B-ball teams hand out awards

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The CMU men’s basketball team celebrated the most successful season in
school history, as the team’s annual awards banquet took place Sunday
at the Embers Restaurant.

The Chippewas won a school-record 25 games and advanced to the second round
of the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1975.

No stranger to postseason recognition, junior center Chris Kaman captured
the “Most Valuable Player” award. The MAC “Player of the Year”
and “Defensive MVP” averaged 22.4 points and 12 rebounds per game.
He set school records in rebounds (373) and blocked shots (98).

Senior guard Whitney Robinson closed out his career with the “Top Defensive
Player” award. Robinson exibitited his trademark intense on-ball pressure
all season and recorded 30 steals.

Senior forward Mike Manciel closed out his prolific career as CMU’s sixth-leading
all time scorer (1,399 points). The Second Team All-MAC performer was named
CMU’s “Most Improved Player.” Manciel averaged 16.6 points and
4.9 points on the year.

The energy and enthusiasm of senior J.R. Wallace will be missed next season,
as Wallace was named “Inspirational Player.” The 6’0” senior
averaged 14.3 points and 3.3 assists, leading to his being named “Honorable
Mention All-MAC.”

Junior point guard T.J. Meerman was a steady influence on the team all season,
and his strong play was rewarded with the “Unsung Hero” award.

Junior forward Adam Dentlinger gave the team strong production off the bench,
and was honored with the team’s “Scholar Athlete” award. Dentlinger
carries a 3.45 cumulative grade point average.

Two members of CMU’s Rose Rowdies student section also received recognition
as “Rose Rowdie Sixth Men.” Caro senior David Knefelkamp and Grand
Rapids sophomore Steve Schwanda received honors for their dedication.

2002-2003 CMU Basketball Awards Men’s Awards MVP: Chris Kaman Defensive Player: Whitney Robinson Most Improved: Mike Manciel Inspirational Player: J.R. Wallace Unsung Hero: T.J. Meerman Scholar Athlete: Adam Dentlinger Women’s Awards MVP/Best Defender: Laurie Henderson Top Free Throw Shooter: Henderson Best Rebounder: Desiree Eidson Most Improved: Chasidy Myers 3PT/FT Champion: Emily Gross Dee Pommerenk: Raina Harmon