Jan. 29, 2007

USC’s Tre’ Kelley has been named the Southeastern Conference Player of the Week after leading the Gamecocks to two SEC wins last week, averaging 22.5 ppg. It is his first time as Player of the Week. USC hosts Auburn on Wed., Jan. 31 at 7:30 pm at the Colonial Center and good seats remain.

“It’s a big time honor, but it’s not just an honor for me. We had two good wins and the honor doesn’t speak to me individually only. It speaks of the team and what they’ve done the last few games. I know what is out there in the SEC. It does mean a lot because there are great players in this league — Davis, Lofton, Noah, Steele – so many great players who are the top players in the country at their position,” Kelley said. “We are making progress game by game and practice by practice. We are putting forth more effort and playing well in key spots at key times. What Brandon does: 16 rebounds – including 10 offensive rebounds in the Arkansas game and that helped the team a lot. We have made the most of positive opportunities. Dwayne Day coming off the bench and scoring 15 points against Mississippi State. It helps that other guys are really stepping up at critical times.”

“I think Tre’s response about it being a team honor and not just an individual honor is appropriate and a real indication that he has arrived as a team leader as well as being an outstanding player,” said USC Head Coach Dave Odom.

Key Stats for Kelley last week

* Kelley helped lead USC to their first two conference wins of the season as he scored 22 points in USC’s 66-60 home win versus Arkansas and then notched a 23-point, 6-assist effort in a 66-63 road win at MSU.

* Kelley was 16-of-30 from the field during the week, averaging 22.5 points per game.

* He has scored 20 or more points seven times this season and he ranks third in the SEC with 17.2 ppg.

Kelley career notes

• With play in the Auburn game (Jan. 31 in Columbia), Kelley will move to No. 3 on the career games played list (124).

• He has scored 1251 career points and is tied for No. 21 on the USC career list.

• He has 445 career assists and is No. 4 on the career list.

• He is No. 4 with 142 career 3s

• He is No. 3 with 437 career three-point attempts.

• He is No. 8 in career minutes played at 3,527.

Kelley’s Season Stats

PPG RPG APG BPG SPG

17.2 3.1 4.7 0.2 0.7