March 9, 2010
AUSTIN, Texas -- University of Texas senior forward Damion James is one of five players to be named to the All-America Second Team by Sporting News, the magazine announced today. James also was tabbed the District VII Player of the Year by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association, the organization announced today.
James is joined on Sporting News' second team by Sherron Collins (Kansas), Jon Scheyer (Duke), Wesley Johnson (Syracuse) and DeMarcus Cousins (Kentucky). The publication's five-player first team includes James Anderson (Oklahoma State), Scottie Reynolds (Villanova), Evan Turner (Ohio State), John Wall (Kentucky) and Greivis Vasquez (Maryland).
With his selection to this prestigious squad, James becomes the 19th All-American in Texas Basketball history. He is the seventh player in the 12 years of the Rick Barnes era to earn All-America honors, joining Chris Mihm (consensus first team in 2000), T.J. Ford (consensus first team in 2003), P.J. Tucker (AP and USBWA second team and NABC third team in 2006), LaMarcus Aldridge (NABC third team in 2006), Kevin Durant (consensus first team in 2007) and D.J. Augustin (consensus first team in 2008).
James is the fourth UT player in the last five years to earn District VII Player of the Year honors by the USBWA, joining P.J. Tucker (2006), Kevin Durant (2007) and D.J. Augustin (2008). District VII of the USBWA includes Division I teams from the states of Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana. James was joined on the 10-player USBWA All-District VII Team by Rotnei Clarke (Arkansas), Gilberto Clavell (Sam Houston State), Randy Culpepper (UTEP), Tyren Johnson (Louisiana-Lafayette), Tasmin Mitchell (LSU), Bradon Reed (Arkansas State), Mike Singletary (Texas Tech), Donald Sloan (Texas A&M) and Ekpe Udoh (Baylor).
Through the first 31 contests, James leads the team in scoring (17.7 ppg), rebounding (10.2 rpg), double-doubles (15), steals (49) and minutes played (29.7 mpg). He also ranks second on the squad in blocked shots (36).
Texas (23-8, 9-7 Big 12) begins postseason play when it faces Iowa State in the first round of the Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship on Wednesday, March 10 in Kansas City. Tip is set for approximately 8:30 p.m. at Sprint Center, and the game will be televised regionally by the Big 12 Network. Check www.TexasSports.com for a listing of affiliates carrying the contest.
Sporting News All-Americans (just first two teams of five total teams included)
First Team
James Anderson (Oklahoma State), Scottie Reynolds (Villanova), Evan Turner (Ohio State), John Wall (Kentucky), Greivis Vasquez (Maryland)
Second Team
Sherron Collins (Kansas), Jon Scheyer (Duke), Damion James (Texas), Wesley Johnson (Syracuse), DeMarcus Cousins (Kentucky)
USBWA District VII Honors (includes teams in Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana)
Player of the Year: Damion James (Texas)
Coach of the Year: John Brady (Arkansas State)
All-District Team: Rotnei Clarke (Arkansas), Gilberto Clavell (Sam Houston State), Randy Culpepper (UTEP), Damion James (Texas), Tyren Johnson (Louisiana-Lafayette), Tasmin Mitchell (LSU), Bradon Reed (Arkansas State), Mike Singletary (Texas Tech), Donald Sloan (Texas A&M), Ekpe Udoh (Baylor)
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