Andrea Bargnani averaged over 11 points in January. (NBAE/Getty Images)

(February 1, 2007) -- The Toronto Raptors announced Thursday that forward Andrea Bargnani was named NBA Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for January, 2007. Bargnani is the sixth Raptors player to win the award, joining current teammate Jorge Garbajosa (December 2006) and former Raptors Charlie Villanueva (December 2005), Vince Carter (March and April 1999), Marcus Camby (March 1997) and Damon Stoudamire (November 1995 and January 1996) on the list of franchise honourees.

Bargnani helped the Raptors to a 10-5 record, posting averages of 11.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.8 steals and 27.0 minutes in 14 games. He shot .410 (57-139) from the field and .394 (26-66) from three-point range during the month and led the team’s bench scoring six times.

The native of Rome, Italy registered 22 points on January 9 at New Jersey, one point shy of his career-high of 23. He posted double-digit scoring totals in 10 of his 14 games and reached career-highs with seven defensive rebounds (January 12), four assists (January 31) and four steals (January 3).

The first overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft is averaging 10.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 23.2 minutes in 44 games this season. He currently ranks third among rookies in points (10.2), free throw percentage (.837), fourth in minutes (23.2) and blocks (0.89).

Toronto continues its season on the road Friday with a game in Atlanta. The Raptors return home to begin a three game homestand on Sunday at noon against the L.A. Clippers, followed by Orlando on Wednesday and the L.A. Lakers next Friday.