Jan. 5, 2009

BERKELEY - California junior forward Patrick Christopher has been named the U.S. Bank Pac-10 Men's Basketball Player of the Week for Dec. 29 - Jan. 4, Commissioner Tom Hansen announced today.

Christopher posted two 20-point performances as the Golden Bears opened Pac-10 play with victories over Arizona and No. 17 Arizona State. The Compton, Calif., native matched his season high of 23 points against the Wildcats on Jan. 2. Christopher averaged 21.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals in the two contests.

Christopher's efforts helped the Bears increase their current winning streak to seven games. The junior is tied for 10th in the Pac-10 in scoring (15.0 ppg) and ranks fourth in free throw percentage (.878).

This marks the first weekly honor for Christopher and the 40th all-time for Cal. Junior guard Jerome Randle earned the honor last month.

2008-09 U.S. Bank Pac-10 Players of the Week: Nov. 17 - Darren Collison, Sr., G, UCLA; Nov. 24 - James Harden, So., G, ASU; Dec. 1 - James Harden, So., G, ASU; Dec. 8 - Dwight Lewis, Jr., G, USC; Dec. 15 - Jordan Hill, Jr., F, ARIZ; Dec. 22 - Jerome Randle, Jr., G, CAL; Dec. 29 - Jamelle Horne, So., F, ARIZ; Jan. 5 - Patrick Christopher, Jr., F, CAL