Othyus Jeffers Named NBA D-League Player of the Week

Last season, the Iowa Energy finished off the year as the worst team in the NBA D-League with just 14 wins. But after leading the Santa Cruz Warriors to an NBADL Finals trip, Nate Bjorkgren returned home to Iowa to take charge of the Energy as head coach.

It's still early, but such a reunion (Bjorkgren was previously an assistant coach in Iowa) has so far made all the difference with regard to changing the culture as the team resumes its winning ways.

Even so, it certainly hasn't hurt that Othyus Jeffers (the swingman has spent different portions of seasons with the Energy dating back to the 2008-09) has recently re-emerged as a D-League superstar.

Leading his team to a 3-1 record thus far, Jeffers has averaged averaged 25.5 points, 12.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.2 steals. What's more, he's shot 52% from the field and 43% from downtown, making him as efficient as they come.

For his early efforts, the 28 year old has been named the league's Player of the Week for games played Nov. 22 - Dec. 1. For more, see below for official word from the NBA D-League:

Othyus Jeffers of the Iowa Energy was today named NBA Development League Performer of the Week for games played Nov. 22 - Dec. 1.

A 6-5, 200-pound guard/forward out of Robert Morris, Jeffers averaged 25.5 points, 12.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists to lead Iowa to a 3-1 week to start the season.

Jeffers recorded two double-doubles during the week, a 29-point, 17-rebound outing in a 123-102 road win over Tulsa and a 29-point, 16-rebound performance in a 108-98 loss at Sioux Falls.

The award is the first for Jeffers this season and the third of his career, having twice earned the honor during the 2010-11 season.