March 23, 2015 PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - The Philadelphia Big Five announced its honor recipients on Monday and the Villanova Wildcats, who swept their City Series games in 2014-15, were well represented.
Senior Darrun Hilliard is the Philadelphia Big Five Player of the Year, the second straight Wildcats' player to be so honored. James Bell received the 2014 Big Five Player of the Year award last April in ceremonies at the Palestra.
Wildcats head coach Jay Wright is the 2015 Philadelphia Big Five Coach of the Year. Wright also earned the honor in 2014.
Hilliard and teammate Ryan Arcidiacono were named first team All-Philadelphia Big Five. Senior JayVaughn Pinkston and junior Daniel Ochefu were named to the second team. Ochefu is also to receive the award for Most Improved Player from the Big Five. Finally, freshman guard Phil Booth is the Philadelphia Big Five Rookie of the Year.
The winners will be honored as part of the annual Philadelphia Big Five banquet to be held on April 13 at the Palestra. Tickets for the Big 5 banquet on April 13 are $50 each and can be reserved by contacting Steve Crider at 814-935-5015 or steve@philadelphiabig5.org.
MEN'S FIRST TEAM
Darrun Hilliard (Villanova) Will Cummings (Temple) DeAndre' Bembry (Saint Joseph's) Jordan Price (La Salle) Ryan Arcidiacono (Villanova)
MEN'S SECOND TEAM
Daniel Ochefu (Villanova) JayVaughn Pinkston (Villanova) Jaylen Bond (Temple) Jerrell Wright (La Salle) Quenton DeCosey (Temple)
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Darrun Hilliard (Villanova)
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Phil Booth (Villanova)
COACH OF THE YEAR: Jay Wright (Villanova)
TEAM CHAMPIONS: Villanova Wildcats
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER: Daniel Ochefu (Villanova)
SCHOLAR ATHLETE: Hank Davis (La Salle)
LEADING SCORER: DeAndre' Bembry (Saint Joseph's)
LEADING FREE THROW SHOOTER: Josh Brown (Temple)
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