Six UB basketball players awarded with MAC accolades

Six members of the UB basketball programs – two from the women’s squad and four from the men – were honored with Mid-American Conference accolades on Monday, highlighted by junior guard Joanna Smith’s selection to the All MAC First-Team.

It was Smith’s first selection to the First Team in her three-year career in Buffalo. She led the Bulls during her breakout season with 18 points and six rebounds per game. It was her first season as a full-time starter.

“It’s an honor, for sure,” Smith said. “Being listed on the All-MAC first team is great for me, but it’s all about the team right now. I’m sure when everything is done this season, I’ll look back on it and be happy to receive the honor, but the goal is still ahead of us and that’s to come away with it all in Cleveland.”

Reid, her backcourt teammate, was named to the All MAC Third-Team and was also listed as a member of the inaugural All-MAC Defensive Team. Reid completed her first full season as a Bull following last season where she joined the team halfway through.

Reid is known for her crafty play-making abilities, ball handling and lockdown perimeter defending, which is what earned her the award.

Reid didn’t credit herself when asked about the award. Instead, she cited head coach Felisha Legette-Jack for her defensive prowess as a coach.

“Honored for the individual accolade, but I represent the best defensive coach in the MAC, by a long shot … maybe in the country,” Reid said. “She gives me a chance to play in her system and I’m honored to have that honor, but it really goes out to Coach Jack.”

Junior wing Blake Hamilton arguably had the best all-around season for the men’s team and was awarded with Third-Team honors along with sophomore guard Lamonte Bearden. Hamilton averaged 12.9 points and led the team with 6.6 rebounds per game this season. Bearden led the team in scoring with 13.6 points per game and totaled 103 assists in 26 games played.

Senior guard Jarryn Skeete voiced his opinion about his teammates being placed on the Third Team.

“He should have been first-team. I’ll say it right now,” Skeete said. “Third Team is garbage. They’re way better than the third and second teams.”

Freshman guard CJ Massinburg was named to the All-MAC Freshman Team and finished fourth in MAC Freshman of the Year voting. He received one first-place vote.

Junior wing Willie Conner was named to the inaugural All-MAC Defensive Team as well.

Both Hamilton and Smith are MAC Player of the Year candidates. Buffalo head coach Nate Oats is also up for Coach of the Year honors.

All aforementioned awards will be announced on Wednesday morning.

Jordan Grossman is the co-senior sports editor and can be reached at jordan.grossman@ubspectrum.com. Follow him on Twitter at @jordanmgrossman.