Marquette University Athletics
Men's Basketball Program Holds Annual Awards Banquet
5/3/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
The event, held annually, honored the Golden Eagles' departing seniors, celebrated a season in which the team won 19 games and reached the post season for the third consecutive year, and officially closed the 2003-04 campaign.
Former Marquette standout Earl Tatum was the evening's featured speaker and the following awards were handed out:
Awards:
Most Valuable Performer: Travis Diener
The 6-0 junior led the Golden Eagles in scoring, assists, three-point field goals, three-point field goal percentage, steals, free-throws made and minutes. He was Marquette's leading scorer in 21 of 31 games, including nine of the final 10, and his 90 three-point field goals were a school single-season record. Diener was a NABC District XI, USBWA District V and Conference USA First Team selection, as well as being a finalist for both the John R. Wooden and Bob Cousy Awards. He was one of only two players in Division I to average at least 18.0 points and 6.0 assists.
Most Improved Player Award: Terry Sanders and Dameon Mason
Terry Sanders' senior season was his best as a Golden Eagle. In comparison to his junior year, Sanders' experienced increases in scoring, rebounding, blocks, field- goal percentage and free-throw percentage.
Freshman Dameon Mason showed tremendous growth during his first collegiate season. A starter in MU's final 17 games, Mason was the team's third-leading scorer (11.4 ppg) and tied for second in rebounding (4.9 rpg). His 21-point outburst against DePaul on January 24 was the first time a Marquette true-freshman had recorded 20 or more points in a game since December 1998, when Cordell Henry had against Tulsa.
Super Sub Award: Joe Chapman
Sophomore Joe Chapman was the Golden Eagles' most productive reserve this season, coming off the bench to average 4.7 points and 1.7 rebounds. Twice during Marquette's run to the NIT quarterfinals, against Toledo and Iowa State, Chapman tied his career high with 13 points.
Free Throw Proficiency Award: Steve Novak
The 6-10 sophomore shot 91.2 percent (62-of-68) from the free throw line in 2003-04, a new Conference USA single-season record. In conference play Novak was even more efficient, connecting on a school-record 92.1 percent in 16 games.
Floor Burn Award: Marcus Jackson
The Floor Burn Award is given annually to the player who gives up his body for the good of the team. Whether it be diving for loose balls or throwing himself around in the paint, Marcus Jackson did so for the Golden Eagles' in 2003-04. Jackson, who was third on the team in blocks and fifth in offensive rebounds, may have wrapped up this award in November. Against Savannah State, in his first career-game at the Bradley Center, the 6-8 junior came off the bench and promptly recorded three steals in his first four minutes, the last by diving on the floor after stripping his opponent of the ball.
Deflection King Award: Travis Diener
The award is given annually to the MU player who records the most deflections during the season.
Chairman of the Boards: Scott Merritt
Marquette's leading rebounder, Scott Merritt established career-highs for total rebounds (220) and average (7.1) this season. Merritt leaves Marquette ranked 13th all-time in rebounding with 687.
Most Assists Award: Travis Diener
With 187 assists, Travis Diener took home this honor for the second consecutive season. Diener's 6.0 assists per game were good enough for the top spot in Conference USA and 15th among all Division I players. The 6-1 junior's 90 assists in Conference USA play were the second most all-time by a Marquette player.
Hit the Deck Award: Joe Chapman
The award is handed out annually to the player who draws the most charges during the season.
Olouma Nnamaka Consistency Award: Terry Sanders
Named after former Marquette player Olouma Namaka, who head coach Tom Crean calls the most consistent player he has ever coached, the award is given to Marquette's most consistent player throughout the season. Be it practice, weight-training or a game, senior Terry Sanders provided the Golden Eagles with a steady-influence throughout 2003-04. On the court, Sanders averaged 6.4 points and 4.6 rebounds, while shooting a highly-efficient 56.4 percent from the field.
Bart Miller Standard of Excellence Award: Todd Townsend
The award is named in honor of former Marquette player Bart Miller, known by those who played with and coached him as the ultimate teammate.
Hank Raymonds Sportsmanship Award: Terry Sanders
Named after legendary Marquette coach Hank Raymonds, this award goes annually to the player who best exemplifies sportsmanship on and off the court.
