Throughout the week, Big Apple Buckets will post their NEC preseason awards prior to the NEC Media Day on Tuesday, October 23rd. Today, we list our consensus selections for the All-Northeast Conference First Team. For a summary of our All-NEC Third Team, click here, and for a summary of our All-NEC Second Team, click here.
Velton Jones, PG, Robert Morris (16.0 ppg, 4.5 apg, 2.8 rpg, 1.8 spg):
The heart and soul of Robert Morris gave it his all every minute, leading his team in points, minutes, assists, and steals per game. Jones truly did it all, handling over 30% of the Colonial’s possessions, while providing excellent defense and wonderful clutch play late. His ability to drive the lane, draw contact, and get to the line was perhaps Jones’ best asset, as he finished in the top 100 nationally in free-throw rate. Looking ahead, head coach Andy Toole will do his best to keep Jones fresh throughout the season by limiting his minutes (well somewhat), but there’s no denying that the 6-foot-0 bulldog from Philly will be heavily relied upon to get Robert Morris back into the NCAA tournament after a two year hiatus.
Shane Gibson, G, Sacred Heart (22.0 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.5 spg, 59.8% EFG):
From an efficiency standpoint, Gibson had one of the great seasons in NEC history. It was barely noticed nationally, but plenty of NEC coaching staffs were fully aware of Gibson’s mind-blowing numbers – 26.1 points per 40 minutes, 4.7 rpg, 1.5 spg, and an effective field goal percentage of 59.8%. To put Gibson’s shooting percentage in perspective, only eight guards in the entire nation had a higher efficiency rating per possession. Now in his final season, the greatest Pioneer ever will focus on getting to the free-throw line more and defending with more tenacity. Given Gibson’s phenemonal work ethic and ability to score a myraid of ways, we’d like to think this is the season where Gibson finally garners enough national attention to showcase his NBA-like talent.
Jamal Olasewere, F, LIU-Brooklyn (16.9 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 1.5 spg, 1.1 bpg, 59.1% EFG):
Olasewere possesses the perfect blend of athleticism, versatility, and agression for a mid-major stretch forward. There may not be a more difficult frontcourt player to cover – and that includes his teammate – because Olasewere can hurt opposing defenders in so many ways. Last season, Olasewere finished in the NEC top 10 in points, rebounds, blocks, and steals per game. If there’s one Achilles heel to Olasewere’s game, it’s his propensity to foul, as he accumulated four or five personal fouls in 18 of 34 games last season. It’s a small price to pay, however, when accounting for the amount of value Olasewere brings defensively. If first time head coach Jack Perri can find an optimal way to utlitize Olasewere’s minutes, it wouldn’t surprise us if he was holding the NEC Player of the Year trophy in early March.
Julian Boyd, PF, LIU-Brooklyn (17.4 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 58.5% EFG):
It’s been a remarkable run for Boyd, who was a doctor’s second opinion away from quitting basketball because of a heart condition. Since receiving clearance, the physically imposing Boyd has been a consistent and elite performer in the past two seasons. Last year, Boyd registered 14 double-doubles, never scored less than nine points in any game, and came up clutch more times than not. Even though his defensive numbers weren’t terribly impressive for a all-conference player, Boyd at least did an excellent job staying on the floor and giving the Blackbirds All-American type of value offensively. It’s the safest bet around to expect more of the same this season, therefore look for Boyd to continue his dominance and become perhaps the first NEC player since LIU’s own Charles Jones to win back-to-back NEC Player of the Year honors.
Ike Azotam, PF, Quinnipiac (15.7 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 1.0 bpg, 56.2% EFG):
Tom Moore’s Bobcats were second nationally in rebounding rate, mainly due to the emergence of Azotam, who practically doubled his production from his rookie campaign. Azotam’s relentless pursuit of the basketball and smooth footwork down low led to 13 double doubles and a NCAA top 40 finish in rebounds per game. It was an impressive season for the underclassman, who will be asked to lead the Bobcats with James Johnson no longer around. Whether Azotam can handle the challenge is yet to be determined, but we’re certainly betting on his talent and the presense of frontcourt mate Ousmane Drame to help push him to an elite level.
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