Nov. 15, 2009

PHILADELPHIA - La Salle freshman Aaric Murray has been named the Atlantic 10 Men's Basketball Co-Rookie of the Week, the league office announced today. The 6-10 center had 16 points and 11 rebounds in an 83-80 victory over Hampton on Saturday, becoming the first Explorer freshman to post a double-double in his debut since Michael Brooks had 25 points and 18 rebounds against Widener on November 29, 1976.

Murray shot 7-for-14 from the floor and seven of his 11 rebounds were on the offensive end. He also chipped in with two steals and just one turnover. He is the first Explorer to win A-10 Rookie honors since Jerrell Williams received the award on January 13, 2008.

He shares the award with Charlotte's Shamarr Bowden, who had 21 points in 11 minutes in a 86-70 win over UNC Asheville.

La Salle (1-0) will travel to the Charleston Classic beginning with a Thursday night matchup with South Carolina (1-0). The game tips off at 9:30 PM on ESPNU.