Iowa State men’s basketball: Melvin Ejim wins Big 12 player of the week award

Melvin Ejim is recognized as one of the two Big 12 players of the week after his stellar performance in the victory over Michigan on Sunday.

Nov 17, 2013; Ames, IA, USA; Iowa State Cyclones forward Melvin Ejim (3) is defended by Michigan Wolverines forward Mitch McGary (4) at James H. Hilton Coliseum. Iowa State beat Michigan 77-70. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Ejim, alongside Kansas’ Perry Ellis, were winners of the Big 12’s weekly awards for player of the week. This is the third award as a team for Iowa State already this season. It’s also Ejim’s fourth weekly award in his career, winning another player of the week and two newcomer awards last season.

From the Big 12 Sports official release on Ejim’s award:

"The senior forward came off the bench to lead all scorers with 22 points in 28 minutes.  He was 8-of-14 (.571) from the field, including 1-of-1 from 3-point range, while making 5-of-6 (.833) form the free throw line.  He grabbed nine rebounds and had three steals in the win, while also adding one assist and one block.  It was the seventh 20-point game of Ejim’s career and the 54th time he has scored in double figures."

What makes the feat even more spectacular is Ejim’s ability to return from an injury this fast. He was already coming along ahead of schedule in his rehab after hyperextending his knee, but Wednesday’s game against BYU was a common target date. Instead, he came in to lead the Cyclones to a victory over the seventh-ranked team in the country.

Kansas’ Andrew Wiggins won the Big 12 newcomer of the week award.