Nov. 13, 2006

Will Thomas had career highs in points and assists on Saturday in Mason's season-opening win over Cleveland State as the junior had the eighth double-double of his career. That 25 point, 10 rebound, five assist performance was good enough to earn the Patriot tri-captain the Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Week award for the first time in his career.

After being named to the CAA All-Rookie team two years ago and the CAA All-Defensive Team last year, Thomas was selected preseason first team All-CAA this season. He showed why in shooting 10 of 13 from the field, 5 of 7 from the free throw line while pacing Mason in the three major statistical categories.

Thomas had just three double-doubles in the 2005-06 regular season but he had no trouble getting to the basket or grabbing boards against the Vikings. Thomas finished with nearly a third of Mason's points, rebounds and assists.

Mason is currently in first place in the CAA and the Patriots are one of just two conference teams to grab a win in the season's first week. Old Dominion is currently 2-1 after hosting the Cox Communications Classic this weekend. The Monarchs lost to Clemson in the tournament's title game.

Hofstra, the CAA's preseason favorite, lost at Charlotte while James Madison fell at Wake Forest, William & Mary was beaten at Kansas State and Georgia State was defeated at home by College of Charleston. Towson, VCU, UNC Wilmington all open their seasons on Monday night while Delaware plays for the first time on Tuesday. Northeastern and Drexel open their seasons on Wednesday.