Samuels’ Names Team Awards After Former Players, as 2002-03 Yearly Radford Men’s Basketball Announces Individual Team Awards

RADFORD, Va. - Radford University men’s basketball coach Byron Samuels announced today the he has named the yearly team basketball awards after former Radford players and coaches as, the 2002-03 men’s basketball team awards were handed out Wednesday night at their season ending banquet.

List of the 2002-03 Awards
Vitals of Award Namesake

“I am very proud of the history of Radford basketball and wanted to recognize former players and coaches who’ve made and continue to make contributions to our basketball program,” said Samuels. “As we continue to build our program, I believe in establishing traditions by honoring our basketball past.”

Adding, “In their own way, every former coach or player deserved to have awards named after them. We thank them for their efforts. The people selected stand out statistically, academically, athletically and in their overall investment in Radford basketball and the university community.”

Taking home five awards on the evening was sophomore forward Olumuyia Popoola. The Gardena, Calif. Native, captured the Myers-Reed Academic Achievement Award, the Hawkins-Travis Best Defensive Player Award, the Burgess-Barber Team Before Self Award, Dan Wilbourne Best Free Throw Shooter Award and the Coaches Award.

Big South Conference Freshman of the Year Whit Holcomb-Faye was right behind Popoola with three awards, the Chuck Taylor Most Valuable Player Award, the Myers-Reed Academic Achievement Award and the Cousins-Schmall Team Assist Leader Award. Andre Bynum was the other multiple winner, capturing Shelburne-Walker Most Improved Player Award and sharing the Burgess-Barber Team Before Self Award with Popoola.

Lone Senior Raymond “Peanut” Arrington shared the Chuck Taylor Most Valuable Player Award with Holcomb-Faye, while Aaron Gill garnered the Smith-Watkins Best Rebounder Award, Matt James was honored with the Day-Robinson Inspirational Effort Award and Jesse Seamon was one of three (Popoola, Holcomb-Faye) to share the Myers-Reed Academic Achievement Award.