2019-20 MBWA awards ballot

At the present moment, we stand a full 18 days into the offseason, a premature arrival of college basketball’s end brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic that has already affected thousands and swept up almost all organized sports in its tidal wave of destruction. But the disappointing conclusion to a great year has not stopped us from participating in an annual ritual around these parts, that of the Metropolitan Basketball Writers’ Association awards, honors that this writer is proud to have a vote on for the eighth consecutive year.

The yearly ceremony at the Westchester Marriott has been shelved this year in accordance with governor Andrew Cuomo’s request to avoid large gatherings wherever possible as New York and its surrounding brethren continue to recover, but the recognitions will still be handed out nonetheless. As I always do, both here in this space and on Twitter, I will reveal my ballot so that you can not only see how I voted, but offer your own opinions as well should you have any:

Lt. Frank J. Haggerty Award: Myles Powell, Seton Hall (21.0 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.2 SPG, photo by Bob Dea/Daly Dose Of Hoops)
Powell returned for his senior season with one goal in mind: To lead Seton Hall to its best season since the banner 1992-93 campaign. Extenuating circumstances prevented the Trenton native from having one final March to remember, but Powell wrapped up his career in South Orange by finishing third on Seton Hall’s all-time scoring list, as well as earning both Big East Conference Player of the Year honors and Associated Press first team All-America distinction, the first Pirate to achieve either since Terry Dehere 27 years ago. Powell will also become the first repeat Haggerty winner since Hofstra’s Charles Jenkins won his second of three straight awards as the best player in the metropolitan area in 2010.

Also considered: Desure Buie, Hofstra; E.J. Crawford, Iona

Rest of All-Met first team, in alphabetical order:
Geo Baker, Rutgers
Desure Buie, Hofstra
E.J. Crawford, Iona
Ron Harper, Jr., Rutgers
Eli Pemberton, Hofstra

All-Met second team, in alphabetical order:
Tajuan Agee, Iona
Romaro Gill, Seton Hall
Deion Hammond, Monmouth
Sandro Mamukelashvili, Seton Hall
Quincy McKnight, Seton Hall

All-Met third team, in alphabetical order:
Isaac Kante, Hofstra
Elijah Olaniyi, Stony Brook
Ray Salnave, Monmouth
Mike Smith, Columbia
Dimencio Vaughn, Rider

Honorable mentions, in alphabetical order:
E.J. Anosike, Sacred Heart
Raiquan Clark, LIU
Tareq Coburn, Hofstra
Zach Cooks, NJIT
Jahlil Jenkins, Fairleigh Dickinson
Jalen Ray, Hofstra

Rookie of the Year: Julian Champagnie, St. John’s (9.9 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.3 SPG, photo by Bob Dea/Daly Dose of Hoops)
Mike Anderson gushed over Champagnie’s potential before the freshman from Brooklyn had even played a game, mentioning his belief at Big East media day that the former Bishop Loughlin would be an impact player. His conviction became reality early and often, as Champagnie — whose father played soccer for the Red Storm a quarter-century prior to the second-generation athlete’s debut on the corner of Union and Utopia — made a name for himself with his deft touch around the rim and nose for rebounding, skills that reignited during St. John’s resurgent stretch drive, which included signature victories against a pair of teams in Providence and Creighton that were ticketed for the NCAA Tournament before its cancellation two weeks ago.

Also considered: Aaron Estrada, Saint Peter’s; Rob Higgins, St. Francis Brooklyn

Peter A. Carlesimo Coach of the Year Award: Steve Pikiell, Rutgers (photo by Bob Dea/Daly Dose of Hoops)
Given the state of Rutgers basketball before he was lured to the banks of the old Raritan by athletic director Pat Hobbs in 2016, what the affable and relentless Pikiell did this season in Piscataway qualifies as a modern-day miracle. In just four short years, Pikiell built the Scarlet Knights into the same team he developed at Stony Brook: A fearless, intense, defense-oriented outfit that competed in every game and fought each possession as if it were its last on earth. Before the season was halted, Rutgers stood 20-11 and was a lock to appear in its first NCAA Tournament since 1991. With nearly everyone coming back next season, plus a rookie class headlined by Top 50 prospect Cliff Omoruyi of Roselle Catholic, the future is brighter than ever for the State University of New Jersey’s program.

Also considered: Joe Mihalich, Hofstra; Mike Anderson, St. John’s