April 24, 2006

2005-2006 Men's Basketball Highlight Video

Photo Gallery

MILWAUKEE - Senior forward Steve Novak was selected the Most Valuable Performer as the 2005-06 Marquette men's basketball team celebrated its season at the annual awards banquet Monday night at the Alumni Memorial Union on campus.

WTMJ 4's Vince Vitrano served as the master of ceremonies and ESPN analyst and former Notre Dame head coach Digger Phelps was the event's keynote speaker.

Novak led the Golden Eagles to a 20-11 record, a first-round bye in the BIG EAST Tournament and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament. He was a unanimous first team all-BIG EAST selection and became one of six players in the program's history to total 1,500 points and 500 rebounds for his career. In 31 games, the 6-10 Brown Deer, Wisconsin native averaged 17.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.9 three-point field goals.

Sophomore Ousmane Barro was selected as the team's Most Improved Player. Barro played in all 31 games, making 14 starts, and averaged 4.4 points, 2.8 rebounds and 13.5 minutes. Barro improved consistently as the season progressed, averaging 10.0 points and 3.0 rebounds over the Golden Eagles final three games. His 13 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals against Alabama in the NCAA Tournament was his best all around game of the season.

Other award winners included: Dan Fitzgerald and Wesley Matthews (Super Sub Award); Jerel McNeal (Floor Burn Award for the player who gives up his body for the most loose balls); Chris Grimm (Oluoma Nnamaka Consistency Award for competing at a high-level every day); Novak (Hank Raymonds Sportsmanship Award and Bart Miller Standard of Excellence Award for exemplifying excellence on and off the court).

Statistical award winners were: Novak for highest free throw percentage and rebound average; Dominic James for most assists; McNeal for most deflections; and Joe Chapman for most charges drawn.

Each of the program's five graduating seniors - Chapman, Grimm, Novak along managers Andy Klister and Matt Willis - were recognized during the dinner.