Brynton Lemar and Chima Moneke were both selected to the Big West All-Conference 1st Team and Moneke also was named Newcomer of the Year. Siler Schneider was given Honorable Mention.
First Team:
Brynton Lemar Sr G UCD
Chima Moneke Jr F UCD
Tre' Coggins Sr G UCR
Noah Allen Sr G/F Hawai'i
Jaron Martin Sr G UCI
Luke Nelson Sr G UCI
Player of the Year: Luke Nelson Sr G UCI Newcomer of the Year: Chima Moneke Jr F UCD Freshman of the Year: Jackson Rowe F F CSU Fullerton Coach of the Year: Russell Turner UCI
Congrats! With the addition of Schneider as 6MOY and Graham as HPOY, very good player representation. Bummer that the last game was likely the determining factor for POY, but I'll take it.
Yeah, the POY award was a tough selection. Luke Nelson is a fabulous player but he missed over half the season with a hamstring injury whereas Chima played in every game. I think the fact that Nelson is not only a great player but a senior as well was a consideration too. Then the final game when Nelson played well and Chima did not probably sealed the deal. I expect Chima will have a good go at it next year as well.
Chima being the only non-senior on the first team is noteworthy. And I think most folks would, even subconsciously, give the edge to the senior vs. the newcomer junior for POY.
As much as anybody can predict next season, POY may be Chima's to lose next year if he continues this level of performance. As it was this year until the UCI game.