PHILADELPHIA, PA - La Salle University men's basketball forward Steven Smith has been named Honorable Mention All-America by the Associated Press.

 

In a season in which he was named the Atlantic 10 Co-player of the Year - the first Explorer to receive the honor - Smith led or shared the team lead for the Explorers in points per game (20.3), total points (588), rebounds per game (8.5), total rebounds (239) and free throw percentage (.802) among many others.  He finished ranked 21^st in the nation in scoring.  He also accumulated ten double-doubles this season including a 27-point, 11-rebound effort in an upset win over Southern California

 

"I am not surprised that Steve has earned this well-deserved recognition - especially after being named the Atlantic 10 Co-Player of the Year.  Steve was an extremely productive player and was the key player in our team's improvement throughout the season" said Explorer head coach Dr. John Giannini.

 

"He did this while being the focus of every teams' defense.  He's given great effort and has a great deal of pride in

La Salle basketball and I am extremely pleased for him to receive such high honors."

 

After three seasons at 20^th and Olney Smith has compiled 1,389 career points which places him 20^th among Explorers scorers all-time.  If he returns and competes for a final season he would project to finish close to the school's top five all-time scorers and could be the seventh Explorer to score 2,000 or more points.

 

Although he is expected to complete his undergraduate degree in May Smith does have a year of eligibility remaining.  He has indicated that he will examine his status for the upcoming NBA Draft but preserve the option to return for a final season.

 

His inclusion on the list, which was released yesterday by the national wire service marks the first time the AP included an Explorer on the list since Randy Woods received Honorable Mention after leading the Explorers to an NCAA Tournament appearance in 1992.