Dec. 26, 2011
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Irish sophomore guard Eric Atkins (Columbia, Md.) has been named a captain along with forwards Tim Abromaitis (Unionville, Conn.) and Scott Martin (Valparaiso, Ind.) for the remainder of the 2011-12 campaign it was announced today by Irish head coach Mike Brey.
“Since we lost Tim (Abromaitis), Eric has had a stronger voice in our locker room and proven to be a leader for us both in games and in practices,” Brey says. “As we begin BIG EAST play, I thought that it was important for Scott (Martin) to have someone alongside him who will share this role with him on the court. I look forward to having both of them leading us through the conference season.”
Atkins is Notre Dame’s leading scorer among all active players with a 13.9 scoring average. He has started all 11 games he has played and missed contests (Sam Houston State and Delaware State) due to illness. Atkins has reached double figures in seven games this season and has twice eclipsed the 20-point mark. In the season opener against Mississippi Valley State, he scored a career-high 27 points and also netted 26 points against Maine. Atkins, who ranks second on the team with 44 assists (behind Jerian Grant with 55) dished off a career high nine assists versus Bryant.
As a freshman, Eric played in all 34 games and made six starts while averaging 5.8 points and 3.2 assists.
Notre Dame opens BIG EAST play on Tuesday, Dec. 27 at 7:00 p.m. when the Irish play host to Pittsburgh on ESPN2.