BETHLEHEM, Pa. – American University men's basketball freshman
Johnny O'Neil was named the Patriot League Rookie of the Year when the league announced postseason awards on Tuesday.
In the midst of a breakout season,
Jamir Harris was honored as First Team All-Patriot League, while
Stacy Beckton Jr. earned a spot on the Patriot League All-Defensive Team for the second straight season.
O'Neil becomes the first American men's basketball player to be named PL Rookie of the Year since Delante Jones in 2016. He is the fourth in program history to earn the recognition, joining Andre Ingram (2004) and Derrick Mercer (2006).
"I'm extremely blessed and humbled to receive this recognition. Without my teammates and coaches believing in me, I wouldn't be receiving this award," O'Neil said. "I'd like to thank God for helping me to get where I am today and thank my family for supporting me throughout my journey."
In just seven games, O'Neil emphatically made his presence felt within the league. The Miami Shores, Fla., native averaged 10.6 points/game and 6.3 rebounds/game to lead all league freshmen in both categories. Entering the postseason, O'Neil is shooting 40.5 percent from 3-point range, good for seventh in the Patriot League, and 1.7 blocks/games, good for third in the conference.
"Johnny has had a terrific freshman year," said head coach
Mike Brennan. "As talented of a player as he is, he is an even better kid."
Harris has upped his game in his senior season, scoring 20.8 points per game and dishing out 3.6 assists/game to earn the first All-Patriot League selection of his career. The sharpshooter leads the nation by making 4.0 3-pointers/game and ranks fourth in the league by shooting 45 percent from beyond the arc. He is the 15
th AU player to be named First Team All-Patriot League.
"Jamir has improved quickly and dramatically," said Brennan. "He has turned himself into one of the most complete players in the league."
Beckton Jr. is the first AU player to be named to the PL All-Defensive Team twice. Jarion Childs (1998, 2000) and Brian Gilgeous (1991, 1992, 1993) are the only Eagles to be named to a conference All-Defensive Team more than once (Colonial Athletic Association).
In seven games this season, Beckton Jr. has grabbed eight steals and blocked five shots. He is currently ninth in program history with 81 career blocks. On the offensive end, Beckton Jr. has continued to impress, averaging 13.1 points/game to go along with 4.0 rebounds/game.
"Stacy has only been healthy for six games, but he gives everything he has every day," Brennan said. "Jamir and Stacy put up big numbers but their leadership, on and off the court, has been their most important contribution to this team. Despite all of the obstacles, this entire group has been a joy to coach all year."
American heads into the 2021 PenFed Credit Union Patriot League Men's Basketball Championship as the No. 5 seed, set to travel to West Point, N.Y. to face No. 4 seed Army on Saturday, March 6 at 3 p.m.
For the latest on American University Men's Basketball, stay tuned to
AUEagles.com and follow the team on Twitter (
@AU_MBasketball), Facebook (
/AU.MBasketball) and Instagram (
@au_mbasketball).
