Tenth Annual Birdy Awards- Players

MeanGreen61 · March 11, 2006

From the Sun Belt board.

THE TENTH ANNUAL BIRDY AWARDS--PLAYERS (Main Board)

posted by BirdofParadisio , 03-11-2006, 11:12, from 64.12.117.10

For you newcomers, I do this every year. It's all done in fun. If you get offended, grow up.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR--ANTHONY WINCHESTER--WESTERN KENTUCKY

We've had good shooters in this league (Eric Channing, Erik Benzel), but Winchester is as good at getting his own shot off the dribble as this league has seen in many years. Handles it well, good rebounder, underrated defensively. The total package for this league.

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR--KENDRICK DAVIS--NORTH TEXAS

Some good newcomers this year, including Denver's Walker and UALR's Jones-Jennings, but it's easy to see why Davis started at a bigger school Very good athlete, solid shooter and like Winchester, can create his own shot.

FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR--VACATED

Someone won this award only because someone had to. Malone won't be confused with previous Frosh winners Winchester, Michael Southall or Courtney Lee.

COACH OF THE YEAR---MONTE TOWE--NEW ORLEANS

I have no problem with the guy who won it, but let's take a look at Monte Towe. Lost his house. Lost his University. Had to convince his players to relocate 300 miles away. Lost his center (Elias). Lost his point guard (Mcalebb). Lost his leading scorer midway through the season. Yet finished fourth in the West, and had a win in the tournament. We only THINK we know what this guy went through. Amazing job. Just amazing.

COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR--MICHAEL SOUTHALL--LOUISIANA

After two years of inactivity, Cajun center came back with a vengeance, dominating most opponents. Finished his career #2 all time shot blocker in Conference history. And, he did it the right way this time, both on the court and in the classroom. Went from being a total waste to a potential NBA player. Robert Lee might have saved this kid's life.

BIGGEST JOKE ON THE ALL CONFERENCE TEAM--YEMI NICHOLSON-- DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR.

Blocked plenty of shots, but when he didn't, he either got in foul trouble or just stood there and let you score. Southall dunked in his face eight times in one game and Yemi just stood there and took it. Terry Carroll should be reprimanded for nominating him for this award.....which gets Nicholoson the dreaded annual MOST OVERRATED award. Good offensive player. Horrible defender.

MOST UNDERRATED PLAYER---RICHARD LAW---SOUTH ALABAMA

This kid has never gotten enough credit. Think of him as a poor man's Anthony Winchester. Silent assassin from the outside who also takes it to the basket and rebounds well. Doesn't take a lot of shots, but seems to always make the big ones.

BEST ATHLETE--DWAYNE MITCHELL--LOUISIANA

I have to go all the way back to Darnell Mee to think of an athlete anywhere close to Mitchell. Also gets the BEST DUNKER award.

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER---MARIO JOINTER--SOUTH ALABAMA

Went from being just a shooter to a good all around player. Also did it more in the team concept this time around. Pelphrey got his attention and turned him into a total player.

BIGGEST SURPRISE---RASHAD JONES-JENNINGS--UALR

Come on. Do you really think Steve Shields believed he was signing the nation's 3rd leading rebounder?

BIGGEST DISAPPOINMENT--ED TURNER--LOUISIANA

Cajuns thought they were getting the league's newcomer. Didn't shoot it, turned it over too much and got suspended twice. Will be interesting to see if Lee brings him back.