April 10, 2002

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OXFORD, Ohio - Miami University guard Doug Davis (Columbus, Ohio/Westland) picked up a team-most three awards at this year's annual postseason basketball banquet, which was held Wednesday night on campus at the Shriver Center. Davis was tabbed the RedHawks' William Rohr Most Valuable Player, while also earning the Dr. Terry Hunt Free Throw Award and Top Assist honor.

Davis, who was an honorable mention all-Mid-American Conference selection this season, led Miami in assists (3.0 per game) and free-throw percentage (.842), and ranked second in points per game (12.1) and minutes played (30.9). In MAC games, Davis paced the RedHawks with a team-best 15.1 points per game, scoring 20 or more points in seven outings.

Senior Brian Edwards (Detroit, Mich./Mackenzie) and freshman Danny Horace (Cincinnati, Ohio/Western Hills) each picked up two awards. Edwards earned the Jamie Mercurio Award, which is given to the player who exemplifies courage, determination and perseverance. He also was the first recipient of the newly-established Holdie Wilson Spirit Award, given to the player who best demonstrates an unconditionally positive spirit. Horace, who averaged a team-best 5.8 rebound per game and was named to the MAC all-Freshman team, grabbed the Top Rebound Award and was named the Arthur and Olga Adkins Freshman of the Year. His team-best 35 blocks ranks eighth on Miami's single game chart and are a freshman record. Horace, who played in all 31 games and started 27, averaged 6.5 ppg.

Four other RedHawks earned individual awards. Senior Ben Helmers (Hamilton, Ohio/Badin) was honored with the Marshall North Award, which is presented to the player who best exemplifies the virtue of loyalty-to the University, team and coach-and whose personal sacrifice of time, effort and energy contribute materially to the advancement of the record of the team. Junior Matt Jameson (Newport Beach, Calif./Newport Harbor) earned the Randy Gunlock Scholar-Athlete Award.

Sophomore forward Eugene Seals (Saginaw, Mich./Saginaw) was named the Richard Shrider Defensive Player of the Year. Seals, who often took on the toughest defensive assignments, posted a team-high 35 steals, blocked 24 shots and averaged 4.7 rebounds per game. Sophomore point guard Chet Mason (Cleveland, Ohio/South) was honored as the Darrell Hedric Most Improved Player. Mason was one of the nation's top small rebounders, ranking second on the team with 5.7 per game. He averaged 8.0 points per game, posted 30 steals and dished out 77 assists over 31 games.

Miami, which finished fourth in the Mid-American Conference's East Division and seventh overall in the league, finished the year 13-18 overall and 9-9 in the Mid-American Conference. The RedHawks made their 14th consecutive MAC Tournament quarterfinal appearance but fell to Ball State, 62-50.

A recap of the award winners:

Dr. Terry Hunt Free Throw Award: Doug Davis
Darrell Hedric Most Improved Player Award: Chet Mason
Most Rebounds: Danny Horace
Marshall North Award (loyalty): Ben Helmers
Most Assists: Doug Davis
Jamie Mercurio Award (courage): Brian Edwards
Randy Gunlock Scholar-Athlete Award: Matt Jameson
Holdie Wilson Award (spirit): Brian Edwards
Richard Shrider Defensive Player of the Year: Eugene Seals
William Rohr Most Valuable Player: Doug Davis
Arthur & Olga Adkins Freshman of the Year: Danny Horace