Let the Postseason Awards Begin

As no surprise, Notre Dame sophomore Luke Harangody was unanimously selected to the Big East Conference First-Team. Harangody averaged a league-leading 21.0 points and 10.3 rebounds, which was second in the BIG EAST. He was even more productive in conference games, averaging 23.3 points and 11.3 boards. Both figures led the league.

Also joining Luke on the First-Team is junior sharpshooter Kyle McAlarney. This season has turned out to be some redemption for the Staten Island, NY, product. It has been well documented the past two seasons of McAlarney's suspension from the school; and now to have the season that he is having makes this even more bittersweet.

Three others were unanimous First-Team selections along with Harangody: Connecticut's A.J. Price, Louisville's David Padgett, and repeat unanimous selection Roy Hibbert. Even though Harangody should win the Player of the Year hands down, Price, Padgett, and Hibbert, are Luke's competition to take home the individual hardware. Below is the statistical numbers of each candidate.

A.J. Price
Points: 14.7 overall (14th); 16.1 conference (11th)
Assists: 5.9 overall (2nd) (23rd nationally); 5.89 conference (2nd)
Asst/TO Ratio: 2.43 overall (4th); 2.76 conference (4th)

David Padgett
Points: 11.7 overall; 12.1 conference (29th)
FG%: 68.3 conference (1st)
Blocked Shots: 24 conference (9th)

Roy Hibbert
Points: 13.6 overall (19th); 14.4 conference (17th)
Rebounding: 6.4 overall (19th); 6.5 conference (16th)
FG%: 60.0 overall (4th) (13th nationally); 58.5 conference (4th)
Blocked Shots: 70 overall (3rd) (28th nationally); 46 conference (2nd)

LUKE HARANGODY
Points: 21.0 overall (1st) (21st nationally); 23.3 conference (1st)
Rebounding: 10.3 overall (2nd) (14th nationally); 11.3 conference (1st)
FG%: 51.7 overall (9th); 49.8 conference (12th)
FT%: 76.8 overall (11th); 76.8 conference (15th)
Blocked Shots: 20 conference (15th)

Unless Cincinnati Head Coach Nick Cronin has jedi mind tricks and can sway the votes to Louisville's David Padgett, Harangody will be Notre Dame's second Big East Player of the Year. Now if he can add Tournament MVP to his resume, I wouldn't mind that either!

One snub that I thought that deserves mention is that of Rob Kurz being left off. Kurz at least deserved to be on the Honorable Mention. Here are Rob's numbers:

Points: 12.7 overall (25th); 11.8 conference (30th)
Rebounding: 7.5 overall (11th); 7.3 conference (10th)
FT%: 85 overall (2nd); 88.9 conference (2nd)
Blocked Shots: 40 overall (10th); 24 conference (9th)

The lone senior put forth a great season and still has a lot left to do before his time is done at Notre Dame. How about a Big East Tournament Championship and a long run in the NCAA Tournament?