March 31, 2009
Smith named All-American by Division II Bulletin
Complete Division II Bulletin All-American Listing
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JamarSmith |
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana junior guard
Jamar Smith (Peoria, Illinois) was named honorable mention All-American by the Division II Bulletin. Smith is the 17th All-American in the history of the USI men's basketball program.
Sparking the team during the second half of the season, Smith led the team in scoring with 18.5 points per game and hit 81 three-point field goals in 21 games (3.9 per game). He posted a season-best 29 points against Missouri University of Science and Technology and Drury University and recorded 20-or-more points in seven times.
The first team All-GLVC performer also hit at-least five or more three-point field goals in a game eight times, falling one short of the school record with seven against Lake Erie College and Drury.
In GLVC competition, Smith ranked first in three-point field goal percentage and field goals made; fourth in scoring; tied for sixth in steals; and 15th in assists. He also averaged 33 minutes a game for the Eagles.
"Jamar is the best player I have had the opportunity to coach in my tenure at USI," said Head Coach
Rick Herdes. "It is a privilege to coach someone who is not only the best player on the team, but the hardest worker. Jamar's work ethic is an example for his teammates to rally around and duplicate."
USI finished the 2008-09 campaign with a 27-7 overall record, won the GLVC West Division with a 14-3 mark, and made its 15th appearance in the NCAA Division II Tournament in 17 years. The Eagles, who were ranked 19th in the final NABC/Division II Top 25, reached the 27-win plateau for the fifth time in six seasons and have won at-least 25 games six times in the last seven years.
Ray Simmons, USI Sports Information
