May 3, 2007
Cullowhee, N.C. -
Western Carolina freshman forward Nick Aldridge was today named to the North Carolina Collegiate Sports Information Association (NCCSIA) University Division All-State Men's Basketball Team. The South Webster, Ohio, native, who led the Catamounts in scoring while also ranking among the Southern Conference leaders in seven statistical categories, was voted to the second team.
Aldridge's selection gave the Southern Conference six of the 10 honorees which consist of NCAA Division I student-athletes from North Carolina colleges and universities. He was also one of just three freshmen recognized. Nominees were submitted by sports information professionals from throughout the state, with NCCSIA members voting on the all-state squads.
Aldridge headlined the second team, which included De'Angelo Alexander (Charlotte), LeVonn Jordan (Elon), Jason Richards (Davidson) and Steven Rush (North Carolina A&T).
The 2006-07 NCCSIA men's basketball university division all-state first team included Davidson freshman Stephen Curry, as well as three-time all-state choice Kyle Hines of UNC Greensboro. The five-person first team also included senior guard D.J. Thompson of Appalachian State, along with Arizona Reid (High Point) and Jonathan Rodriguez (Campbell).
Aldridge was selected to both the All-Southern Conference and All-Freshman team by both the league's head coaches and SoCon Sports Media Association (SCSMA) during this past season. He was also chosen to the 16-member CollegeInsider.com Freshman Mid-Major All-America team after finishing third in the SoCon in scoring with a team-best 18.3 points per game average. Aldridge additionally ranked sixth in rebounding (7.0), fifth in offensive rebounds, seventh in defensive rebounds, seventh in steals, 12th in minutes played (32.5) and 15th in field goal percentage (.461). Aldridge scored in double-figures 27 times in 30 games, closing the year with 20-consecutive double-digit scoring outings.
Founded in 2002, the North Carolina Collegiate Sports Information Association (NCCSIA) is comprised of sports information professionals from NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA and independent institutions from the state of North Carolina. The purpose of the organization is to promote collegiate athletics at all schools. Membership is open to anyone affiliated with a college, university or conference located in North Carolina, and whose area of responsibility lies within sports information.
NCSSIA selects all-state teams in the University (Division I) and College (Division II, III, NAIA) divisions for men's and women's basketball, men's and women's soccer, softball and baseball. More than 400 student-athletes have been recognized by NCCSIA as all-state performers since 2003.
2006-07 University Division All-State Men's Basketball Team
First-Team
Pos. Name Class School Hometown
G Stephen Curry Fr. Davidson Charlotte, N.C.
F Kyle Hines Jr. UNC Greensboro Sicklerville, N.J.
F Arizona Reid Jr. High Point Gaffney, S.C.
F Jonathan Rodriguez Fr. Campbell Miami, Fla.
G D.J. Thompson Sr. Appalachian St. Raleigh, N.C.
Second-Team
Pos. Name Class School Hometown
F Nick Aldridge Fr. Western Carolina South Webster, Ohio
G De'Angelo Alexander Sr. Charlotte Midwest City, Okla.
G LeVonn Jordan Sr. Elon Murfreesboro, N.C.
G Jason Richards Jr. Davidson Barrington, Ill.
G Steven Rush Jr. NC A&T Greensboro, N.C.
