Bosh heads list of top ACC freshmen

Bosh heads list of top ACC freshmen|
|By DAVID DROSCHAK|
|AP Sports Writer|
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The Atlantic Coast Conference can argue it has the top young talent in the country. That list also might include the best big newcomer in college basketball.
Georgia Tech’s Chris Bosh, a fluid center from Lancaster, Texas, was named The Associated Press rookie of the year in the ACC on Wednesday, beating out a list of future stars that includes Duke’s J.J. Redick and North Carolina’s Raymond Felton.
The 6-foot-10 Bosh received 68 of a possible 92 votes from members of the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association to become the ninth player from Georgia Tech to win the award since it began in 1976.
Some of the other winners from the Atlanta school include Mark Price, Kenny Anderson, Dennis Scott and Stephon Marbury.
‘‘Its good to know that you’re rewarded for the hard work you put in,’’ Bosh said. ‘‘A lot of great players have achieved this honor and it’s just thrilling to be up there with those names.’’
Heading into the NIT this week, Bosh was averaging 15.4 points and 8.9 rebounds while shooting an ACC-leading 55.8 percent. The left-hander also leads the league with 2.11 blocks a game.
‘‘People have asked me in the last couple of weeks who our most improved player was this year and I would have to say it’s him,’’ coach Paul Hewitt said.
‘‘He’s a freshman who people have really geared their defenses to stop and he just keeps staying ahead of the curve, he keeps figuring out ways to be successful.’’
Bosh was a prep All-American, but Hewitt didn’t think he could develop so quickly in one of the country’s top college leagues.
‘‘I knew defensively and athletically he could do some things coming in, but I never imagined he would shoot the ball the way he did this year,’’ Hewitt said.
Unlike some freshmen, Hewitt said Bosh didn’t let the long season and added defensive attention wear him down in February and March.
‘‘The second time through the league people really adjusted to play him,’’ Hewitt said. ‘‘Being a big guy you don’t get the ball in your hands as easily as a guard does to create things. He had to learn how to move without the basketball, keep his energy level up to get rebounds and just mentally be smart. It says a lot about what he’s all about and how he approaches the game mentally, his drive and just how hard he plays.’’
Bosh’s 12 double-doubles were second in the ACC to Virginia senior Travis Watson, who had 15.
‘‘At first it was tough adapting and it took a lot of hard work getting used to the ACC, but through persistence and consistency in your work things get better,’’ Bosh said. ‘‘It got easier in practice and I just believed in myself.’’
Bosh, as comfortable behind the 3-point line as he is in the lane, is an NBA target, but for now it appears he’s headed back to Atlanta for his sophomore season.
‘‘I’m just honored to be here in a big-time situation like this,’’ he said. ‘‘Right now I’m just a college student and that’s what I’m concentrating on. I try my best to let (the NBA talk) go in one ear and out the other.’’
Redick, one of the ACC’s top 3-pointer shooters, finished second in the voting with 12 votes, while Felton received eight.
Georgia Tech’s Ed Nelson won the AP award last year.

 

Redick got more votes than Felton

All the Heels homers thought that was impossible.

Just another thing Duke beat UNC in this year.

 

don't think they give any awards unless you are in 1st place.

after the ACC tourney finish Reddick deserved it amyway.

 

I disagree. And I'd like to claim I'm looking at this with as little bias as one could expect.

 

One 10 minute stretch? I'm sorry but he needs to do a little more than that.

 

I think that Reddick got the votes because his team did better. He barely edged Felton out in ppg (I am assuming that this widened after the tourney) and FT%. Felton had more assists and rebounds - and Felton is much better on D. In addition, Felton is the only guy on UNC who can actually dribble (how sad is it that May might be our second best ball handler?). Bottom line is this, if Felton played for Duke I would still say that he should have won it - can any of you Dookies say that you would feel Reddick should have won if he played for the Heels?