words // Nick Engvall

Last week’s NCAA Eastbay Player of the Week came from what seems to be everyone’s choice to win the NCAA Tournament, Ohio State’s Jon Diebler. Over the last week, however, one player stepped it up above all others in a way that has never been seen before, literally.

UCONN’s Kemba Walker was nothing short of spectacular over the last week. On top of leading the Huskies to five straight wins in five days, he set a record for the most points ever in the Big East Tournament with 130. Of course, over the five wins, Kemba Walker not only took home the David R. Gavitt Most Outstanding Player award, but solidified himself as a lottery pick should he choose to forego his senior year at the University of Connecticut.

Walker’s best game of the Big East Tournament came against Syracuse, where he had 33 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and six steals. It will likely be the game before that semi-final matchup that most people will remember, though. Against Pitt, as time expired, Kemba hit a step-back game winner from just inside the three-point line.

Kemba Walker finished the Big East Tournament with 130 points, 32 rebounds, 21 assists and 14 steals. He even blocked a shot for good measure in the game against Georgetown.

Walker and UCONN will take on Bucknell on Thursday in the NCAA Tournament.

Kemba Walker of UCONN in the Jordan 6-17-23.