Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Saluki Players Gather Awards at Banquet
04/10/2002 | 12:00:00 | Men's Basketball
Audio From Awards Banquet
April 10, 2002
CARBONDALE, Ill. - A capacity crowd of nearly 500 turned out at the Carbondale Civic Center Tuesday night to honor the Southern Illinois men's basketball team at its annual awards banquet.
Senior center Rolan Roberts, who averaged 13.8 ppg and 7.1 rpg, took home the most hardware, winning three awards. He won the Paul M. Lambert "Most Valuable Player," the Lynn Holder "Outstanding Defensive Player" and the "Play Hard Award."
Junior forward Jermaine Dearman, who led the team with 7.7 rpg, was named the Harry Gallatin "Outstanding Rebounder."
Freshman guard Darren Brooks won the "Most Improved Award," fellow freshman Stetson Hairston took home the "Mr. Hustle Award," and senior reserve Jason Ward won the "Best Attitude Award."
Junior guard Kent Williams, who led the team in scoring and climbed to fifth in career scoring at Southern Illinois, was recognized for earning Mid-Major All-American status.
Senior guard Marcus Belcher was recognized with the Seymour Bryson scholarship.
It was a record turnout for the basketball awards banquet, and coaches and players received numerous standing ovations.
Weber, in turn, paid tribute to the fans.
"There are no better fans than SIU fans," he said. "A radio guy in St. Louis said to me, `your fans are unbelievable. And they don't quit.' So we appreciate you. You are the top fans."
Weber also thanked the players for their hard work.
"Division I basketball is difficult," he said. "People don't realize how much time and effort players put in on a day-to-day basis."
"I have a saying that I think kind of typifies our team and our season," Weber continued. "'You can have special accomplishments, if you do not worry about who gets the credit.'"
At the end of the banquet, Southern Illinois head coach Bruce Weber announced he is not interested in the Saint Louis head coaching vacancy and would remain at SIU.
