West Virginia University forward Da’Sean Butler has been selected as the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award winner for men’s basketball.
The award, chosen by a nationwide vote of Division I men’s coaches, national basketball media and fans, is awarded annually to the most outstanding senior student-athlete in NCAA� Division I men’s basketball.
The announcement and trophy presentation were made Saturday, April 3, by Lowe’s, an official Corporate Partner of the NCAA, during the 2010 NCAA� Men’s Final Four� in Indianapolis. An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School™, the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities. The award identifies personal qualities that define a complete student-athlete, with criteria including community service, excellence in the classroom,outstanding character and competition on the court.
“I am truly honored to receive such a prestigious award. This award would not be possible without my teammates. I want to thank my teammates, the staff and our great Mountaineer fans everywhere,” Butler said. “I am grateful that I have been a role model to children and have had a positive impact on the community.”
Butler has participated in several public service projects on behalf of his school, the Big East Conference and the state of West Virginia. He has been in an anti-smoking campaign for the state and has filmed a public service announcement about respect and sportsmanship for the conference. In addition, he has spent many hours in the community volunteering with elementary school children and visiting local hospitals.
“This award could not go to a more deserving young man. As good a player as Da’Sean is on the floor, he is a far better person off the floor,” West Virginia head coach Bob Huggins said. “Rarely, if ever, do you see a young man immerse himself into a community and a state the way Da’Sean has.”
Butler’s team advanced to the NCAA Final Four where was defeated by Duke in the national semifinals. The Mountaineers’ season ended at 31-7. Butler leads the team in scoring with 17.4 points per game in addition to 6.3 rebounds and a team-high 117 assists. He led the Mountaineers to the Big East Conference tournament championship on the strength of two last-second, game-winning shots. He was named to the all-Big East first team and was the Big East tournament most valuable player.
“Da’Sean has been a vocal leader in his team’s locker room throughout his career at West Virginia, but he’s also taken the opportunity to be a vocal leader on his campus and in the community,” said Tom Lamb, Lowe’s senior vice president of marketing. “By competing and excelling at the highest level, Da’Sean has proven that he has what it takes to succeed after graduation in whatever field he chooses.”
MSNSportsNET.com