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PHILADELPHIA'S BURNS NAMED DAKTRONICS DIVISION II NATIONAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR

March 20, 2007

EDINBORO, PA - Philadelphia University men's basketball standout Christian Burns was named the 2007 Daktronics Division II Men's Basketball National Player of the Year on Tuesday, March 20th. In doing so, Burns becomes the first Rams' player ever to earn the nation's top honor. Voting for the All-America teams were conducted by Division II sports information directors. Burns is the only player from the Northeast Region to earn All-America status from Daktronics.

A native of Hamilton Township, N.J., Burns put together an outstanding senior campaign for Head Coach Herb Magee's team, topping the Rams in scoring (21.7 ppg), rebounding (11.2 rpg) and steals (1.59). Burns also led the team in field goal percentage (.550) and blocked shots (61), helping Philadelphia earn a berth in the 2007 NCAA Tournament and conclude the year with a 20-10 record. The Rams were one of three teams to tie for the CACC regular-season championship with a 14-6 mark.

In the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC), Burns finished the season ranked first in rebounding, second in scoring and blocks, third in field-goal percentage and seventh in steals per-game.

"This is a tremendous honor for Christian and one that is well-deserved," said Magee, the all-time winningest coach in NCAA Division II history with 833 victories. "For a 6-9 center, he has amazing athletic ability and his hard work and dedication to the game has enabled him to become the player he is today. He has always been a tremendous low-post scorer and rebounder, but he has evolved into an excellent ball-handler and outside shooter as well."

A two-year starter for the Rams after playing his first two years at Division I Quinnipiac University, Burns is the second straight first-team All-America selection for the program, joining Tayron Thomas. Previously this season, Burns was named the Daktronics Northeast Region Player of the Year as well as the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Player of the Year.

First Team

Name School Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. Hometown

Christian Burns Philadelphia C 6-9 240 Sr. Hamilton, NJ

Gil Goodrich Bowie State G 5-10 165 Sr. Baltimore, MD

Kevin Johnson Humboldt State F 6-7 215 Sr. Oakland, CA

Ted Scott West Virginia State G 6-1 Jr. Columbus, OH

John Smith Winona State C 6-8 Sr. Johnsburg, IL

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Christian Burns, Philadelphia

Second Team

Eric Babers Southeastern Oklahoma St. F 6-8 195 Sr. Conshatta, LA

Dusty Jura Nebraska-Kearney F 6-4 225 Sr. Birmingham, AL

Marcus Kennedy Montevallo F 6-4 Sr. Birmingham, AL

Damien Lolar West Texas A&M F 6-4 Sr. Arkansas City, KS

Zack Whiting Chaminade G 6-4 205 Sr. Chico, CA

Third Team

Luke Anderson Minnesota State Mankato F 6-6 205 Sr. Bloomington, MN

Tyrone Anderson Concord F 6-4 215 Sr. Indianapolis, IN

Sean Barnette Wingate G 6-4 210 Jr. Rock Hill, SC

Jonte Flowers Winona State G 6-4 Jr. Cottage Grove, WI

Ricky Volcy Northern Michigan F 6-8 230 Sr. Montreal, Quebec