Dolson Wins First Big East Honor

Stefanie Dolson’s transformation to into a big-time Division I post has been validated many times with her performance this season. On Monday, the Big East Conference offered its affirmation by selecting the UConn junior it’s Player of the Week for the first time in her career.

Dolson earned it by averaging 20.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists in UConn’s victories last week over Louisville and Syracuse.

She scored a team-high 16 points against the Cardinals, shooting 8 of 11 from the floor with a nine rebounds.  Dolson followed it with a career-high 25 points against Syracuse on Saturday adding seven rebounds and six assists. She became the 36th Husky to join the 1,000-point club.

“If it’s a night when I am needed to just rebound or try to get someone else on the team an open shot, I willing to do that as well [instead of scoring],” Dolson said. “I’m really into that.

“When someone comes to a program like Connecticut, you don’t come here to be here. You come to try to be the best player you possible can become and do big things.”

Dolson is the first UConn player to be selected Player of the Week this season. Breanna Stewart has twice been the conference’s Rookie of the Week.

Dolson entered Monday’s game against Duke ranked fourth nationally in field goal percentage (60.4).

Her plus-minus this season (461) is second only to Kelly Faris among the Huskies. She is averaging 6.7 rebounds and has 61 assists and 21 blocks.

“I just hope Stefanie keeps getting better every day and I know that is her goal,” Geno Auriemma said.