High Point University's Steadman Short has been named the Big South Conference New Balance Freshman of the Week in men's basketball for games played Dec. 22-Jan. 4, it was announced today by the Conference office.

Short, a 6-9 forward from Simpsonville, S.C., averaged 15.0 points and 10.0 rebounds in two games, posting back-to-back career-best scoring performances to lead the Panthers. 

He reached double figures for the first time in his career with 13 points at No. 23 Minnesota, and also pulled down a team-high seven rebounds against the Gophers.  At Coastal Carolina, he tallied his first career double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds against the Chanticleers.  Short, who entered the holiday break averaging 4.2 points and 4.0 rebounds through nine games, was 8-of-18 from the field ( =.444), 14-of-22 from the line ( =.636) and recorded 12 of his 20 boards on the offensive glass.

The honor marks High Point's first weekly Conference honor this season. Short becomes the first HPU men's basketball player to garner a Freshman of the Week accolade since Eugene Harris on Feb. 25, 2007.

Short and the rest of his HPU teammates will return to the hardwood on Wednesday at 7 p.m., when the Panthers visit Big South rival Winthrop.