CHARLESTON, S.C. – Brzovic, Smith, Kelsey Receive Post Season Accolades
Three Key Players Recognized Ahead of NCAA Tournament
CHARLESTON, S.C. – As the College of Charleston men’s basketball team gears up for the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, three standout members of the program have received well-deserved post-season recognition. Ante Brzovic and Pat Kelsey have earned All-District honors from the NABC, while Reyne Smith has been named a finalist for the prestigious Lou Henson Award.
All-District Honors for Brzovic
Ante Brzovic, a key player for the Cougars, was named to the NABC All-District 10 First Team. The Croatian standout, who was also an All-CAA first team selection, showcased his skills throughout the season with an average of 12.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. Brzovic demonstrated his scoring ability by notching 20-plus points in three games, including a career-high 31-point performance against Hampton. His consistency was evident as he scored in double figures in 22 matches and displayed his passing prowess by recording three or more assists in 15 games.
Coach Kelsey’s Recognition
Pat Kelsey, the head coach of the College of Charleston men’s basketball team, has once again been recognized for his leadership on the sidelines. Kelsey repeats as the NABC Coach of the Year, following his CAA Coach of the Year honors and guiding the Cougars to the CAA Championship. Under Kelsey’s guidance, the Cougars secured their first regular-season title in the CAA and the program’s first outright regular-season title in nearly two decades. Kelsey’s leadership has been instrumental in the team’s success, as they amassed 55 wins over the past two seasons, the most in a two-season span in program history.
Smith Shines Bright
Reyne Smith, another standout player for the Cougars, has been named a finalist for the Lou Henson Award, presented annually to the top player in mid-major college basketball. The Tasmanian guard made history by breaking his own school record for most three-pointers in a single game not once, but twice this season. Smith’s sharpshooting ability was on full display as he drained nine three-pointers against St. Joseph’s and an impressive ten triples against Campbell. His outstanding performances from beyond the arc have earned him recognition as one of the top shooters in the nation, currently ranking 14th in threes per game and ninth in total three-pointers made this season.
Upcoming NCAA Tournament
As the College of Charleston men’s basketball team prepares to face off against Alabama in the first round of March Madness, the recognition of Brzovic, Smith, and Kelsey serves as a testament to the team’s talent and coaching prowess. The Cougars will look to carry this momentum into the tournament and make a statement on the national stage.
Stay tuned as the Cougars take on Alabama on Friday at 7:35 pm EST in what promises to be an exciting start to their NCAA Tournament journey.