34 overall boards, but Rueben Chinyelu and Micah Handlogten are ahead of them.
Perhaps most impressive is Haugh’s ability to defend without fouling. His four blocks and four steals tie him for second-most turnovers forced on the roster. Boogie Fland leads with eight steals, while Alex Condon has 11 combined (six blocks, five steals) but with 13 fouls.
Haugh has been whistled just eight times this year, the least of any Florida starter and one fewer than Handlogten, who is typically first off the bench.
Haugh has proven himself as the sparkplug for the Gators this year, both on offense and defense. This may be the first of a few Player of the Week awards for him.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida Gators men’s basketball Thomas Haugh SEC Player of the Week
