For the week of Nov. 20-26:

PTPer OF THE WEEK
Preston Shumpert, Syracuse: Shumpert has really responded in a positive way to the challenge of becoming a starter. He was sensational at the Great Alaska Shootout, scoring 36 points in an upset over DePaul. Shumpert helped in a win over Ohio State, and followed up with a 28-point, 11-rebound performance in the championship win over a good Missouri team. The Orangemen are off to a fast start thanks to Shumpert.

DIAPER DANDY OF THE WEEK
Eddie Griffin, Seton Hall: Griffin had a great game in a nail-biter against Clemson, scoring 22 points while grabbing 13 boards. It is always tough to win on the road, especially in ACC country, yet the Pirates escaped with a big W. Griffin shot well from the outside and had the big blocked shot at the end of the game to lock up the victory. He is for real and he may be the best freshman in the nation.

COACH OF THE WEEK
Jim Baron, St. Bonaventure: What a great start for the Bonnies! Let's give a salute to Baron, who is one of the most underrated coaches in the game. Baron, the former disciple of Digger Phelps at Notre Dame, is an outstanding sideline tactician. He has worked diligently to bring respectability to St. Bonaventure. If he was in the right environment, at one of the elite programs, he would be a household name.

TEAM OF THE WEEK
St. Bonaventure and Cal State-Northridge: The Bonnies started the season with wins over coaches with 700 wins (Lou Henson of New Mexico State and Jerry Tarkanian of Fresno State). Those were not flukes, as the Bonnies rallied to beat a solid Charlotte team 79-78 over the weekend. Kevin Houston scored the game-winning layup to send the Bonnies to the winner's circle, rallying from a double-digit deficit in the final nine minutes.

Meanwhile, Cal State-Northridge almost scored a big double. First, Bobby Braswell's Matadors shocked UCLA 78-74 at Pauley Pavilion. Then came a one-point loss to a talented UNLV squad.

SHOCK OF THE WEEK
Cal State-Northridge over UCLA: Last year Northridge shocked Oregon in Eugene, so this program is capable of making noise. Any way you cut it -- and I read that Steve Lavin talked about Wright State beating Michigan State (talk about rationalizing a loss!) -- there is no way UCLA should lose to the Matadors at Pauley Pavilion. Jeff Parris did a super job and Bobby Braswell deserves credit for coaching brilliantly. One question: How many kids playing at Northridge were recruited by UCLA?