Player of the Week: Jason Sager, Men's Basketball

Junior Jason Sager is a player that usually leads the team by example. He did just that and more over the Royals' last three games to earn this week's Player of the Week honors.

In last Wednesday night's game against Roanoke College, Sager had 20 points and 16 rebounds. Before the team took the court, Sager gave an inspirational speech to his peers and ignited a quality performance from the entire squad en-route to an 86-79 win over the Maroons. Head Coach Kirby Dean said of Sager evolving into a vocal leader, "Jason has become more vocal, although he still primarily leads through his example. I think he sees the potential this team has to succeed, so he is more motivated to not only lead through the way he plays but to be outspoken about it as well."

The victory over Roanoke gave the Royals their swagger back as they prepared to take on previously nationally ranked Hampden-Sydney College on Saturday evening. Sager had another double double, this time with 13 points and 11 rebounds, once again propelling EMU to a big win. Sager said, "You just have to want it more than the other guy. Plus, I hate losing more than anything."

On Monday night, the Royals traveled south to take on another ODAC foe, Lynchburg College. EMU extended their winning streak to three and Sager again proved why he is in the running this season for Old Dominion Athletic Conference Player of the Year. The native of Edinburg, Va. compiled a game-high 24 points by shooting nine of 12 from the floor, along with six rebounds, in the 83-73 victory over the Hornets. The win keeps EMU in 5th place in the difficult ODAC.

Though Sager would not mind receiving Player of the Year honors, it is far from his top priorities. "Of course it would mean a lot to me if I won the award," he said, "but it would mean more to me if the team does well for the rest of the year, and in the [ODAC] tournament. Don't get me wrong, I would love to win it, but winning as a team is much more important."

After recording his 24 points against Lynchburg College, Sager jumped into the top 10 on the all-time scoring list at Eastern Mennonite. He currently stands at 1,233 career points with the remainder of his junior and senior season still ahead of him. Dean said, "Jason is one of the strongest-willed kids I have had the privilege to coach." It is evident that Sager's style of play has become contagious throughout the Royals team.