NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - The Rutgers University Men’s Basketball program held its Annual Awards Banquet at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in New Brunswick on Sunday, March 30. The event was co-sponsored by the Court Club and the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics.

Senior guard Jerome Coleman, who averaged a team-leading 16.0 ppg., and junior forward Herve Lamizana, who averaged 10.6 points and a team-leading 83 blocked shots, were named Team Co-MVPs. Coleman led the Scarlet Knights 72 three-pointers made, scored 20 or more points eight times and scored 30 or more points three times. Coleman also earned the Co-Defensive Player Award (along with Sean Axani). Lamizana’s 2.96 blocked shots per game average was third in the BIG EAST Conference. Lamizana also earned the Leading Rebounder Award.

The Frank Hill Award, which goes to the Scarlet Knight player who best exemplifies the qualities of loyalty and leadership, went to senior Kareem Wright, who also earned the Most Improved Player Award and Co-Strength Award (along with Ricky Shields).

Axani, in addition to earning the Co-Defensive Player Award, also earned the George Mackaronis Scholar-Athlete award.

Sophomore swingman Ricky Shields picked up four awards; The Kevin Collins Academic Improvement Award, the Best Three-point Shooter Award, Best Free Throw Shooter Award and the Co-Strength Award. Freshman guard Calvin Wooten earned the Outstanding Newcomer Award, junior guard Mike Sherrod earned the award as the Team Assist Leader, while junior forward Justin Piasecki was given the Sportsmanship Award.

Awards

Jerome Coleman & Herve Lamizana - Abram J. Suydam MVP Award
Herve Lamizana – Leading Rebounder
Sean Axani & Jerome Coleman – Co-Best Defensive Players
Kareem Wright – Frank Hill Award (Loyalty and Leadership)
Kareem Wright & Ricky Shields – Co-Strength Awards
Kareem Wright – Most Improved Player
Sean Axani – George Mackaronis Scholar-Athlete
Recognition (Captain) – Jerome Coleman
Recognition (Captain) – Kareem Wright
Calvin Wooten – Outstanding Newcomer
Ricky Shields – Kevin Collins Award (Academic Improvement)
Ricky Shields – Best 3-Point Shooter
Ricky Shields – Michael J. Malone Best Free Throw Shooter
Mike Sherrod – Assist Leader
Justin Piasecki – Sportsmanship Award