James and Achara Named to Pre-Season Atlantic 10 All-Defensive Team
Oct. 25, 2007
See what they're saying about the 2007-08 Dukes Duquesne big men Shawn James (Brooklyn, N.Y./Notre Dame Prep/Northeastern) and Kieron Achara (Stirling, Scotland/Maine Central Institute) were named to the Atlantic 10 five-man preseason All-Defensive Team released today at the A-10's annual media day in Atlantic City, N.J. In addition, the Duquesne team was picked to finish 11th in the conference in a preseason poll of league coaches and media. DU did not have any players named to the league's preseason first, second or third teams or rookie team. James, a first-year transfer from Northeastern, led the nation in blocked shots in 2005-06. The 6-10 Brooklyn, N.Y. native, who has been named Defensive Player of the Year in two different conferences in his first two years as a Division I player (2005 in the America East & 2006 in the Colonial Athletic Association while at Northeastern), averaged 7.9 rebounds and 6.53 blocks per game in 2005-06. His blocks per game average stands as the best single-season mark in NCAA history. His 6.04 career blocks per game average is on pace to be the best in NCAA history as well.
Achara, who became the first Duquesne player to earn a spot on the league's postseason All-Defensive Team last year, finished second in the Atlantic 10 and 16th nationally with a 2.57 blocked shots per game average in 2006-07. He enters his final season ranked second on Duquesne's all-time list with 140 career blocks. Duquesne returns three starters and eight lettermen from last year's 10-19 team. In addition to James, second-year head coach Ron Everhart will also have Siena transfer Kojo Mensah available in 2007-08. Mensah, a 6-1 point guard, averaged 16.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game for the Saints in 2005-06. The Dukes host exhibition games with Millersville (Nov. 1) and Seton Hill (Nov. 3) before opening the 2007-08 regular season at home against Howard on Friday, Nov. 9 at 8:00 p.m.
2007-08 ATLANTIC 10 PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
1. Xavier (42)
|
Men's Basketball
Quick Links
