Pemberton Named Men's Basketball MVP; Thiam Named Most Improved

2015 Apr 1

Senior Charles Pemberton (St. Thomas, VI/Charlotte Amalia) was named Mansfield University men's basketball Most Valuable Player while freshman Balla Thiam (North Bergen, N.J./Sacred Heart) was selected Most Improved. The announcement was made at the Mansfield Winter Sports Banquet this past Monday by head coach Rich Miller.

Pemberton was one of the most dominate players in the PSAC this year. The senior led the PSAC and ranked second in NCAA Division II in field goal accuracy connecting on a remarkable 68.9% of his attempts from the floor. Pemberton also topped the PSAC in offensive rebounds averaging 3.42 per game while ranking amongst conference leaders in scoring (14.8 ppg) and rebounding (8.0 rpg). Pemberton was named PSAC East Player or Co-Player of the Week four times during the season and twice earned ECAC Division II Player of the Week honors. The senior was named to 2nd All-PSAC East honors for his efforts throughout his senior campaign.

Thiam appeared in 22 games for the Mountaineers as a freshman. The rookie provided stability in the post and proved to be an anchor defensively for the Mounties. Thiam scored a career high 10 points against West Chester on January 24th.