MOON TOWNSHIP — In consecutive years, the Horizon League has named a Robert Morris men’s basketball player of the year. Following Alvaro Folgueiras’ last season, newcomer DeSean Goode has made sure that the title stays in RMU hands after an impressive, all-around year.
While his points might not jump off the page, Goode’s impact in almost every category is apparent. The IU-Indy transfer has put up an average of 15.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and shot over 60% from the field and 59% from three.
The efficiency and defensive effort from Goode made his campaign for the award relatively quiet. The sophomore wasn’t even the best scorer on the team as Ryan Prather led with points. But Goode’s league leading rebounds and FG% as well as ranking top 25 in almost every other category shows that this year’s player of the year might not be the flashiest, but the all around best.
Along with Goode, Ryan Prather, Darius Livingston, and Nikolaos Chitikoudis also earned yearly honors.
Prather, who arguably had a case for POTY himself, made the Horizon League second team, while Chitikoudis made the conference’s all-defensive team, and Livingston the all-freshman team.
Livingston, who’s won the last three freshman of the week awards, flourished in the absence of starting guard, Albert Vargas. The Orlando native has averaged 13.8 points per game since Vargas has gone down, and the freshman has shown no signs of slowing down, shooting a lights out 53% from three in that span.
And what’s there not to say about Ryan Prather, one of three returners from last years roster and the only player who played in March Madness last season.
Prather has firmly grasped the role of leader with this team, and has appeared in most important of moments for the team this year. His efforts earned him a spot on the all-conference second team.
The men’s basketball team will begin their defense of their crown on Wednesday, March 4. Their matchup against the Youngstown State Penguins is scheduled to tip-off at 7 P.M. at the UPMC Events Center.
