Colorado native sophomore point guard Brett Olson was named the Western Athletic Conference Player of the Week for the week of Jan. 14-20, marking the first time he has been honored since the Pioneers joined the WAC last fall.
Olson is the second Pioneer to be given the award in the 2012-2013 season, following fellow sophomore forward Royce O’Neale, who earned the award on Dec. 17.
“It [the award] means a lot. It’s a big honor,” said Olson. “None of it could be possible if I didn’t have my teammates.”
Between Jan. 14 and 20, Olson helped DU to a 2-0 week, with wins over San Jose State and Utah State. Over the course of the week, Olson averaged 16.5 points per game, along with 2.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists, despite playing just 22 minutes in the blowout 73-37 home win over San Jose State.
“Brett played well last week. He hit some big shots for us,” said head coach Joe Scott. “He has been a big part of our success over the last six weeks.”
The Highlands Ranch High School graduate has capitalized on the experience he gained playing last year as a true freshman, experience he has used to better not only himself, but his teammates as well. Olson started every game for the Pioneers last year, averaging 7.6 points, 2.2 rebounds and two assists per game. This season, he has upped his scoring total to 9.4 points, while assuming more of a leadership role.
“I want to just continue to help the team; we’re really young,” said Olson. “I’ve really learned a lot from older guys and I’m trying to help the younger guys along.”
Growing up, Olson was influenced by his family’s deep basketball roots. His father, Dan Olson, played basketball at South Dakota, with both his brother and sister attending college to play basketball. Olson listed both his father and brother as the biggest influences on his game, as both were able to push him while teaching him the intricacies of the game.
Olson said he appreciates not only the support he has received from his family, but he also recognizes those who have watched him play at DU and at Highlands Ranch, where he was named the Colorado High School Gatorade Player of the Year his senior year.
Olson said he chose DU not only because it was in his hometown, but because he also appreciated the up-and-coming status of DU basketball and wanted to help improve that reputation.
“DU has been growing,” said Olson. “I think we can continue to help put DU on the basketball map.”
Olson also hopes to help the Pioneers win the WAC title in their only opportunity to do so, since the Pioneers will again change conferences to join the Summit League in July. Prior to this season, DU played in the Sun Belt Conference for more than a decade.
With a WAC conference title would come an automatic berth to the legendary NCAA Tournament, where Olson thinks the Pioneers can “make a run at it.” Regardless, Olson said he will be happy simply to be playing the sport he loves.
“It [basketball] is just fun,” said Olson. “If there is anything going on, I can rely on it. We have a great group of guys that are a lot of fun to be around.”
