NEW YORK -- Michael Ajayi of Butler and Eric Reibe from UConn earned this week's BIG EAST Player and Freshman of the Week awards. Ajayi was dominant for the Bulldogs, averaging a double-double - 16 points and 14 rebounds - as Butler captured the Greenbriar Tip-Off Classic. Reibe emerged as the top newcomer this week, averaging 15.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks after being inserted into the starting lineup.
BIG EAST Player of the Week
Michael Ajayi, Butler, F, Gr.
Ajayi posted a pair of double-doubles, helping to lead Butler to a 2-0 week and the Greenbriar Tip-Off Classic title. The 6-7 forward averaged 16.0 points and 14.0 rebounds to go along with 2.0 assists and 2.5 blocks shots in a pair of wins over South Carolina and Virginia. Against the Gamecocks, Ajayi had 15 points and 14 boards, while adding three assists and two blocks in 31 minutes. In the title game against UVA, Ajayi tallied 17 points and 14 rebounds, while blocking three shots. Ajayi has recorded a double-double in each of his six outings this season, ranking him second in the country. His 12.5 rebounds per game average is fifth-best nationally.
BIG EAST Freshman of the Week
Eric Reibe, UConn, C, Fr.
Reibe was inserted into the starting lineup this week and averaged 15 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.0 blocked shots, connecting on 60% of his shot attempts. He saw 28 minutes of play against No. 4/4 Arizona, scoring a team-high 15 points while grabbing four rebounds and blocking two shots. He was 2-of-5 from beyond the arc against the Wildcats. Last time out against Bryant, Reibe had 16 points, six boards, and an assist in 19 minutes of action. He was 4-of-4 from the charity stripe in the win.
BIG EAST Honor Roll
Finley Bizjack, Butler, G, Jr.
Bizjack averaged 21.5 points while shooting better than 48% from the floor in both of Butler's victories at the Greenbriar this past week, including a season-high 25 points in Sunday's win over Virginia. Bizjack also had 18 points against South Carolina and knocked down five 3-pointers over the two game span in the MTE.
Silas Demary Jr., UConn, G, Jr.
Demary logged the BIG EAST's first triple-double of the season against Bryant, finishing with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. It was only the seventh triple-double nationally and the first by a BIG EAST player since March 8, 2025. For the week, the junior guard averaged 11.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 2.0 steals in two games.
Jason Edwards, Providence, G, Gr.
Edwards posted 19.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 2.0 steals in a 2-0 week for the Friars. The graduate student scored a game-high 25 points to go with five boards and eight assists against New Hampshire to start the week. He tallied 14 points and six rebounds in a win over Penn State on Saturday.
Bryce Hopkins, St. John's, F/G, Gr.
Hopkins shined in an efficient performance in the Red Storm's win over Bucknell, scoring a season-high 20 points on 7-of-9 shooting in 18 minutes of play. It was Hopkins' first 20-point performance since Dec. 16, 2023. He also tallied three rebounds, three assists, three steals, and a blocked shot.
Jovan Milicevic, Xavier, F, So.
Milicevic averaged 20.0 points per outing in a 2-1 week for Xavier. The 6-10 sophomore scored 20 points in a home win against ODU and added 19 points against Georgia in the opener of the Charleston Classic. He shined in a win over West Virginia, finishing with 21 points and seven boards. Milicevic made 14-of-25 from beyond the arc in the three games for the Musketeers.