March 22, 2005

DENVER - University of Denver junior center Yemi Nicholson (Aurora, Colo.) added another award to his long list this season, earning Basketball Times All-Rockies Region Honors.

Nicholson is one of the most improved players in the country. The 6-10 post player, who averaged 7.5 points per game and 4.3 rebounds per game as a sophomore, put up 18.1 points (third in the league), 8.4 boards (second) and is the only player in the Sun Belt Conference to average more than three blocks per contest. In Sun Belt-only games, Nicholson averaged 21.2 points and 9.7 rebounds and 4 blocks per contest.

He helped lead the Pioneers, who were picked to finish last in the West Division according to a preseason coaches poll, to their first ever Sun Belt West Division title.

Nicholson was named a Sports Illustrated All-American Honorable Mention earlier this month.

All-Rockies
Odartey Blankson, 6-7, F, Sr., UNLV (17.7, 8.2)
Nick Fazekas, 6-11, F, Soph., Nevada (21.4, 9.4)
Yemi Nicholson, 6-10, C, Jr., Denver (18.1, 8.4)
Spencer Nelson, 6-8, F. Sr., Utah State (16.4, 8.1)
Salim Stoudamire, 6-1, G, Sr., Arizona (18.4)
Coach - Mark Fox, Nevada