(St. Louis, MO) – Missouri Valley Conference awards came with some historical accomplishments. Illinois State’s Paris Lee became the fourth player in Valley history to be named both the ‘Defensive MVP’ and the ‘Larry Bird, MVC Player of the Year‘.
Lee won the award in with a convincing vote total of coaches, media members and league officials. Wichita State’s Markis McDuffie finished second.
The senior guard led the league in steals, assists and three-point baskets, and is Illinois State’s all-time leader in steals. Lee sparked a defense that is fourth nationally in opponent field goal percentage and fifth nationally in points allowed.
Darren Brooks – siusalukis.com
Three players have been both the league player of the year and defensive MVP. Ashraf Amaya, of Southern Illinois was the first to earn that double honor (1992). Indiana State’s Nate Green turned the trick in 2000. SIU’s Darren Brooks is the last Valley player to be so honored, and he did it in back-to-back seasons in 2004 and 2005.
The Valley’s ‘Freshman of the Year‘, Landry Shamet was also named to the league’s all conference team. The Wichita State rookie became just the fourth first year player to be named to the MVC all conference squad.
‘Newcomer of the Year‘ Alize Johnson is the first newcomer to lead the Valley in rebounding AND average at least ten caroms per game since Drake’s Lewis Lloyd accomplished the feat in 1979-80.
Loyola’s Aundre Jackson received the ‘Sixth Man of the Year‘ award.
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So far #MTE season has been good for @ValleyHoops teams. @DrakeBulldogsMB & @BradleyUMBB play for trophies on Sunday. Here is the @BustingBrackets review of yesterday's games and a preview of what's ahead.
