University of Memphis Athletics
Wagner Named Memphis Most Valuable Player
Apr 28, 2002 | Men's Basketball
April 28, 2002
University of Memphis freshman Dajuan Wagner received the Most Valuable Player of the Year Award during the 2002 Memphis Basketball Awards Banquet held in the Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality and Resort Management on the U of M campus.
Wagner averaged 21.2 points and set a school record, scoring 762 points during his rookie season as the Tigers captured the 2002 Owens Corning NIT post-season championship and posted a 27-9 record.
Senior forward Kelly Wise received the team's Defensive Player of the Year Award. Wise averaged 11.2 points and 10.3 rebounds in becoming the first player in Conference USA history to average a double-double for two seasons. His 1,075 career rebounds in a C-USA record.
Junior college transfer Chris Massie, who averaged 13 points and 11.2 rebounds during the Tigers' run in the NIT was named the Most Improved Player. Sophomore guard Antonio Burks received both the Newcomer of the Year and Playmaker of the Year Award after finishing with 182 assists in his first season at the U of M.
Below is a complete list of award winners.
Coaches Award: Arthur Barclay
Hustle Award: Nathaniel Root
Academic Award: Duane Erwin
Strength & Conditioning Award: Modibo Diarra
Sportsmanship Award: Earl Barron
Sixth Man Award: Anthony Rice
Playmaker Award: Antonio Burks
Newcomer Award: Antonio Burks
Most Improved Player: Chris Massie
Leading Rebounder Award: Kelly Wise
Defensive Player of the Year Award: Kelly Wise
Leading Scorer Award: Dajuan Wagner
Most Valuable Player Award: Dajuan Wagner
