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SAN FRANCISCO – After averaging 19.1 points a game and helping the Dons to a 4-3 record in December, senior
Mel Khlok has been named West Coast Conference Player of the Month, announced today by the league office.
During the seven-game span in December, the guard from Sacramento, Calif., shot a sweltering 50.6 from the field that included a 16-of-38 performance from beyond the arc. Her consistent scoring presence throughout the season has led to Khlok's 15.9 points per game to lead the way for the Dons.
“It's just me going out and playing and doing whatever I can to help my team because everything I do out there is for my team,” Khlok said on being selected by the conference. “I honestly don't even think about my points or scoring, it's always about how what I'm doing is going to help the team. And sometimes when I'm just doing that, the scoring just comes as the game goes on.”
In a 92-64 win over San Jose State on Dec. 15, she swished a season-high 29 points, nabbed a career-high nine rebounds and reached the five-assist mark in a game for the third time this season. Along with starting every contest in the Dons' 2012-13 campaign and pacing the USF scoring output, Khlok posts 3.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.3 steals per game.
“I am extremely proud of Mel, and not only what she's doing this season, but just her progress as a basketball player and a person. She's a captain. She's a leader,” head coach
Jennifer Azzi said. “She's someone that in the last couple of years, even in the locker room when things have been bad, she's always bright-eyed, always willing to go the extra mile. She's so clear and open and it's a rare trait, but I think it's a trait that the best athletes have.
“I think you're truly successful when the majority of your best players are your hardest workers, and I think Mel has learned how to work hard. It's great for our younger players to see that our hard work pays off.”
This monthly honor marks the first time a USF women's basketball player has been recognized from the conference in this capacity since Dominique Carter earned Player of the Month for her performance in December 2007.The Dons are 7-8 on the season heading into a matchup in Malibu with Pepperdine Thursday at 7 p.m. Then USF returns home to face Portland Saturday at 2 p.m., at War Memorial Gym.
