Conference USA has announced its postseason Mens Basketball All-Conference, All-Freshman, All-Defensive Teams along with the Superlative Awards (Newcomer, Sixth Player, Defensive, Freshman, Player and Coach). The C-USA awards are voted on by the leagues coaches, sports information directors and a media representative from each school. Florida Atlantic head coach Dusty May claimed the Gene Bartow Coach of the Year honor after he led the Owls to their first C-USA regular-season title and the top seed in this weeks C-USA Basketball Championship with an 18-2 record in league play. “To win Coach of the Year, you have to have a great team and a connected group that works hard and makes sacrifices for each other and the program,” May said. “As far as the Coach of the Year award, it’s a tribute to the assistants, support staff, strength coaches everyone who contributes to the holistic development of our players on a daily basis. My name is on the award, but I’m one of many who tries to impact these guys every day.” Florida Atlantics Johnell Davis (photo left) picked up the Sixth Player of the Year award after he anchored the nations top bench scoring output (36.74) with 15.1 points per game mostly off the bench in C-USA games. The Gary, Indiana, product came off the bench for 16 of the teams 20 games against C-USA foes. The C-USA All-First Team consisted of North Texas Perry, FAUs Davis, UABs Jordan Jelly Walker, FIUs Denver Jones and Florida Atlantics Alijah Martin. Vladislav Goldin rounded out the Owl honors with a Third Team All-C-USA selection. Martin was a key cog in the Owls balanced offense, averaging 12.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.9 three-pointers made per game. He led FAU in scoring on nine occasions this season, which marked the most by any Owl this season. Goldin is the only Owl to start and play in each of FAU’s 31 games this season. Goldin has recorded eight or more rebounds in eight games. The Nalchick, Russia native’s numbers even increase in Conference USA games, as Goldin is averaging 11.1 points and 7.1 rebounds in C-USA action. His 7.1 boards per game in C-USA action is good for fifth in the conference. Goldin also is shooting an incredibly efficient 64.5% from the field to lead the team.
