Dan Bucaro Wins Rookie of the Year
Published on August 13, 2020 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL) News Release
Denver Outlaws attackman Dan Bucaro has been awarded the 2020 Warrior Rookie of the Year Award in the 20th Anniversary Season of Major League Lacrosse (MLL).
Bucaro was drafted by Denver as the ninth overall pick in the 2019 MLL Collegiate draft, but was sidelined for the whole season due to an injury he suffered at Georgetown University.
Bucaro's exemplary season helped propel Denver to their fifth straight MLL championship appearance. While the Outlaws lost to the Boston Cannons 13-10 in the championship game, he recorded three goals and one assist. In six games played, he scored 16 goals and notched three assists.
"It's a privilege to wear the Denver Outlaws jersey and to be a part of this team," said Bucaro. "It was great being able to play again and I am honored to receive this award. I couldn't have achieved this without my teammates and coaches. I can't wait to step out onto the field again."
Bucaro is the fourth Outlaws player in program history to win the award. He was second on the team in scoring, finishing behind Ryan Lee, who recorded 20 goals and was third in total points.
"Dan is incredible on and off the field," Denver Outlaws President, Matt Bocklet. "In his first year he played like a veteran. Dan was one of the most consistent and prolific players league-wide. After such a strong performance in his first season, we look forward to Dan returning next season and building on what was achieved this year."
His impressive season does not come as a surprise to many. Bucaro recorded a program-record of 153 goals at Georgetown. He scored eight goals against Yale in an NCAA tournament game, which was the most goals in a single-game in Hoya history. Not only was he magnificent on the field, but he also performed in the classroom, where he earned BIG EAST All-Academic honors.
Bucaro only had two days to practice with his new team before jumping into their first game of the season, but he meshed well with his teammates and looked like he had been playing with them for years.
"Dan had one of the best rookie campaigns I've ever witnessed," Outlaws Captain, Max Adler, said. "He is a momentum shifting player, he is incredibly fast and is one of the best finishers in this sport. Even as a hungry rookie, he was a team-first guy who cared about winning before individual stats. Bucaro was a huge lift to the Outlaws offense this season, and I can't wait to play with him again next year."
Major League Lacrosse Stories from August 13, 2020
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