Mocs Justin Tuoyo Named SoCon Defensive Player of the Year

SPARTANBURG, S.C.—Chattanooga Mocs sophomore forward Justin Tuoyo was named the Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year the league office announced Tuesday morning. Tuoyo makes it a repeat for Chattanooga following Z. Mason from a year ago.

Tuoyo also earned All-SoCon coaches along with junior Casey Jones. Jones is a repeat on that team, while garnering first team media as well. Tuoyo is listed on the second team by the media, while Greg Pryor received third team mention.

“I’m biased, but I thought Tuoyo was a foregone conclusion,” coach Will Wade smiled. “He’s had a tremendous impact on our basketball team, especially on the defensive end of the floor. He’s blocked more shots than 187 schools entering play yesterday and is the first player in school history with 100 blocks.

“I’m really happy to see Casey and Greg honored as well,” he continued. “Greg is one of our hardest workers, and you love to see hard work appreciated and rewarded. Casey is a talented player who has been consistent for us all season.

“As a coach, I am excited we have two sophomores and a junior being recognized,” Wade concluded. “That speaks to the stability of our program moving forward if we all keep working hard.”

The coaches and media agreed on all the major awards. Along with Tuoyo as Defensive Player of the Year, Karl Cochran (Wofford) was tabbed Player of the Year, Devin Sibley (Furman) Freshman of the Year and Mike Young (Wofford) Coach of the Year.

The three honorees is a good omen. The last time the Mocs had three players honored was the 1997 NCAA Sweet 16 season. That year Johnny Taylor (1st team), Willie Young (2nd) and Chris Mims (2nd) were honored. Three is the school record with a trio also named in 1982, 1984, 1992, 1994 and 1995.

UTC is 22-9, 15-3 in the SoCon. The 22 wins in the regular season is a first since 1992-93 (23). The 20 regular season wins over DI schools ties the school’s best with the 1987 team.

Chattanooga is the No. 2 seed in the upcoming SoCon Championship presented by General Shale in Asheville, N.C. It has a first round bye and awaits Friday’s winner between (7) The Citadel and (10) Furman. The Mocs quarterfinal contest is Saturday at 6 p.m.

Listen to the game live on US 101 the Legend at 96.1 FM in the Scenic City, or go to the men’s basketball schedule page on GoMocs.com for links to ESPN3.com broadcast, audio (free) and live stats. You can follow @GoMocsMBB on twitter for live updates as well.

2015 SoCon Men’s Basketball Awards – COACHES
All-Conference Team
Casey Jones, Chattanooga
Justin Tuoyo, Chattanooga
Ashton Moore, The Citadel
Jalen Riley, ETSU
Stephen Croone, Furman
Darious Moten, Mercer
Ike Nwamu, Mercer
James Sinclair, Western Carolina
Karl Cochran, Wofford
Lee Skinner, Wofford

All-Freshman Team
Jake Wright, The Citadel
Daniel Fowler, Furman
Devin Sibley, Furman
Stephon Jelks, Mercer
Christen Cunningham, Samford

Player of the Year
Karl Cochran, Sr., G, Wofford

Defensive Player of the Year
Justin Tuoyo, So., F, Chattanooga

Freshman of the Year
Devin Sibley, G, Furman

Coach of the Year
Mike Young, Wofford

2015 Men’s SoCon Sports Media Association Awards
All-Conference First Team
Casey Jones, Chattanooga
Ashton Moore, The Citadel
Jalen Riley, ETSU
James Sinclair, Western Carolina
Karl Cochran, Wofford

All-Conference Second Team
Justin Tuoyo, Chattanooga
Stephen Croone, Furman
Darious Moten, Mercer
Ike Nwamu, Mercer
Lee Skinner, Wofford

All-Conference Third Team
Greg Pryor, Chattanooga
Rashawn Rembert, ETSU
Tevon Saddler, UNCG
Darius Jones-Gibson, Samford
Spencer Collins, Wofford

All-Freshman Team
Jake Wright, The Citadel
Daniel Fowler, Furman
Devin Sibley, Furman
Christen Cunningham, Samford
Evan Taylor, Samford

Malcolm U. Pitt Player of the Year
Karl Cochran, Sr., G, Wofford

Freshman of the Year
Devin Sibley, G, Furman

Anton Foy Coach of the Year
Mike Young, Wofford

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ABOUT CHATTANOOGA BASKETBALL
– The Mocs are by far the most successful program in the Southern Conference since joining the league in 1977-78. The team has won 28 titles with 10 regular season, 10 tournament and eight division.
– 15 NCAA Tournament Appearances: 1961 (DII), 1973 (DII), 1975 (DII), 1976 (DII Runner-up), 1977 (DII National Champs), 1981, 1982, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997 (Sweet 16), 2005, 2009
– 10 SoCon Tournament Crowns: 1981, 1982, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 2005, 2009
– 10 SoCon Regular Season Championships: 1981, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994
– 8 Division Titles: 1995, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2011
– The 1997 team went to the NCAA Sweet 16 with wins over Georgia and Illinois.
– 5 SoCon Players of the Year: Willie White (1981-82), Keith Nelson (1991-92), Tim Brooks (1992-93), Chad Copeland (1993-94) and Johnny Taylor (1996-97).
– 1 SoCon Defensive Player of the Year: Z. Mason (2014).
– 3 SoCon Coaches of the Year: Murray Arnold (1982, ’83), Mack McCarthy (1986, ’92, ’93) and Will Wade (2014).
– 9 NBA Draft Picks: Walter “Moose” McGary (1973 & ’74), William Gordon (1977), Wayne Golden (1977), Russ Schoene (1982), Nick Morken (1982), Willie White (1984), Gerald Wilkins (1985, 13 seasons) and Johnny Taylor (1997 1st Round).