FSU MEN’S BASKETBALL POSTSEASON AWARDS PRESENTED

Senior Guard Willie Thomas Named Team MVP For GLIAC North Division Champions

Junior guard Carlton Epps, pictured above cutting down the net after FSU claimed the 2003-04 GLIAC North Division title, was named the squad's Defensive Player Award winner for the third time (Photo by Sandy Gholston)

The 6-4 Thomas, who attained first-team All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) North Division kudos this campaign, guided the Bulldogs to the program’s first league championship in nine seasons by averaging a team-best 16.6 points per game and recording a school single-season record 91 three-point baskets. The senior captain placed second among the GLIAC’s overall leaders in three-point field goals made (3.25 pg), sixth in steals (1.86 spg), eighth in scoring (16.6 ppg) and 14th in assists (2.93 apg) this season. Thomas, who tallied 24 double-figure scoring games and eight 20-plus point outings this campaign, concluded the season ranked 19th in three-point field goals made and 70th in three-point field goal percentage (.373) among the NCAA Division II’s national leaders. He finished his two-year career as FSU’s second-leading made three-point field goal performer (160-436) and was sixth in blocked shots (40).

The squad’s Defensive Player Award was presented to junior guard Carlton Epps (Benton Harbor) for the third consecutive season. A 2003-04 All-GLIAC North Division First Team honoree, Epps tallied personal career-highs in points (413), steals (66) and three-pointers (72) this year. The 6-2 Epps, who also garnered 2003-04 GLIAC North Division All-Defensive Team laurels, placed fourth nationally in three-point field goal percentage (.503) and 23rd in steals (2.4 spg). In the GLIAC’s final overall statistics, Epps finished first in three-point percentage, tied for first in steals, fourth in made three-pointers (2.57 pg) and 10th in scoring (14.8 ppg). He posted both the school’s second-best single season three-point field goal percentage and made three-point marks along with the third-highest steals total this campaign. Epps presently ranks third in steals (175), fourth in made three-pointers (138) and 24th in scoring (942) on the school’s career leaders chart. He recorded 18 double-digit scoring performances and nine 20-plus point contests this season.

Junior guard Corey Epps (Benton Harbor) received the team’s Sixth Player Award. The twin brother of Carlton Epps, Corey registered 176 points and 62 rebounds in 28 appearance this year. He also notched 40 steals and 55 assists while recording six double-digit scoring outings. The 6-2 Epps presently ranks seventh on Ferris’ all-time steals chart with 113 thefts in 80 career contests. Junior guard David Clarke (Harbor Springs) received the program’s Coaches Award after registering 10 points and five assists in 10 contests this campaign.

The Most Improved Player Award was given to freshman forward Michael Daniels (Detroit/Murray-Wright), who scored 226 points and grabbed a team-high 132 rebounds while starting 22 of his 27 contests this campaign. The 6-6 Daniels, who ranked as both the league’s fourth-leading offensive rebounder (68) and FSU’s fourth-best scorer (8.4 ppg), posted 10 double-figure scoring outings including seven in his final 14 appearances this season.

Senior forward Nathan Wruble (Harbor Beach) joined Thomas as both a Senior and Captain’s Award recipient as a result of tallying 69 points and 86 rebounds in 27 games this year. He concluded his FSU career with 262 points, 341 rebounds, 54 steals and 28 blocked shots in 100 appearances. Wruble, a three-time (2001-03) GLIAC All-Academic Team member, started 16 outings and played 340 minutes in his final campaign.

Ferris State, which claimed its first GLIAC crown since the 1994-95 campaign, finished the 2003-04 season with a 14-14 overall record and a 14-4 GLIAC North Division mark under second-year head coach Bill Sall. FSU, which has currently won more GLIAC championships (10) than any other league member, had posted a combined 21-82 (.203) overall record in its four previous campaigns (1998-02) before Sall's arrival. Twelve of the Bulldogs’ 14 squad members from the 2003-04 campaign are eligible to return next season.