McLean County Times

Nick Roper, a senior guard for Illinois Wesleyan University, has been named the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Player of the Week. This marks his first recognition this season and the third in his career. The announcement was made on Monday, February 3.

Roper's performance over the past week was instrumental in leading the Titans to victories against Carroll and Elmhurst. His efforts contributed to extending Illinois Wesleyan's record to 18-2 overall and 10-1 in conference play. Over the course of these games, Roper averaged 21 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game while maintaining an impressive shooting percentage of 68.4 from the field.

In a notable overtime win against Carroll, Roper scored 27 points—just two shy of his career-high—and secured seven rebounds along with two steals. He played a critical role by scoring six of Illinois Wesleyan's 12 points in overtime and sealing the victory with free throws in the final seconds.

The week concluded with Roper contributing 15 points, four rebounds, and a steal during a decisive win over Elmhurst. Despite playing only 23 minutes due to the game's one-sided nature, he delivered a standout moment with a baseline drive resulting in a slam dunk.

Roper will be back on court as Illinois Wesleyan faces North Central College in Naperville on Wednesday, February 5 at 7 p.m.

The list of CCIW Men's Basketball Student-Athletes of the Week for this season includes:

- Feb. 3: Nick Roper, Illinois Wesleyan

- Jan. 27: Rico Powell, North Park

- Jan. 20: AJ Johnson, Carthage

- Jan. 13: Ryan Johnson, Carthage

- Jan. 6: Tagen Pearson, Elmhurst

- Dec. 23: Mason Funk, Illinois Wesleyan

- Dec. 16: Ethan Helwig, North Central

- Dec. 9: Riley Brooks, Carthage

- Dec. 2: Ryan Johnson, Carthage

- Nov. 25: Soren Richardson, Wheaton

- Nov.18: AJ Johnson ,Carthage

- Nov .12 : Hakim Williams ,Illinois Wesleyan