Men's Basketball Celebrates Season with Annual Banquet

May 2, 2007

MILWAUKEE - Sophomore guard Jerel McNeal was honored as the 2006-07 men's basketball Most Valuable Performer as the team celebrated its season at the annual awards banquet, Wednesday evening, held at The Grain Exchange.

Fox 6 News Sports Anchor/Reporter Tim Van Vooren served as the master of ceremonies.

McNeal, a BIG EAST All-Conference Second Team member and BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year, led the Golden Eagles and ranked second in the conference with 76 steals this season, the fifth best single-season total in school history. He ranked 10th in the nation, averaging 2.6 steals per game, and was one of only four players in NCAA Division I to average at least 14.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.5 steals per game.

Other award winners included: Ousmane Barro, Dan Fitzgerald and Lazar Hayward (Most Improved Players); David Cubillan (Super Sub Award); Wesley Matthews (Floor Burn Award for the player who gives up his body for the most loose balls and Oluoma Nnamaka Consistency Award for competing at a high-level every day); and Dominic James (Bart Miller Standard of Excellence Award for exemplifying excellence on and off the court).

Statistical award winners were: Matthews for the highest free throw percentage (77.0 PCT); James for the most assists (167); Barro for the most rebounds (234); and McNeal for the most deflections per game (11.17) and most charges drawn.

Seniors Mike Kinsella, Jamil Lott and Craig Kuphall were also recognized at the banquet.