SOMERSET, N.J. - Following a career-best performance in the Knights' road Northeast Conference win against Saint Francis U (Pa.) on December 31, 2021, Fairleigh Dickinson men's basketball sophomore Sébastien Lamaute has been named the NEC Rookie of the Week, as announced by the conference office Monday afternoon.

A 13-day layoff since the Knights' previous game (12/18 at Virginia) heading into the battle with the Red Flash couldn't stop the newcomer from Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Quebec, Canada who exploded for his first collegiate double-double, posting 14 points (tying a career best) and 15 rebounds (setting a new best by 10 boards) in FDU's 70-62 victory to move to 2-0 in NEC play for the first time since the 2016-17 season. According to the NEC, Lamaute's 15 rebounds are the most by a men's basketball player 6'2 or less in the NEC in nearly seven years. Lamaute earned his eighth start of the season in Loretto and shot .540 from the field in 33 minutes of action for head coach Greg Herenda, the most minutes he's played in a single game this season. The 6'2 guard also logged a team-best two steals in the battle with SFU.

"It is appropriate that one of our guys won this award; the odds were in our favor with seven new players," remarked Herenda. "Séb [Lamaute] is a very physical guard and getting 15 rebounds at the point guard position is incredible. He stepped up on the road when we had three veterans out and needed it most. It truly was an awesome effort on his part."

Also garnering conference recognition this week is junior guard Brandon Rush who was honored as a Prime Performer. Rush recorded 22 points in 37 minutes at SFU in addition to four rebounds, two assists and one steal. The Warrensville, Ohio native shot .471 from the floor and a perfect 3-for-3 from the free throw line.

Lamaute, Rush and the Knights return to action as NEC play continues on Thursday, January 6, when the Burgundy and Blue welcome Merrimack to Stratis Arena inside the Rothman Center for a 7 p.m. battle between two undefeated NEC sides live on ESPN3 and SNY. Tickets are on-sale now at FDUKnights.com/Tickets.

Fans can stay connected with FDU men's basketball on Instagram and Twitter, @FDUKnightsMBB.

The 2021-22 men's basketball season is presented by Bogota Savings Bank.