Thomas van der Mars named WCC POW!

Thomas van der Mars Named WCC Player of the Week

SAN BRUNO, Calif. --- University of Portland junior center Thomas van der Mars has been named the West Coast Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Week for December 9, 2013, the league announced on Monday. Van der Mars scored 19 points with a career-high 18 rebounds in Portland's 92-76 victory at crosstown rival Portland State on Saturday night.

The Gouda, Netherlands native did most of his damage with a dominating second half that included 17 points and 11 rebounds. Overall, he was 6-for-8 from the field and made 7-of-9 free throw attempts in the victory.

Van der Mars picked up his third double-double of the season in Saturday's win, and is averaging 16.2 points and 9.5 rebounds over his last six games. He is shooting a team-high 62.3 percent from the field this season, good for fifth in the WCC.

His breakout junior campaign has led to a boost in nearly every statistical category as he is now second on the Pilots and 17th in the WCC in scoring (13.2). His 7.2 rebounds per game are also second on the team and tied for eighth in the conference.

Van der Mars is the first Pilot to take home a WCC Player of the Week honor since Jan. 31, 2011.

Also nominated: Andrew Bock, Pacific; Jeremy Major, Pepperdine; Brad Waldow, Saint Mary's

2013-14 WEST COAST CONFERENCE MEN'S BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Nov. 11: Tony Gill, Pacific
Nov. 18: Stacy Davis, Pepperdine
Nov. 25: Kevin Pangos, Gonzaga
Dec. 2: Kevin Pangos, Gonzaga
Dec. 9: Thomas van der Mars, Portland

Colin's Comments---We are really fortunate to have Colin Pfaff, the outstanding assistant coach at U of Portland, answer a question each Friday from a Pilot fan and reader of Crawford's Court.

"Colin as a long time Pilot fan, it is amazing to see the progress van der Mars has made this year so far. What is it going to take for him to perform like this all year long. If he does, watch out opponents ?" William---North Portland.

"William thanks for the support and comments of the improvement of Thomas. Thomas is one of the smartest people I have ever been around. He also is a perfectionist on and off the court. Close to a 4.00 GPA, I can confirm that next Tuesday when the grades come out. In order for Thomas to perform like he has been, I think he has to be ready to adjust.

He has to be ready to see double-teams, different defensive coverages and more physical block-offs. Once we get into WCC play, players all know each other so well, they really do a good job of trying to take away a player's strength. Thomas' skill and confidence are both at an all time high and he must maintain those even when he faces some adversity. His obsession to have perfect practice habits are set up for him to keep impacting the game at a high level. Thank you for following the PILOTS." Colin Pfaff.