Cross averaged 16.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks as the Pioneers compiled a 3-1 record. He shot 64.3 percent (27-42) from the floor and was 9-13 (69.2 percent) from the free throw line. Against University of La Verne (Calif.) on Dec. 28, Cross went 9-11 from the floor for 18 points and tallied five rebounds and four blocked shots. He recorded eight rebounds and eight points against Colorado College on Dec. 29, and made a game-saving steal as time expired. He posted his first double-double of the season in a setback at UW-La Crosse on Jan. 3, with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Cross scored a game-high 22 points (all coming in the first-half) against UW-Superior, and finished the contest with eight rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Also nominated:
UW-La Crosse, Braden Tice, Junior, Guard, Lake Geneva, Wis. (Badger)
UW-Oshkosh, Cory Nickel, Junior, Guard, Waupun, Wis.
UW-River Falls, Zach Peterson, Senior, Center, Circle Pines, Minn. (Centennial)
UW-Stevens Point, Joe Ritchay, Sophomore, Guard/Forward, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. (Lincoln)
UW-Stout, Jarvis Ragland, Junior, Forward, Milwaukee, Wis. (Rufus King)
UW-Superior, Jarrod Peterson, Junior, Guard, Plymouth, Minn. (Wayzata)
UW-Whitewater, Luke Knoble, Senior, Forward/Center, Boscobel, Wis.