SAN ANTONIO, Tex. - Villanova senior Matt Kennedy was named the winner of the NCAA Elite 90 Award on Thursday night at the organization's annual Salute Dinner.

The ELITE 90, an award founded by the NCAA, recognizes the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. The Elite 90 is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA's 90 championships.

A Finance major, Kennedy carries a 3.897 grade point average in the Villanova School of Business.

Jim Nantz of Turner/CBS hosted the annual Salute Dinner, which brings all four teams together to celebrate the sport of college basketball.