Pocatello, Idaho - Although the 68th Annual Samuel Horne Bennion Banquet Awards has been cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns, it does not take away from the phenomenal work our student-athletes have put in physically, mentally, and academically over the course of the year. Individual team award winners will be announced and honored through social media throughout the end of the semester. Today we recognize men's basketball.
On Monday, April 27 we will recognize the women's basketball team.
Malik Porter
Most Valuable Player
Sponsored by the Bengal Athletic Booster Club
11.9 points per game ... shot .557 percent from the field and .570 percent in conference … averaged 13.6 in conference games … averaged 5.2 rebounds … scored in doubles figures in 13 of the final 15 games … had a career-high 31 points against Sacramento State … the last 12 games he averaged 18.3 points a game … scored 20 points or more in seven of the final 12 games.
Looney on Porter
"
Malik Porter really came on late for us in the year. As he got comfortable he really provided us with some interior scoring. We are looking forward to a big senior year from Malik."
Jared Stutzman
Captains Award
Sponsored by Pauline Thiros
Played 30.5 minutes a game … averaged 10.5 points … .802 percent free throw shooter … scored in double figures in seven of the final eight games … had a season-high 21 points at Washington State … finished career sixth in most 3-pointers made in a career with 160 and seventh in three-point field goal attempts with 377 … career three-point field goal percentage of 42.4 percent ranks No. 3 all-time in the ISU record book.
Looney on Stutzman
"
Jared Stutzman was our most experience player this past season. His work ethic early in the year dictated that he needed to be our captain. We are grateful for the impact he made."
Chidi Udengwu
Most Inspirational Player
Sponsored by Platinum Directional Drilling
Shot .453 percent from the field … played 21.2 minutes a game … scored 7.3 points a game … 5.4 rebounds … had a career-high 14 points vs. Northern Colorado and 12 rebounds vs. West Coast Baptist.
Looney on Udengwu
"
Chidi Udengwu was our most vocal player from the start of the year to finish. We could count on him to have great energy every day. It was a joy to coach him."
Austin Smellie
Most Improved Player
Sponsored by Joel Moersch
Played 27.7 minutes … averaged 8.8 points and shot 45.6 percent from the field … scored in double figures in six of final eight games … scored 16 points in the Big Sky Tourney win over NAU … scored a career-high 21 points in a win over Idaho … had a career-high nine assists vs. NAU.
Looney on Smellie
"Austin was our most coachable and consistent player. His daily work habits have allowed him to improve at a rapid pace. We are excited about his future in our program."
Austin Smellie
Bengal of the Year
Sponsored by TanaBell Health Services
Played 27.7 minutes … averaged 8.8 points and shot 45.6 percent from the field … scored in double figures in six of final eight games … scored 16 points in the Big Sky Tourney win over NAU … scored a career-high 21 points in a win over Idaho … had a career-high nine assists vs. NAU.
Looney on Smellie
"Austin was our most coachable and consistent player. His daily work habits have allowed him to improve at a rapid pace. We are excited about his future in our program."
