IUSB's Barney Captures Both NAIA, CCAC Weekly Men's Basketball Prizes

CHICAGO --- A pair of double-doubles and a hot shooting hand aided Indiana University South Bend's Dejon Barney (South Bend, Ind.) in securing his third Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Week award for the 2023-24 season as well as NAIA National Player of the Week honors, the league and NAIA offices announced on Tuesday.

The senior forward averaged 28.0 points and 15.5 rebounds per game, while shooting 63.9 percent from the field (23-of-36) in a pair of ten-point conference victories during the seven-day period ending Jan. 28.  He also had three steals and two blocked shots.

Barney opened his big scoring week with 24 points on 10-of-16 shooting with 11 rebounds and two assists in a 65-55 nod over crosstown rival Holy Cross College last Wednesday.  That was followed by a monstrous game in which he totaled 32 points and 20 rebounds in a 77-67 victory against Trinity Christian College on Saturday.

In the latter affair, Barney converted 13 of his 20 shots from the field and was a perfect 6-for-6 at the foul line.  He was also credited with a pair of steals.

Barney ranks among the top five players in the league in four statistical categories topped by his CCAC-best 9.9 rebounding average.  He also sits third in blocked shots (31) and fourth in both scoring (17.6 ppg) and field goal percentage (.563).

Indiana South Bend finds itself in second place in the league standings at 9-3.  Overall, the Titans are 14-6.   

Other Nominees: Andre Brandon (Saint Xavier), Rahmel Davis (St. Francis), Phil Robles II (Holy Cross), Tyrell Isom (Governors State), Tyler Schmidt (Olivet Nazarene), Dannie Smith (Indiana Northwest), Will Spriggs (St. Ambrose), Javaris Wiggins (Judson).