Per Duke Sports Information:
DURHAM, N.C. – Duke freshman Vernon Carey Jr., was named the ACC Freshman of the Week and also earned Co-Player of the Week honors after leading the Blue Devils to the 2K Empire Classic title last week.
Carey totaled 51 points and 22 rebounds for No. 1 Duke, which defeated Cal and Georgetown last week at Madison Square Garden to claim the 2K Empire Classic crown. Carey extended his streak of double-doubles to four, including a monumental 31-point, 12-rebound, 4-block effort against Cal in the semifinals, and was named the MVP of the 2K Empire Classic.
A native of Southwest Ranches, Fla., Carey scored 31 points in 22 minutes, marking the fewest minutes played in a 30-point game in Duke history — surpassing Shane Battier‘s 31 points in 24 minutes against Davidson on 12/21/99. It was just the sixth 30-10-4 game in Duke history, and third by a freshman, joining Marvin Bagley III and Zion Williamson. In Friday’s Empire Classic title game, Carey scored 20 points with 10 rebounds as the Blue Devils held off Georgetown, 81-73.
Carey, who was 19-of-32 from the field (.594) for the week, ranks fifth the ACC in scoring (18.3) and is tied for fourth in rebounding (9.2), while his .609 shooting percentage is tied for the ACC lead. Georgia Tech’s Michael Devoe earned ACC Player of the Week honors, along with Carey.
The Blue Devils (6-0) host Stephen F. Austin (4-1) Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The game can be seen live on the Regional Sports Networks, including Fox Sports South.
