MACON, Ga. – University of North Florida forward Andy Diaz was one of five players named to the Atlantic Sun Conference All-Freshman Team, the conference office announced today.
In addition to the all-freshman team, the A-Sun also announced its all league teams and its individual award winners.
Diaz is just the second UNF player to earn an end-of-the-year honor since the Ospreys became of a Division I member of the Atlantic Sun in 2005-06, and the first all-freshman selection in the five years. The only other player to earn an A-Sun honor was Alain Laroche, who was a second team all-conference pick in 2005-06.
The 6-foot-7 forward was also just the fourth North Florida player to garner all-freshman accolades in the 18-year history of the program, and the first since Donny Lotz during the 2001-02 season. Fellow freshman Jerron Granberry, the team's leading scorer, also received strong consideration for all-freshman honors.
The Miami, Fla., native leads UNF in rebounding (5.3 per game), is second in field goal percentage (50.7 percent) and blocked shots (0.77), and is third in scoring (8.5). He ranks eighth in the conference in field goal percentage (2nd highest freshman), 15th in blocked shots (5th), 18th in rebounding (5th) and 30th in scoring (6th). His play has also picked up at the end of the year and all three of his double-double's have come in the last five games. He has six double-digit rebounding games on the year.
“What people don't realize is that Andy turned 18 in late August meaning his best days, both athletically and physically, are ahead of him,” said UNF head coach Matthew Driscoll. “He, along with all of our guys, have really done a great job understanding the commitment and passion it takes to play for championships. Andy will take this, praise his teammates, and use it as a motivational tool to be even better, both on and off the court.”
"I am honored to have this award," said Diaz. "It couldn't have been without my teammates. It truly is a team award. I am looking forward to continuing to work hard and grow as a player."
The Ospreys face crosstown rival Jacksonville University for the third time this season in the quarterfinals of the General Shale Brick Atlantic Sun Championships on Wednesday, March 3, at 9 p.m. at the University Center in Macon, Ga. The Ospreys are the No. 7 seed and JU the No. 2 seed, with the winner advancing to the semifinals against the winner of the Belmont (No. 3 seed)-Mercer (No. 6 seed) game on Friday, March 5, at 9 p.m. at the University Center.
Wednesday's game can be heard on heard on AM 1320 WBOB and 103.7 FM in Jacksonville or on-line at 1320WBOB.com. The game can also be seen free of charge on www.ASun.TV.
North Florida ended the regular season at 13-17 overall and 8-12 in Atlantic Sun Conference play. JU finished 14-6 in league play, in a four-way tie for first with Lipscomb (No. 1 seed), Belmont and Campbell (No. 4 seed).
