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Big South names men's basketball players of the week

From Big South Sports

CHARLOTTE, NC - Radford senior center Artsiom Parakhouski (Minsk, Belarus) has been named the Big South Conference Choice Hotels Men's Basketball Player of the Week, while Radford guard Blake Smith (Charlotte, N.C.) repeats as The Crons Brand Freshman of the Week for games played Nov. 16-22, it was announced today by the Conference office.

Parakhouski averaged 27.0 points and 15.5 rebounds in two games last week, in addition to shooting 56.1 percent from the floor (23-of-41) and grabbing 19 of his 31 rebounds off the offensive glass.  He also blocked seven shots, recorded four assists and had two steals.  Against Lynchburg College, Parakhouski charted 17 rebounds (12 offensive) and connected on 15-of-22 attempts from the floor en route to the second 30-point effort of his career.  Four days later at No. 8 Duke, he collected his 20th career double-double and third straight to begin 2009-10 with 23 points and 14 rebounds against the Blue Devils.  He had seven offensive boards and blocked three shots as well.

Smith averaged 10.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.0 block in his two appearances last week, while shooting 50 percent from beyond the arc (4-of-8).  In Radford's win over Lynchburg College, Smith recorded 10 points and dished out a season-high four assists. He followed that performance with 11 points, six rebounds, two assists and three of the Highlanders' five 3-point field goals against the nationally-ranked Blue Devils.