University of Minnesota Athletics
Mbakwe Named to Lute Olson Preseason All-America Team
11/3/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 3, 2011
Accolades continue to roll in for Minnesota senior forward Trevor Mbakwe, as he was named to the Lute Olson Preseason All-America Team this week. He is one of 21 players chosen by the Lute Olson National Player of the Year Award selection committee. Mbakwe has also been named to the John R. Wooden Award Preseason List and the Preseason All-Big Ten Team, among other honors.
Mbakwe led Team USA in rebounding this summer at the World University Games, after a junior season that saw him lead the Big Ten Conference in rebounding at 10.5 rebounds per game.
His 327 total rebounds were the third-most in a single-season at Minnesota and the most since Jim Brewer collected 331 rebounds during the 1970-71 season. Mbakwe also averaged a team-high 13.9 points per game to become the first Gopher player to average a double-double since Kris Humphries did so during the 2003-04 season.
In the Gophers' exhibition win over Bemidji State Tuesday, Mbakwe led the team with 17 points on 8-of-9 shooting. He also pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds.
The Lute Olson Award is presented yearly to the nation's top player who has played at least two seasons at his current school. It is named for legendary coach Lute Olson, who won 780 games in his 34-year career and guided Arizona to the NCAA title in 1997.
The selection committee also names an All-America Team. Instead of having first, second, and third teams, the Lute Olson All-America team is a single list. Freshmen and first-year transfers are not eligible for Player of the Year honors, but may be awarded All-America status. Mbakwe is one of five Big Ten players named to this year's preseason squad.
The Gophers open the 2011-12 season on Friday, Nov. 11 against the Bucknell Bison at Williams Arena. The game is scheduled to tip at 7:00 p.m. Minnesota will also host one more exhibition game, on Nov. 7 vs. Augustana College. The game is set to tip at 7:00 p.m.
Gopher Men's Basketball season tickets are on sale now. Tickets for the 2011-12 season are available by calling 612.624.8080 or 1.800.UGOPHER or online at www.gophersports.com or www.mygophersports.com.
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