NCAA Basketball: Tulane and Texas A&M featured in Players of the Week

Mid-Major Player of the Week - Kevin Cross (Tulane)

Ron Hunter has built the Tulane Green Wave into a consistent team in the American and he did so by finding guys who can play all five positions and impact a game with more than just scoring. One of those players is Kevin Cross. Cross started his career at Nebraska before transferring after his freshman year to Tulane. The big man has been one of the most important players for the Green Wave during his time playing for coach Hunter. Cross is a guy who can play all 5 positions, step out and hit a three, finish in the paint, and set up the offense. All of those abilities were on full display in two games this week.

In a double overtime win against Furman the big man recorded the first triple double for Tulane in 26 years. He had 25 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists. He did that on 6-9 shooting and went 12-16 at the line. If that wasn’t enough, Cross also recorded six steals in the game. One triple double in a week is nice but how about two of them?  Two nights later in a win over Southern the Tulane forward did it again. He scored 20 points on 9-10 shooting, had 10 rebounds, 11 assists and 4 blocks. It was the only time Cross has had a week anywhere close to this in his career.

There have only been eight players overall who have had a week with back-to-back triple-doubles. Only two have had two back-to-back 20-point triple-doubles. Those two are Kevin Cross and Penny Hardaway. Yes, Penny Hardaway who played for the Magic and now coaches the Memphis Tigers. It is rare air for the Tulane star. It is the first time it has happened against two Division One opponents since 2008. There was not much anyone else in the NCAA could have done to unseat Cross this week. Well deserved and Congratulations to Kevin Cross and the Tulane Basketball Program.