SIOUX CITY, Iowa – Northwestern men’s basketball forward Jesse Van Kalsbeek has been selected as this week’s GPAC Defensive Player of the Week, presented by Hauff Mid-America Sports.
Van Kalsbeek, a freshman from Orange City, Iowa, had one of the best weeks of his season, averaging 19.0 points and 18.0 rebounds over two contests. In Wednesday’s top-15 win at Morningside, he grabbed 20 rebounds, Northwestern’s most since 2006. He also led the way in scoring in a home win over Doane, scoring 23 points and grabbing 16 rebounds. 33 of his 36 total rebounds this week came on the defensive glass, as the freshman also contributed two blocks and a steal.
“Jesse was active defensively for us,” head coach Kris Korver stated. “We did some good things defensively as a group this week, and Jesse was a monster on the defensive glass with 36 rebounds in two games.”
Van Kalsbeek earns his first career GPAC Player of the Week award and is the third Raider this season to receive a weekly honor (Zach LaFave, Alex Van Kalsbeek).
