Bargnani posted big numbers in the month of February. (NBAE/Getty Images)

(March 1, 2007) -- The Toronto Raptors announced Thursday that forward Andrea Bargnani was named NBA Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for February, 2007. Bargnani, who won the award last month, is the third Raptors player to win the award twice, joining Vince Carter (March and April, 1999) and Damon Stoudamire (November 1995, January 1996).

Bargnani helped the Raptors to a 9-3 record, posting averages of 14.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 28.7 minutes in 12 games. He shot .508 (62-of-122) from the field, .483 (29-of-60) from three-point range and .826 (19-of-23) from the line during the month and led the team’s bench in scoring seven times.

The native of Rome, Italy registered 22 points February 13 at Chicago, one point shy of his career-high of 23. He posted double-digit scoring totals in 10 of his 12 games and reached career highs with 11 rebounds and 10 defensive rebounds February 24 at Charlotte. Bargnani closed out the month with a team-high 20 points on eight-of-12 field goal attempts, including four-of-five from three-point range, February 28 at Houston.

The first overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft is averaging 11.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 24.4 minutes in 56 games this season. He currently ranks third among rookies in points (11.1), free throw percentage (.835), fifth in minutes (24.4) and blocks (0.79).

Bargnani’s teammate Jorge Garbajosa won the award for December. This is the first time Toronto has claimed three Rookie of the Month awards in a season. Other Raptors to receive the award include Charlie Villanueva (December 2005), Vince Carter (March and April 1999), Marcus Camby (March 1997) and Damon Stoudamire (November 1995 and January 1996).