March 19, 2009

Their hard work and efforts paid off and did not go unseen as senior Emmanuel Jones and sophomore Nick Weiermiller were selected to the 2008-09 All-Independent team as announced on Wednesday, March 18.

"We could not be more proud of Emmanuel and Nick for all their efforts this season. They have been a pleasure to coach and this honor was well deserved," said assistant coach Mark Dannhoff.

Emmanuel Jones, a two-time honoree, earned a spot on the All-Independent First Team as he appeared in 26 games for the Broncs while earning a spot on the starting lineup in 25 contests.

Jones led the squad in scoring average with 17.7 points per game while connecting on .557 percent (185-332) of his field-goals made and .659 percent (89-135) in free throws made. The 6-7 forward also led the squad in rebounds with 8.0 rebounds (207) per game.

The Washington, D.C. native collected 15 games of 10 points or more and nine games of 20 points or more, including a career-high 31 points against NJIT (Feb. 23). Jones also recorded seven double-doubles for the season.

Nick Weiermiller

"Emmanuel demonstrated in each and every contest this season that he was one of the best players in the league and he put up the numbers to prove it," said Dannhoff.

Sophomore Nick Weiermiller earned his first selection to the All-Independent honorable mention team as he appeared and started in all 27 games for the Broncs.

In just his second season donning the Bronc green and orange, Weiermiller averaged 10.7 points per game while averaging 35.7 minutes per game. The Elmira, N.Y. native connected on .415 percent (98-236) of his field-goals made, .381 percent (48-126) in three-point field-goals made and .721 percent (44-61) from the foul line, which ranked him first amongst the squad.

Weiermiller recorded 15 games of 10 points or more, including a career-high 25 points against Chicago State (Feb. 28). The starting guard also notched 5.6 assists per game (152) and 1.6 steals per game (43) which also ranked him first in both categories amongst the team.

"Nick had an outstanding sophomore campaign when you consider everything that was asked of him throughout the season," Dannhoff said. "I am glad to see him get the recognition he deserves."

The 2008-09 Men's All-Independent Team was selected by sports information directors and head coaches at the Independent institutions.

UTPA Sports Information