by Nick O'Neill with Justin Case
Brooklyn Sports Network

2007 All-Americans, Awards announced

Atlanta, GA- College Basketball recognized the season's best players a day after the Northern Illinois Huskies completed their stunning march through the NCAA Basketball Tournament, capturing the 2007 crown with a convincing 88-70 win over the #2 Stanford Cardinal. Season Awards, All-American and All-Conference teams were announced and several Brooklyn College Kingsmen were among the standouts recieving honors.

Center Marcus Haley became Brooklyn College's first-ever NCAA All-American when he was named to the first team along with similar honors as the center All-America East 1st Team and 1st Defensive Team. Guard Jeff Castro was named America East Freshman of the Year as well as making the All-Conference Freshman Team and the All-Conference 2nd Team overall. Four  other Kingsmen were also honored with conference recognitions.

On the national level it was EWU's Ulyssess Betts who won NCAA Player of the Year honors. His team went 30-0 in the regular season which also earned their coach the Coach of the Year Award. S. Kimball of UNLV was named the nation's best Defensive Player of the Year while J. Vance of St. Jospeh's is the Freshman of the Year.

Haley is an NCAA All-American, AE standout

M. Haley 2006-07 Awards/Honors NCAA All-American 1st Team AE All-Conference 1st Team AE All-Conference Defensive 1st Team

Haley, a junior from Towson, Maryland, can officially be called Brooklyn's greatest player in the history of the basketball program. Never before has a Kingsman had the honor of being named to the NCAA All-American team.

In addition, he was also named to the America East All-Conference 1st Team as well as the conference's 1st Defensive Team. The 7", 266 lb. center is likely to consider leaving school early to enter the NBA Draft but for now will be feted on Bedford Avenue like few ever before. His excellence should also help in the team's recruiting they just hope they aren't looking for his immediate replacement yet. 

Freshman Castro takes multiple honors

J. Castro 2006-07 Awards/Honors AE Freshman Player of the Year AE All-Conference 2nd Team AE All-Conference Freshman Team

Jeff Castro had a daunting task thrust upon him in his first year with Brooklyn College. The 6'1", 195 lb. freshman was asked to run the floor, helping to replace the NBA-bound Jeffery Jean-Baptiste, for a team expected to win it's conference championship.

The 6'1", 195 lb. Fitchburg, Wisconsin native excelled under the pressure. In addition to being named America East Conference Fresman Player of the Year, Castro was also named to the conference's All-Freshman team as well as the All-Conference 2nd team. 

Stovall recognized for play at both ends

J. Stovall 2006-07 Awards/Honors AE All-Conference 1st Team AE All-Conference Defensive 1st Team

Jahi Stovall has often been praised for his dilligent two-way play and the America East Conference voters awarded him for his hard work.  The 6'2", 197 lb. junior was named to the America East Conference 1st Team and to the conference's All-Defensive 1st Team.

Like Haley, Stovall too may consider opting to exit early to start his professional career but is considered much more of a longshot as his NBA Draft position is in question. With the prospect of having to start with a developmental league or overseas the Kingsmen are hopeful Stovall will choose to finish his college eligibility with a chance to be a part of four-straight conference champions. 

Three other Kingsmen also found America East honors for their outstanding 2007 play.

Patterson, Billisari, Schaffer shine in America East

T. Patterson AE 2nd Team B. Billisari AE Def 1st Team O. Schaffer AE Fresh. Team

Junior forward Tim Patterson was named to the AE's 2nd team from the shooting position even though he will play both there and from the power position. Patterson has indicated he should be back for his senior year. 

Freshman Brian Billisari was recognized for his defensive play, named to the conference's number one defensive team. Like Patterson, Billisari also will play from both forward positions depending on the need and situation.

When guards Castro or Stovall need a break it's freshman Ollie Shaffer that provides the relief. The 6' 4", 187 lb. Washington state product certainly proved his worth, being named to the America East All-Freshman team while adjusting to life in the Big Apple. 

Check out all the other All-American and All-Conference honorees as well as the All-Tournament Team and 2007 Awards like only BSNetwork can deliver.