April 17, 2002

Villanova, Pa. - It is the award head coach Jay Wright and his staff value most. Named the "Villanova Basketball Award," it is awarded annually to the player who best exemplifies the characteristics of a Villanova basketball player. This year's honor belongs to senior forward Brooks Sales.

Sales' honor highlighted the 53rd annual Men's Basketball Banquet, held on April 17 at the Connelly Center.

The native of Bloomfield, Conn., led the Wildcats with 9.1 rpg and also contributed 10.4 ppg as a team co-captain.

Also honored were juniors Gary Buchanan, Andrew Sullivan and Ricky Wright. Buchanan received the inaugural Paul Arizin Award, given to the student-athlete who has improved the most in the past year. Sullivan earned the Jake Nevin Award, presented each year to the most selfless Wildcat. And Ricky Wright was selected as Most Outstanding Player.

Sophomore forward Andreas Bloch picked up the Alexander Severance Award, presented to the student-athlete who excelled in the classroom. Former 'Cat standout Harold Jensen (class of 1987) was given the Alumni Appreciation Award while alumnus Michael F. Touey earned a Special Recognition Award.

Villanova finished the season with a 19-13 record and advanced to the quarterfinals of the National Invitation Tournament.