UCSB's Johnson named MVP, CP's Keeler named to first team

Posted: Mar 8, 2010 11:55 AM by Andrew Masuda
Updated: Mar 8, 2010 11:55 AM

UC Santa Barbara captures two of the three major Big West Conference men's basketball awards.

Sophomore Orlando Johnson was named the Most Valuable Player, becoming the second Gaucho to win the award in the last three years. Johnson led the Conference with his 18 points per game average. He was the only player in the Big West to reach double digits in points in every game this season.

UCSB head coach Bob Williams was named the Conference Coach of the Year. It was the third time in his 12 seasons he received the award. He led the Gauchos to an 18-9 season, including 12-4 in Big West play and a share of the title. UCSB is the top seed in this week's Big West Tournament.

Cal Poly's Lorenzo Keeler was named to the Big West First Team. The senior guard led the Mustangs with his 16 points per game average. Sophomore David Hanson, who averaged 10.4 points, 5.3 rebounds per game, was an honorable mention pick. Guard Kyle Odister was named to the All-Freshman team after averaging 8 points per game.
UCSB sophomore forward James Nunnally was an all-conference second team pick. He averaged 14.8 points per game.

UCSB received two byes in the Big West Tournament and will play in Friday's semifinals. Cal Poly is the #6 seed in the tournament and will play #7 UC Irvine on Wednesday at 8:30pm in the first round. KSBY will have a crew in Anaheim for the Tournament and wil bring you highlights and post-game reaction as the Gauchos and Mustangs try to earn a bid in to the NCAA Tournament.