PROVIDENCE, R.I.- The 1997-98 Providence College basketball season and the Pete Gillen era came to an end on March 31st as the College held its annual break up banquet and awards dinner at the Providence Marriott.

For former head coach Pete Gillen, who was named the new head coach at Virginia on March 28th, it was his final chance to salute his players, Providence College and Friar fans. Gillen said, "There are great people here. I mean it sincerely - tremendous people from top to bottom. One thing I will always be, I'll always be a Friars' fan." The 51-year old Gillen added, "The one thing I can say is that we can look in the mirror and say we gave it our best shot. Thank you, Friar fans, thank you Providence, I really enjoyed it."

Leading the award winners was junior co-captain Jamel Thomas (Brooklyn, N.Y.) who received the Jimmy Walker Most Valuable Player Trophy and the team's Top Rebounder Award. Thomas, one of the BIG EAST's top players, led the Friars in scoring with 18.5 points per game and 6.9 rebounds. He also received a special game ball to commemorate his 1,000th point which he scored at Syracuse on January 13th.

Also receiving awards were Corey Wright (Jr., New York, N.Y.) who received the Lenny Wilkens Hustle Award for his tenacious, non-stop style of play. One of PC's tri-captains, Wright led the Friars in steals with 55 and was tied for second in assists with 78. He averaged 2.4 points per game and 1.8 rebounds

Freshman Erron Maxey (Lake Elsinore, Calif.) received the Coaches' Award for his outstanding work ethic and the way he stepped in to learn another position while battling injuries all year. At 6-6, 200-pounds, the athletic Maxey took over midway through the year as the Friars' center, battling some of the BIG EAST's big boys. He finished the year fourth on the team in scoring with 7.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.

The Friars' Playmaker Award went to the team's top assist man, Kendrick Moore (Jr., Hartford, Conn.) who led the team with 93 assists (3.2 per game). Moore was also third on the team in scoring with 9.2 points per game and he added 3.3 rebounds. Only Jamel Thomas played more minutes than Moore.

Justin Farley (Jr., Indianapolis, Ind.) took the team's Unsung Hero Award. The transfer from Evansville, missed PC's first five games to finish off sitting out for a year. When he got his chance, he showed everyone exactly what he could do. Farley finished second on the team with 9.5 points per game. Over his last eight games, the 6-6 swingman averaged just over 15 points per game.

The coaches' Most Promising Prospect Award went to Ben Perkins (Fr., Vinton, La.). The 6-7 forward burst on the scene with a 15-point game against Utah and 23 points at Purdue and was second to Thomas in scoring before going down with a knee injury against Iona. He finished the year averaging 6.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. He is fully over his injury and should be back to full speed next fall.

Freshman guard John Linehan (Chester, Pa.) received the Marvin Barnes Defensive Player of the Year Award for his tough, hard-nosed defensive style of play. He registered 50 steals on the season, including a career high eight against Pitt's Vonteego Cummings in January. Linehan averaged 5.6 points and 2.3 rebounds while making 14 starts in his rookie year.

The team's Most Improved Player Award went to Llewellyn Cole (So., New York, N.Y.). The 6-7 leaper who redshirted in 1996-97 after seeing limited playing time as a freshman. This past season, Cole averaged 24 minutes per game, 6.9 points and 4.3 rebounds.

Academic excellence was also honored as the Thomas Ramos Award was presented to the Friars' basketball player with the highest grade point average. Senior Mark Adams (Clifton, N.J.) received the Award after having a 4.0 grade point average in the fall semester and a 3.66 for his college career.

Every year, the Friars give out a Sixth Man Award to a person who contributes to the team on and off the court. This year's award went to PC's Senior Associate Athletic Director, J. Gerald Alaimo, who oversees team travel, is the official scorer on the road and manages Alumni Hall and Peterson Center.

Providence College honors one of its corporate partners every year and this year Bob's Stores received the PC Athletics Corporate Partner Award for their support of Providence College athletics.

The final award presented was the Duffy Dwyer Fans of the Year which is named after longtime fan, Duffy Dwyer. This year, there were two winners. Doc and Ann Ramos were honored as was Mr. Donald Goodrich. Both have been very generous not only to the PC basketball program over the years but also to Providence College and their support is greatly appreciated.