March 11, 2005

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- It was announced on March 9 that Providence College senior forward Ryan Gomes (Waterbury, Conn.) was named United States Basketball Writers Association District 1 Player of the Year. Gomes, who also was named to the USBWA All-District 1 Team, is the first Friar to earn USBWA District 1 Player of the Year honors since Austin Croshere received the accolade in 1997.

Gomes, a nine-time All-America selection in 2004, led the BIG EAST in scoring in 2005, averaging 21.6 points per game this year. He also posted the highest figure in conference play with 23.2 points per contest. Those totals made him just the second Friar ever to accomplish the feat and first since Eric Murdock who led the league with a 27.2 points per game average in 1991. For his efforts, he was named to the All-BIG EAST First Team for the second consecutive season.

Additionally, Gomes finished third in the league in rebounds with 8.2 per contest, and posted 40 double-doubles during his career, including six this season. Gomes also totaled 2,138 career points placing him first in school history. He also registered 1,028 career rebounds, which ranks fifth all-time at PC. He became the first Friar ever to surpass 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds.

Gomes, who played for three seasons at Wilby High School, is the son of Teresa Gomes and John Brooks.

USBWA ALL-DISTRICT TEAM
Josh Boone, Connecticut
Pat Carroll, Saint Joseph's
Mardy Collins, Temple
Taylor Coppenrath, Vermont
Jared Dudley, Boston College
Rashuan Freeman, Massachusetts
Ryan Gomes, Providence
Carl Krauser, Pittsburgh
Allan Ray, Villanova
Craig Smith, Boston College
Curtis Sumpter, Pittsburgh
Chevy Troutman, Pittsburgh

District 1 Player of the Year - Ryan Gomes, Providence
District 1 Coach of the Year - Al Skinner, Boston College