TicketsApril 6, 2010
CINCINNATI - The University of Cincinnati men's basketball team wrapped up its 2009-10 season with its annual Awards Banquet on campus at the Myers Alumni Center on Tuesday, April 6. Senior guard Deonta Vaughn earned three of the team awards, including the Oscar Robertson Award.
Vaughn, who ended his Cincinnati career as the school's third all-time leading scorer with 1,885 points, took home the Oscar Robertson Award as well as the team's free-throw percentage and assists honors. The Oscar Robertson Award was presented to him for his dedication and commitment as well as on-court accomplishments. In total, Vaughn finished his UC career ranking among the Top 5 in 10 different categories. In addition to ranking third in points, he was first all-time in assists, starts, minutes played and 3-point field goals made and attempted.
Sophomore forward Yancy Gates picked up the team's Rebounding Award for the second consecutive year after averaging 5.9 boards per game. His efforts helped the Bearcats to finish second in BIG EAST Conference and 15th nationally with a +6.2 rebounding margin.
Freshman guard Lance Stephenson, who played the central cog in the Bearcats defense, was named the Defensive Player of the Year. Stephenson, who averaged over 28 minutes a night, was second on the team with 31 steals per game and was second on the team in rebounding with 5.4 rebounds per game.
The Bearcats Award, given to the player(s) who exhibits the right attitude on and off the court with his work ethic, competitiveness, and leadership, was handed out to a trio of players - redshirt guard Sean Kilpatrick, junior center Anthony McClain, and freshman guard Jaquon Parker.
Cincinnati finished 2009-10 with a record of 19-16 and qualified for its first National Invitational Tournament under head coach Mick Cronin. The Bearcats, who finished 7-11 in the BIG EAST Conference, made to the league tournament quarterfinals at Madison Square Garden.