March 28, 2005

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - It was announced on Monday, March 28 that Providence College senior forward Ryan Gomes (Waterbury, Conn.) was named the Rhode Island Men's Basketball Player of the Year by the Rhode Island Basketball Writers. It marks the second consecutive season he has earned the honor.

An All-BIG EAST First Team selection this year as well, Gomes, was named to the First Team last season, and is the first Friar to earn two All-BIG EAST First Team honors. Gomes was also named to the All-BIG EAST Second Team in 2003.

Gomes, a nine-time All-America selection, led the BIG EAST in scoring with 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.

Additionally, Gomes finished fifth 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 had 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.