March 10, 2008

Complete Release in PDF Format

OREM, Utah - Utah Valley's Ryan Toolson has been named NCAA Division I Independent Player of the Year as voted upon by nine Division I independent coaches and sports information/media relations directors. Jordan Brady was tabbed as Defensive Player of the Year.

Toolson and Brady were joined by Chicago State star David Holston on the All Independent First Team. Toolson edged Holston by just two votes for Player of the Year honors. Texas-Pan American guard Paul Stoll and Longwood forward Kirk Williams joined the aforementioned three to make up the first team All Independent squad.

"Ryan (Toolson) had a sensational season," Utah Valley head coach Dick Hunsaker said. "He brought energy, enthusiasm and competitiveness game in and game out as well as anyone we've had during my tenure at Utah Valley. It is a very well deserved honor."

Toolson led all independent scorers, averaging 23.4 points per game. He currently leads the nation in free throw shooting at 95.1 percent (156-of-164) among players who average 2.5 made foul shots per game.

In nine games against Division I Independents, Toolson averaged 26.9 points per game while shooting 51.4 percent from the field (73-of-142) and 50 percent from three-point range (33-of-66).

Brady led all independents with an 8.4 rebounds-per-game average. The senior from Vernal, Utah, nearly averaged a double-double in nine games against independents this year. Brady scored over 12 points a game and pulled down 9.9 rebounds in those games. Brady also was in the top-10 among independents in blocked shots per game and just outside the top-10 in steals per game.

"Jordan (Brady) made significant improvement throughout the season," Hunsaker said. "He's an extremely committed and hard working young man and its nice to see his efforts recognized."