Jan. 26, 2004

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Freshman Mike Popoko has been named the America East Men's Basketball Rookie of the Week, the conference announced Monday. The rookie forward notched his first career double-double in an overtime win over Albany last Wednesday.

Popoko enjoyed his best game in a Seawolf uniform against Albany, scoring 12 points and pulling down a team-high 11 rebounds in recording his first career double-double. It was Stony Brook's first double-double of the season and the first by a freshman since D.J. Munir had 16 points and 10 assists against Navy on January 6, 2001.

Popoko then scored a team-high 14 points and grabbed four rebounds against Binghamton on Sunday. He has averaged 10.5 ppg. and 8.0 rpg. in his last four outings.

It is the third time that SB has won the weekly honor this season. Mitchell Beauford earned it twice earlier this season.