NORMAL, Ill. – Missouri Valley Conference First Team honoree Phil Fayne was named the team's Most Valuable Player, as the 2018-19 Illinois State Redbirds handed out their end-of-season awards at the team banquet on Tuesday evening.
Fayne averaged 15.9 points and 6.3 rebounds per game over the past season, while leading the Redbirds in blocked shots (40) and steals (36). He was one of just 16 student-athletes in the country to have at least 30 steals, 30 blocked shots and make over half of their shots from the field.
Transfer Keith Fisher III was named the Torrey Ward Toughness Award winner, in addition to earning the Coaches Award and the Captain Award. He was joined by Fayne and Keyshawn Evans in receiving the Captain Award.
Evans earned the program's Defensive Player of the Year Award, with Rey Idowu earning the Most Improved Player Award. Idowu also won the Student-Athlete Award, voted on by the coaches.
2018-19 Illinois State Men's Basketball Team Award Winners
Awards Voted on by Players
Most Valuable Player Award: Phil Fayne
Torrey Ward Toughness Award: Keith Fisher III
Defensive Player of the Year Award: Keyshawn Evans
Most Improved Player Award: Rey Idowu
Awards Voted on by Coaches
Coaches Award: Keith Fisher III
Student-Athlete Award: Rey Idowu
Awards Determined by Statistical Leaders
Rebounding Award: Milik Yarbrough
Assist Award: Milik Yarbrough
Captain Award: Keith Fisher III, Phil Fayne, Keyshawn Evans
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