Basketball team holds annual awards banquet

By Jessica Isner Assoc. Sports Editor

The basketball program held its annual year-end Roundball Club Banquet on Sunday afternoon at the Newton Marriott.

Senior co-captain Jared Dudley and upcoming junior captain John Oates were among the afternoon's award winners. Dudley, who led the Eagles in both scoring and rebounding this season and became the first Boston College player to capture ACC Player of the Year honors, was named team MVP. It was another award to add to the vault for Dudley, who, after averaging 19.0 points and 8.3 rebounds per game this season, had already garnered All-ACC first-team and Associated Press All-America second team honors.

Dudley led the Eagles to a 21-12 record and a school-record fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.

He was among the league leaders in any category that mattered this year, including field goal percentage and both defensive and offensive rebounding.

The forward, who also earned the team's Top Rebounder award, is currently projected to be drafted in the second round of the upcoming NBA Draft.

John Oates was credited with the Frank Power Memorial Award after starting in 31 games this season and averaging 4.7 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.

The center was particularly effective in both postseason tournaments and will lead the team next season, along with sophomore guard Tyrese Rice.

Among other award winners were Tyrelle Blair, who earned Most Improved Player and Defensive MVP after stepping up midseason to fill the void left by dismissed superstar center Sean Williams.

Senior Tyler Neville captured the Academic Award, co-captain Sean Marshall earned the Coach's Award, and Rice garnered the Playmaker Award.