TOWSON, Pa. --- Moravian College Head Coach Justin Potts has been selected as the 2017 Landmark Conference Men's Basketball Coach of the Year while senior Brandon McGuire was named to the Landmark All-Conference First Team and sophomore guard Jimmy Murray earned a spot on the All-Conference Second Team.
Potts has guided the Greyhounds into the postseason for the first time since 2012-13, and the Hounds played in their first overall conference championship game since 1948 last Saturday after picking up the program's first postseason win since February 20, 1990 over No. 17 Susquehanna University in the Landmark Conference Semifinals on February 22. Potts has a 30-22 career record including a 19-8 mark this winter as Moravian has tied the school record for victories. Potts also has the Greyhounds heading to its third ECAC Division III Championship Tournament this week as the top seed.
"It's a great honor to congratulate Head Coach Justin Potts for being named the Landmark Men's Basketball Coach of the Year," stated Director of Athletics George L. Bright. "Coach Potts is a special kind of leader. Moravian Athletics is fortunate to have someone of his capacity and stature here, someone who is so widely known for his exceptional, high level of coaching performance. There's no doubt his professional experience and leadership prowess will allow him to be among the best educators our department has ever had. Coach Potts fosters an environment where our student-athletes' success isn't just measured on the court, but in the classroom and in life as well. His commitment to their academics, to their stewardship of Moravian and to their activities in the community will allow him to build a championship culture steeped in hard work, humility and respect."
McGuire, who was on the Landmark All-Conference Second Team last winter, leads the squad by averaging a double-double of 17.8 points and 10.1 rebounds per game to go along with 48 assists, 35 steals, 31 three-pointers and 17 blocked shots. He is also shooting 65.8 percent (212-of-322) from the floor this year. McGuire, who was selected to the Lehigh Valley Small College Men's Basketball Team of the Year and has been the Landmark Conference Men's Basketball Athlete of the Week three times this winter, is currently ranked seventh in school history with 1,328 points and fourth in rebounds with 758.
"Brandon is very deserving of this honor," stated Potts. "He has had a tremendous year at both ends of the floor. His consistency on the offensive end has been remarkable and his rebounding has been instrumental in our success this year. Brandon'' commitment has made a great impact on our program."
Murray is netting 13.0 points per contest to go with a team-high 54 three-pointers as well as 38 rebounds, 28 assists, 15 steals and 12 blocked shots. He also already surpassed 600 points for his career, and Murray has the top free throw shooting percentage in school history for those with more than 150 attempts at 87.3 percent (131-of-150).
"Jimmy had a great year for us," Potts said. "His commitment to the process has allowed him to grow as a player. Jimmy spent a lot of time in the gym, which translated to the games. He shot it well all year for us and was very consistent scoring and defending. I am really proud of the way Jimmy competed all year.
"Brandon and Jimmy earned these awards but as I always say the teams success allows for individuals to be honored. I want to congratulate both Brandon and Jimmy," finished Potts.
Moravian will return to action on Friday, March 3 in the quarterfinals of the ECAC Division III Tournament against the winner of the first round match-up between Penn State-Altoona and Bethany (W.Va.) College. Tip-off for the contest is set for 11:00 a.m. in Erie with Penn State-Behrend as the host of the tournament.
