K-State announces year-end basketball awards
May 07, 2006 | Men's Basketball
After not playing for almost 20 months due to a leg injury, Diarra played a significant role in the Wildcats’ success this past season. A starter in 27 of 28 games, he ranked third on the team in rebounding and fifth in scoring, as he averaged 5.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks. Diarra finished the season ranking eighth on the school’s single-season list for blocked shots with 45, while his 1.61 per game average is the sixth-highest in a single season. The most prestigious award at the school, the Porky Morgan Award dates back to 1950 and is named for the longtime athletic trainer who spent nearly 30 years at
Junior Cartier Martin was named the winner of the Tex Winter Outstanding Offensive Player Award, as he paced the team in nearly every offensive category, including scoring, rebounding, 3-point field goals, free throws, free throw shooting and minutes. Martin’s 18.0 scoring average was the highest by a Wildcat since Askia Jones averaged 22.1 points in 1993-94, while he was just the third player since 1990-91 to top 500 points in a season.
Junior Akeem Wright was selected as the Jack Hartman Defensive Player Award, which is given to commemorate the accomplishments of the winningest coach in K-State history. Regularly assigned to the opponent’s top offensive threat, he helped the Wildcats post their lowest opponent scoring average since the introduction of both the shot clock and 3-point line in 1985-86. Wright ranked among the top 4 in nearly every category, including second in minutes, rebounding and defensive rebounds.
Sophomore David Hoskins was named the winner of the Dean Harris Newcomer of the Year Award, which was established in 1974 following the tragic death of Harris. In his first season, Hoskins ranked second on the team in scoring, double-figure scoring games, field goals, field goal percentage, free throws and steals. He was named to the Big 12’s All-Newcomer team by the league’s media, while he was twice selected the Phillips 66 Big 12 Rookie of the Week, earning the honor on Nov. 28 and Dec. 12, 2005.
Other award winners included sophomore Clent Stewart with the Keith Amerson Academic Award for the second consecutive year and senior Schyler Thomas with the Ernie Barrett Hustle Award.
2005-06
Porky Morgan Most Inspirational Player Award: Dramane Diarra
Jack Hartman Defensive Player Award: Akeem Wright
Keith Amerson Academic Award: Clent Stewart
Ernie Barrett Hustle Award: Schyler Thomas
Dean Harris Newcomer of the Year: David Hoskins
