CBB Review hands out awards for each conference tournament. Up next: The AAC Tournament.
I missed my prediction for the AAC tournament as the winner ended up being the Houston Cougars. Overcoming the two losses in regular season play, Coach Sampson’s plan created the opportunity to win off of excellent ball movement, second-chance opportunities, and disrupt the Memphis Tigers. The Cougars won their third in three games by double-digits 71-53 over the Tigers. If you missed it, check out the AAC Tournament Preview or if you see what happened before the championship, here are the AAC semifinals.
CBB Review All-AAC Tournament Honorable Mention
- Josh Carlton, Houston – 14.0 PPG, 4.3 RPG (3 games)
- Kevin Cross, Tulane – 15.5 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 5.5 APG (2 games)
- Marcus Weather, SMU – 17.0 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.0 APG, 1.0 BPG (2 games)
- Sam Griffin, Tulsa – 18.5 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 1.0 APG (2 games)
- Darius Perry, UCF – 18.0 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.0 BPG (2 games)
- Tristan Newton, ECU – 26.0 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 6.0 APG (1 game)
CBB Review All-AAC League Tournament First Team
- Fabian White, Houston – 18.0 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1 SPG (2 games)
- Jalen Duren, Memphis– 14.7 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 2.3 APG, 2.0 BPG, 1.0 SPG (3 games)
- Kyler Edwards, Houston – 13.3 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.7 SPG (3 games)
- Lester Quinones, Memphis – 13.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.7 SPG (3 games)
- Kendric Davis, SMU – 18.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.5 APG, 3.0 SPG (2 games)
CBB Review AAC Tournament Most Outstanding Player
Fabian White, Houston
Fabian White was the difference-maker for Houston. After missing the tournament’s second game with back issues, he came back and made a massive splash for the Cougars. Thankfully the one game he missed, J’Wan Roberts filled his shoes, posting his lone double-double of the tournament. In the Championship game, White came out on fire and did so many different things to assist Houston into winning. White came up with two steals and a block in this game.
Houston’s NCAA Prediction
Sweet 16
While this team is coming in short-handed, the talent and coaching of Kelvin Sampson will be a considerable boost. Finding talent off the bench in Jamal Shed, J’wan Roberts, and Taze Moore may give this team the boost it needs. While being at full strength, this Houston team would be a likely final four contender. Making it to the second weekend seems like an excellent finish for how this year has gone. Hey Houston, we have a problem. You are playing too well, and I hope you represent the AAC proudly in the NCAA Tournament. Let’s go dancing.