COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Sophomore Bruno Fernando of the No. 19 Maryland men's basketball team has been named the Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week, as announced Tuesday by the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA). The USBWA's weekly honor is presented by Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook.

Fernando is the first Maryland men's basketball player to earn the honor since it was first awarded on a weekly basis in the 2009-10 season.

The award comes on the heels of Fernando claiming Big Ten Player of the Week honors Monday.

Fernando was sensational in a pair of critical Maryland victories last week, notching two double-doubles and averaging 17.5 points (73% FG), 12 rebounds and 2.5 assists.

Fernando opened the week posting 10 points and 11 rebounds in Maryland's 15-point road victory at Minnesota. He then followed that performance with a 25-point, 13-rebound effort against #22 Indiana. Fernando connected on 11-of-12 field goals in the win.

The Luanda, Angola native currently leads the Big Ten Conference in blocks/g (2.22) and field goal pct. (.678).

As the Big Ten Conference Player of the Week, Fernando was nominated for the weekly award, which was chosen by a representative of the USBWA board of directors from a list of Division I conference players of the week. The USBWA has named Oscar Robertson National Players of the Week since the 2009-10 season.

Since the 1958-59 season, the USBWA has named a National Player of the Year. In 1998, the award was named in honor of the University of Cincinnati Hall of Famer and two-time USBWA Player of the Year Oscar Robertson. It is the nation's oldest award and the only one named after a former player.

At the conclusion of the regular season, the USBWA will name finalists for the award, which is voted on by the entire membership.

The U.S. Basketball Writers Association was formed in 1956 at the urging of then-NCAA Executive Director Walter Byers. With some 900 members worldwide, it is one of the most influential organizations in college basketball. It has selected an All-America team since the 1956-57 season. For more information on the USBWA and the Oscar Robertson Trophy, contact executive director Joe Mitch at 314-795-6821.

Fernando and the Terrapins, which have won six straight games, return to action Friday against Ohio State in Columbus. The game is set for 6:30 pm on FS1.

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