University of Dayton forward DaRon Holmes II has been named the Atlantic 10 Conference Rookie of the Week after his efforts in wins last week over Saint Louis at home and at Duquesne.

Holmes averaged 14.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.0 blocks in the two wins.   He shot .650 (13-20) FG and .750 (3-4) FT for the week.  In the Saint Louis win, he scored 11 points and blocked five shots (all in the second half).  At Duquesne, Holmes scored a career-high 18 points, making nine of 12 shots (including five dunks).

Holmes is currently first nationally among freshmen (and fifth overall) with 37 dunks.  Next are Jalen Duren of Memphis (32), Chet Holmgren of Gonzaga (30) and Kendall Brown of Baylor (29).   Holmes is second in the A-10 in FG% (.650, 78-120). URI's Antwan Walker is first (.667, 48-72).  The UD big man leads the Flyers in scoring (11.1 ppg.) and is second in rebounding (5.4 rpg.).

His 42 blocked shots are already 13 away from Steve McElvene's Dayton single-season record of 55.

This the third time this year Holmes has been named Rookie of the Week, and the sixth time a Flyer has earned the award.  Point guard Malachi Smith earned the honor Nov. 30, Dec. 6 and Dec. 20.  Holmes was also recognized on Dec. 13 and Dec. 27.

UD's next game is at home with St. Bonaventure on Tuesday night.  Game time is 7 p.m. ET.