NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State senior Zach Copeland was named the team's Most Valuable Player, as the 2019-20 Illinois State men's basketball team handed out their end-of-season awards at the team banquet – held via video conference – on Thursday evening.
Copeland averaged a team-best 14.5 points per game, while making 81 three-point field goals and also leading the team with 32 steals. After his 32-point, 7-assist effort against Drake on Jan. 16, he was one of just three student-athletes in NCAA Division I men's basketball this season with a game of at least 30 points, seven assists and zero turnovers.
Junior Keith Fisher III was named the Torrey Ward Toughness Award winner, in addition to earning Defensive Player of the Year, and the team's rebounding award. Ricky Torres earned the team's Teammate Award and Assist Award winner.
Redbird freshmen DJ Horne and Antonio Reeves earned the program's Most Improved Player Award and Student-Athlete Award, respectively. The team's Coaches Award was earned by Madison Williams.
2019-20 Illinois State Men's Basketball Team Award Winners
Awards Voted on by Players
Most Valuable Player Award: Zach Copeland
Torrey Ward Toughness Award: Keith Fisher III
Defensive Player of the Year Award: Keith Fisher III
Most Improved Player Award: DJ Horne
Teammate Award: Ricky Torres
Awards Voted on by Coaches
Coaches Award: Madison Williams
Student-Athlete Award: Antonio Reeves
Awards Determined by Statistical Leaders
Rebounding Award: Keith Fisher III
Assist Award: Ricky Torres
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