Pirates Hand Out Awards At Men's Basketball Banquet
April 18, 2004 | Men's Basketball
Senior Derrick Wiley was named the Pirates' Most Valuable Player. Wiley led ECU in scoring for a second consecutive season, averaging 14.8 points per game, and ranked among the Conference USA leaders in both scoring and rebounding. As a senior, Wiley led East Carolina in scoring 16 times, scored 20 points in a game seven times, and registered five double-doubles.
The Defensive Player of the Award went to junior Moussa Badiane. Badiane broke his own school single season record for blocks by swatting 92 shots this past season, besting his previous mark of 87, which he set as a freshman. He completed his third season with 239 career blocks to become just the fourth player in Conference USA history to amass over 200 career rejections.
The Spirit Hustle Award was given to senior Erroyl Bing. Bing led the Pirates in rebounding for a fourth consecutive season, averaging 8.3 rebounds per game throughout his career. He is one of 12 players in school history to record over 1,000 points and 500 rebounds during his career and ended his career as the school's second all-time leading rebounder with 937 career boards.
All three of ECU's freshman were recognized with an award. The Most Improved Player Award went to Frank Robinson, who made all 10 of his starts during the season during the final 11 games. Japhet McNeil was given the Doug and Linda Byrd Sixth Man Award after leading East Carolina in assists (97) and steals (36). Mike Cook also received his Conference USA All-Freshman Team award.
Senior Gabriel Mikulas, an honor roll student, was also recognized for having the team's highest grade point average and will receive his degree in May. Despite suffering a career ending injury in practice on January 14, he holds the ECU career record for free throws made (381) and ranks 16th on the school's career scoring list with 1,086 points.
