USBL announces yearly awards
June 23, 2005 - United States Basketball League (USBL) News Release
MILFORD, CT -- (June 23, 2005) The United States Basketball League (USBL) announced the winners of its 2005 Yearly Awards on the eve of its Post-Season Championship in Salina, KS. The following six awards and their recipients are listed below.
USBL MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
NATE JOHNSON, KANSAS CAGERZ
Johnson was a model of consistency this season for the Cagerz. Johnson was second in the League in scoring with 22.4 ppg and was fifth in assists with 5.5 apg. His importance to his team could not be underestimated. He also earned "Player of the Week" honors once during the regular season.
USBL COACH OF THE YEAR
KENNY CHARLES, BROOKLYN KINGS
Charles led his King's squad to the USBL's best record, going 21-9 during the regular season, winning his second Eastern Division title in as many years. Coach Charles now has back-to-back 20-win seasons and moved into fourth on the USBL All-Time Wins list.
USBL CO-ROOKIES OF THE YEAR
BADOU GAYE, WESTCHESTER WILDFIRE & JOHN ALLEN, NEW JERSEY FLYERS
Gaye came out of Division III, Gwenyedd-Mercy, and was one of only three players to finish the season averaging a double-double (14.2 ppg and 10.1 rpg). He ranked second in the USBL in blocked shots (3.1 per game) and rebounds. Allen, from Seton Hall, gave the Flyers a solid scoring option this season, finishing with the USBL's third best scoring average with 21.7 ppg. Both of these players earned "Rookie of the Week" honors multiple times throughout the regular season.
USBL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
ERIC COLEY, OKLAHOMA STORM
Coley has been the defensive stopper for Coach Gates and the Storm this season. He ranked fourth in steals per game (2.3) and was integral to Oklahoma's run at the Midwestern Division crown.
USBL 6TH MAN OF THE YEAR
MAURICE "MO' SPILLERS, NEBRASKA CRANES
Playing in 27 games, Spillers gave Nebraska 15.2 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists a game off the bench. His steady production has helped the team's confidence down the stretch. Spillers was also named "Player of the Week" for week two.
USBL EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR
CARROLL LONG, KANSAS CAGERZ
The Cagerz General Manager ran a first-class organization for the fans in Salina and the USBL. He has consistently handled the everyday tasks of being a General Manager in the USBL and worked hard to get fans to attend Cagerz home games. This is the first time Long has won this award.
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