Jeff Withey wins Big 12 player award for second straight week

Kansas center Jeff Withey, right, bumps teammates Travis Releford (24) and Kevin Young after a bucket against Texas Christian during the second half on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013 at Allen Fieldhouse.

Kansas senior center Jeff Withey was named the Big 12’s player of the week, the conference office announced Monday.

It was the second straight week Withey has picked up the award.

The seven-foot center averaged 17.5 points and 10 rebounds in two KU victories a week ago. He opened with his third straight double-double, notching 17 points and a season-high 14 rebounds in KU’s 68-67 double-overtime win at No. 14 Oklahoma State. He then contributed 18 points and six rebounds in Kansas’ 74-48 victory against TCU.

For the week, Withey shot 52.6 percent (10-of-19) from the floor and connected on 83.3 percent (15-of-18) of his free throws. He also had seven blocked shots, increasing his KU and Big 12 career records to 272.

Withey is the first player this season to win back-to-back Big 12 player of the week awards, as he received the accolade for the third time this year and fourth time in his career.