MADISON, Wis. – For the third-straight week, Ethan Happ of the Wisconsin men’s basketball team has earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors, as announced by the league on Monday.
Recognized as Co-Freshman of the Week, Happ averaged 15.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.0 steals per game and helped lead the Badgers in wins over No. 19 Indiana and Illinois. The forward from Milan, Illinois, poured in a career-high 25 points on 10-of-15 shooting against the Hoosiers, pulling down eight rebounds and swiping a career-best four steals in UW’s overtime win in Madison.
Happ then chipped in six points, grabbed nine rebounds and snatched a pair of steals in just 22 minutes of action in Sunday’s road victory at Illinois.
This is the third-career Big Ten Freshman of the Week honor for Happ and his third in as many weeks. Happ is the first player in program history to earn the award three straight weeks. Only teammate Nigel Hayes has earned more weekly freshman accolades, as he did so four times in 2013-14.
Happ is currently tied for the Big Ten lead with 33 steals and is also tied for second in rebounding with 8.3 boards per contest. Happ continues to lead the league in double-doubles with his seven this season.
Just the third freshman ever to start the season opener under retired head coach Bo Ryan, Happ has started all 22 games this season and is averaging 12.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. He has posted at least 10 points and seven rebounds in 14 of UW’s 22 games.
Wisconsin hosts Ohio State at the Kohl Center on Thursday for a 6 p.m. (CT) contest on ESPN.
