Jones Named Honorable Mention All-BIG EAST

Tampa, Fla. – University of South Florida men’s basketball senior Solomon Jones caps season with first all-conference accolade. Jones has been named Honorable Mention All-BIG EAST, the league office announced Monday morning.

“We are extremely happy Solomon was chosen to the honorable mention team,” head coach Robert McCullum said. “We were hopeful he would make the first or second team, but obviously recognize the large number of outstanding players in the league.”

Solomon Jones averaged 13.2 points, 9.8 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game, starting each of the team’s 29 games on the year. He is ranked among the league leaders in rebounding, blocks, free throw percentage, offensive rebounds and defensive rebounds. He concluded the campaign with 13 double-doubles, the second-best total among all BIG EAST players.

The Mount Dora, Fla., native netted a personal-best 23 points and grabbed nine rebounds in USF’s 63-56 victory over No .20 Georgetown Saturday night.

Jones concluded his career ranked among the program leaders in blocks (4th, 154) and his single-season marks for rebounding average (9.8) and blocks (90) rank eighth and second, respectively.

“Solomon began preparing for this season immediately following the conclusion of 2004-05 and we are happy to see his preparation and sacrifice be recognized by the head coaches,” McCullum said.

With the increased membership of the BIG EAST to 16 teams, the all-league teams have been expanded. Eleven players made the All-BIG EAST First Team. On March 7, one of those players will be named BIG EAST Player of the Year when the league announces its individual award winners at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City at 5 p.m. EST.


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