SALT LAKE CITY-Wednesday, Utah men’s basketball graduate senior Branden Carlson received recognition as one of five U.S. Basketball Writers Association National Players of the Week from throughout Division I.

Carlson, a former Bingham High School star and a native of South Jordan, Utah, is only the second in program history to receive this distinction, joining Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl.

In wins over Washington and Washington State this past week, Carlson averaged 26.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game for the Runnin’ Utes as the squad improved to 11-2 and 2-0 in Pac-12 play.

Carlson and his Utah teammates return to action Thursday at Arizona State as the Pac-12 season continues.