Seniors Take Home Honors at Hoops Awards Banquet

OXFORD, Miss. -- Celebrating its best season in six years, the Ole Miss men's basketball team dished out the honors in its Annual Awards Banquet Thursday, with the seniors garnering the most hardware.

The ceremonies, which were held at the Oxford Conference Center, tipped off with head coach Andy Kennedy congratulating the players and thanking the support staff and Tip-Off Club members. The 2007 SEC Coach of the Year later wrapped up the evening by distinguishing each of the three seniors and recognizing Todd Abernethy as the team's MVP.

Concluding an already decorated career, Abernethy also earned the Free Throw Award after posting a team-best 79.2 percentage from the stripe this year. In addition, Abernethy, a four-time SEC Academic Honor Roll recipient, was given the team's Academic Leadership Award.

For his timely scoring and clutch shooting, Clarence Sanders was handed the team's first "Moment of Truth" Award. Sanders also received the W.L. Mr. Bill Watt Award, which is given to a player that perseveres and has a never-give-up attitude.

Also honored for his leadership and example was fellow senior Bam Doyne, who was given the first Denver Brackeen "Ball of Courage". A 1955 All-American for Ole Miss, Brackeen passed away in May at the age of 75.

Junior center Dwayne Curtis received the Leading Rebounder Award. The Chicago native topped the Rebels and ranked sixth in the SEC in boards with 216 (8.3 rpg), despite missing the first eight games of the season.

The University of Mississippi Athletics

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