UCLA Basketball: TJ Leaf Named Pac-12 and National Player of the Week

Nov 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) runs up the court against the Long Beach State 49ers during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) runs up the court against the Long Beach State 49ers during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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After a phenomenal game against Kentucky (and an impressive showing against UC Riverside), UCLA Basketball’s freshman power forward TJ Leaf was named both the Pac-12 and National Player of the Week.

How about these UCLA Basketball freshmen? Last week, point guard Lonzo Ball was named Pac-12 Player of the Week after his brilliant performance in the Wooden Legacy tournament.

This week, freshman TJ Leaf took those honors as well as National Player of the week after his double double-double performance against UC Riverside and the former #1 Kentucky Wildcats.

In Wednesday’s affair against UCR, Leaf put up 18 points and 10 rebounds along with 2 assists and 2 blocks. Against the Wildcats, he upped his performance on the national stage with 17 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. He did that against Kentucky and their bigs. Kentucky. A freshman!!!

That is two double-doubles in consecutive games, making it four on the year for Leaf. Wow.

This season, Leaf is second on the team in scoring with 17.2 ppg, second in rebounds with 9.4 and second in the conference in field goal percentage with .674. Needless to say, this kid is good.

Next: Bruins Rise To #2 in AP Poll

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Along with Ball and veterans Thomas Welsh, Aaron Holiday, Isaac Hamilton and Bryce Alford, Leaf is helping this UCLA Basketball team return to glory. The win over Kentucky gave them  9-0 record and a #2 ranking in the latest AP Poll and it does not look like the Bruins are anywhere near slowing down. Go Bruins!