Nov. 16, 2008

PHILADELPHIA - Saint Joseph's senior Ahmad Nivins has been named the Atlantic 10 Co-Player of the Week for the first week of the season. He shares the award with Temple's Dionte Christmas.

It marks the second time in his career that he has earned the Player of the Week honor.

Nivins opened the year with a 25-point, 13-rebound effort in the Hawks' 69-57 win over Rider. He scored 11 points in the first half as SJU fought back from an early nine-point deficit. The 6-9 forward from Jersey City, N.J., made his first eight shots en route to a 9-for-11 effort from the field. He tied his career-high for rebounds and also added four blocked shots, while notching the 12th double-double of his career.

Nivins is a Preseason Atlantic 10 All-Conference First Team selection this year. He is the Hawks' leading returning scorer and rebounder from last season.

After Sunday's game at Holy Cross, the Hawks will make their first-ever trip to the EA Sports Maui Invitational from November 24-26. Saint Joseph's will face seventh-ranked Texas in the opening game.