Western Kentucky Hilltoppers center Charles Bassey (23) grabs a rebound during WKU's 86-71 win over UT Martin on Saturday, November 10, 2018, at E. A. Diddle Arena. (Austin Anthony/photo@bgdailynews.com)

Western Kentucky freshman Charles Bassey finished his first week of college basketball with his first weekly honor.

The 6-foot-11, 245-pound center was named Conference USA Men’s Basketball Freshman of the Week on Monday by the league office.

This is WKU’s first weekly award since Taveion Hollingsworth was named Freshman of the Week on Feb. 12 of last season.

Bassey averaged a double-double in his first week of college competition, recording 13 points, 10.5 rebounds and three blocks per contest. He also shot 62.5 percent from the field and contributed three steals and two assists.

The Lagos, Nigeria, native posted 11 points and 12 rebounds in his first college outing Nov. 6 – a trip to then-No. 25 Washington on the road and a post matchup with First Team All-Pacific 12 Conference selection Noah Dickerson.

Bassey was the first Hilltopper to record a double-double in his first game since Steve Miller in 1984-85. His 12 rebounds were the most by a WKU freshman in his debut since 1975 and the most by any freshman overall since 2012.

In Saturday’s home opener against UT-Martin, Bassey tallied 15 points, nine rebounds and four blocks.

The Hilltoppers return to action this week in the Myrtle Beach Invitational, starting against Valparaiso at 4 p.m. CST on Thursday on ESPNU.