| Head coach Ed DeChellis applauds all involved with men's basketball at the 27th Annual Nittany Lion Hoops Club Banquet on Saturday. The team celebrated its best season in five years. For photos of the banquet, please click here. |
University Park, Pa., April 8, 2006 - The Penn State men's basketball family, friends and supporters gathered Saturday evening at the Nittany Lion Inn to celebrate the Lions' best season in five years at the 27th Annual Nittany Lion Hoops Club Banquet. Penn State produced several lasting memories during a 15-15 season in 2005-06 in which the Lions made their first post-season appearance since 2001 and produced one of the biggest wins in program history with a defeat of No. 6 ranked Illinois on its home floor ending the nation's longest home court winning streak at the time.
The Lions celebrated the many highlights of Coach Ed DeChellis' third campaign and honored lone senior Travis Parker and senior manager Jordan Ott on the night. Six team awards and two club awards were handed out.
Sophomore Geary Claxton, a third-team All-Big Ten selection and USBWA All-District 1 pick, was honored with the "Mr. Defense" award after posting a team high 21 blocks and 42 steals on the year. Big Ten Freshman of the Year Jamelle Cornley was honored with the "Scrappiest Player" award. Junior point guard Ben Luber was honored with the "Most Improved Player" award after ranking among the Big Ten leaders in assists and assist to turnover ratio. Sophomore Mike Walker, who led the team with 44 three-pointers, received the "Coaches Award" and sophomore Danny Morrissey, who missed the season after tearing his patella tendon, was honored with the "Most Inspirational Player" award and the "Scholastic Achievement" award.
Penn State Hoops Club president Steve Greer paid tribute to past president and longtime supporter Bob Perks who passed away prior to the season and presented two awards. Cingular, which was represented by Bert Rossman, was presented the "Corporate Fan of the Year" award and Marshall Bixby was named the "Club Member of the Year."