Haven’t posted in quite a while. With work and other things going on it’s been quite a busy spring semester. The radio show has been a great success and I’ve finally found a co-op job (third time’s the charm) where I wake up excited to spend another day in the office. . As big of a fan I am, sometimes you just need to step back, shut down twitter, turn off ESPN, and spend some time doing something else. Because when you eat, sleep, breathe, and work sports, sometimes a few hours destroying noobs on Call of Duty: Black Ops can be good for the soul. We’re just a few days away now from what is becoming my favorite weekend of the year, the annual CAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in Richmond, VA. Just like last year, I will be spending the full 5 days in Richmond so it should be fun. On to my “ballot” for this year’s CAA Awards
Player of the Year: Charles Jenkins, Hofstra – If this isn’t unanimous…Dude averaged 23ppg! 23! Should end up as a late first-round/early second NBA draft pick
Rookie of the Year: Devon Saddler, Delaware – 13.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.9 apg, 0.7 spg. Just crazy good numbers for a freshman. Oh and how about Saddler has been dropping double digits in 16 of his last 17 games. He’s playing full starter minutes and is THE reason why Delaware is a 7 seed this year. This kid is going to be dangerous.
Coach of the Year: Mo Cassara, Hofstra – Mo has got my pick. Not only do I love his passion, attitude, and twitter presence but to bring Hofstra and the situation they were in to 14-4 is incredible.. I think the voters will still elect Mason’s Jim Larranaga. Frankly I can see Larranaga, Cassara, and Buzz Peterson at UNCW getting votes. Buzz has done an incredible job with a team that many (myself included) predicted to finish dead last. To bring the Seahawks to a #8 seed is quite a feat. To make basketball matter again is even more impressive of a feat. But I am more impressed with what Cassara has done with the Hofstra program. Granted he came into a program that features one of the best players in the country in Charles Jenkins, but he has been able maximize production from really a bunch of nobodys. Mike Litos and the BT over at CAAHoops offers why their vote goes to Mo and I completely agree…http://www.caahoops.com/2011/02/our-all-conference-teams/
First Team
Charles Jenkins, Hofstra 23.2 ppg, 4.8 apg, 3.4 rpg, 1.8 spg – POY. ‘Nuff said.
Denzel Bowles, James Madison 18.2 ppg, 9 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.6 bpg – An offensive and post monster.
Cam Long, George Mason 15.1 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 3 apg, 1.5 spg – Does it all for #25 Mason
Frank Hassell, Old Dominion 14.2 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 1.4 bpg, 1.2 apg – One of the most fun players to watch in the CAA
Chaisson Allen, Northeastern 16.8 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 3.8 apg, 2.1 spg – Leads Northeastern in nearly every category
Second Team
Chad Tomko, UNCW 7.6 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 4.3 apg, 1.9 spg – One of the most underrated players in the CAA
Jamie Skeen, VCU 14.8 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.3 bpg – The Rams will miss his post presence
Ryan Pearson, George Mason 14.7 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1 spg – Somehow doesn’t make the first team
Samme Givens, Drexel 11.8 ppg, 10 rpg, 1.1 apg, 0.9 bpg – Only player to average a double-double? Check
Kent Bazemore, Old Dominion 12.5 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.8 apg, 2.4 spg – Could very well be ODU’s most important guy
Third Team
Mike Moore, Hofstra 15.1 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.0 spg – One of my favorite players in the league
Jawan Carter, Delaware 15.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.3 apg, 0.9 spg – Finished the year with 4 straight 20pt games.
Isaiah Philmore, Towson 15.4 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 1.0 apg, 0.9 spg – Great player on a bad team. Only a sophomore.
Devon Saddler, Delaware 13.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.9 apg, 0.7 spg – Rookie of the Year. Freshman phenom.
Quinn McDowell, W&M 15.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.1 apg, 0.5 spg – Deceivingly good player
Also receiving consideration: Chris Fouch, Bradford Burgess, Luke Hancock, Ben Finney, Keith Rendleman
All-Freshman
Devon Saddler, Delaware 13.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.9 apg, 0.7 spg – He’ll be a force in the CAA soon enough
Dartaye Ruffin, Drexel 8.5 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 0.6 apg, 0.4 bpg – Hidden gem. Interesting to see how he’ll improve.
Brandon Britt, W&M 11.0 ppg, 2.2 apg, 2.2 rpg, 0.5 spg – Keep a close eye on him
Ryan Pierson, Northeastern 7.6 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 0.7 apg, 0.5 bpg – Improvement from beginning to end remarkable
Frantz Massenat, Drexel 5.3 ppg, 3.2 apg, 1.9 rpg, 0.7 spg – PG is hard to play. Especially as a freshman. Props
Also receiving consideration: Shemiye McLendon, Julian Boatner, Tanner Milson, Donte Morales
