April 12, 2007

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Providence College men's basketball squad announced its annual team awards for the 2006-07 season on Thursday, April 12 at the team banquet at the Providence Biltmore.

Former Friar and current Boston Celtic Ryan Gomes was in attendance. Gomes, who has spent considerable time working with Herbert Hill over the last year, took time to talk to many fans and friends at the banquet. Former Friar Head Coach Dave Gavitt also attended the banquet.

Senior center Herbert Hill (Kinston, N.C.) earned the team's Jimmy Walker Most Valuable Player Award and the Marvin Barnes Defensive Player Award. It marks the second consecutive year that he has received the Marvin Barnes Defensive Player Award. He led the team in scoring (18.1 ppg), was second in rebounding (8.8 rpg) and recorded 14 double-doubles. He became just the third Friar ever to lead the BIG EAST in scoring as he averaged 19.9 ppg in league action. He shot 240-375 from the field and finished with a 64.0 field goals percentage, which is the third highest single season average ever at Providence College. He was named BIG EAST Most Improved Player and also received First Team All-BIG EAST honors. In addition to the BIG EAST accolades, Hill also was named First Team USBWA All-District I, First Team NABC All-District I and Rhode Island Division I Player of the Year. Hill was named BIG EAST Player of the Week twice in 2007. Hill finished his career ranked fourth all-time at PC in blocked shots with 189.

Sophomore Jonathan Kale (Mattapan, Mass.) earned the Unsung Hero Award. Kale started the team's final 18 games of the season. He averaged 7.0 points and 4.2 rebounds per game for the season. He scored in double figures in nine games, including a career-high 18 points against Longwood on January 2. He ranked second on the team in free throws, shooting 82.4 percent from the charity stripe.

Junior Charles Burch (Dorchester, Mass.) received the John Zannini Coaches' Award. He played in 17 of the team's 31 games. He was forced to miss the final 14 games of the season due to injury. He averaged 2.9 points and 2.1 rebounds.

Sophomore forward Chris Baudinet was presented with the Thomas Ramos Award for the top grade point average on the team. Baudinet has been one of the Friars' top students during the last two seasons.

Friar sophomore Weyinmi Efejuku (Fresh Meadows, N.Y.) earned the Coca-Cola Most Improved Player Award. He started all 31 games and finished third on the team in scoring, averaging 14.1 ppg. He scored 20 or more points seven times, including a career-high 28 points against Bradley in the NIT on March 14. As a freshmen, Efejuku averaged 7.8 ppg and 2.5 rpg.

Freshmen Brian McKenzie (Brooklyn, N.Y.) and Dwain Williams (Murrieta, Calif.) each received the team's Promising Prospect Award. McKenzie played 28 games and averaged 3.7 points per contest. He registered a career high 16 points at Notre Dame on February 15. Williams averaged 7.5 points per game and led the team in three point shooting. He shot a team best 44 percent (37-84) from behind the arc. He scored a career high 21 points in the Friars' game versus West Virginia at the BIG EAST Tournament. He also started four games and helped the PC post a 3-1 mark in those contests.

2006-07 PROVIDENCE MEN'S BASKETBALL AWARDS
Jimmy Walker Most Valuable Player Award - Herbert Hill
Marvin Barnes Defensive Player Award - Herbert Hill
Unsung Hero Award - Jonathan Kale
John Zannini Coaches' Award - Charles Burch
Thomas Ramos Award (Top GPA) - Chris Baudinet
Coca-Cola Most Improved Player - Weyinmi Efejuku
Promising Prospect Award - Brian McKenzie and Dwain Williams