Albany, NY - Manhattan sophomore forward
Pauly Paulicap (Elmont, NY / Harcum College) was named MAAC Defensive Player Of The Year at the league's annual Major Award Winners Banquet.
Paulicap averaged a MAAC-best 2.6 blocks per game (16th NCAA) while ranking fourth in the circuit with 6.7 rpg and rejected at least three shots 14 times, including at least five on five occasions and a career-high six twice.
Thanks to Paulicap's play, the Jaspers are among the top-three in the MAAC in six defensive categories: turnovers forced (15.0-2nd; 43rd NCAA), rebounding defense (33.7-2nd), scoring defense (70.1 ppg-2nd), blocks (3.9 bpg-2nd; 97th NCAA), field goal percentage defense (.439-3rd) and three-point field goal percentage defense (.346-3rd).
His 77 total rejections are also the fourth-most in the Jaspers' single-season annals.
Paulicap also averaged 9.8 ppg with four double-doubles in becoming just the second student-athlete in school history win the MAAC's highest defensive honor, joining 3x MAAC Defensive Player of the Year
Rhamel Brown.
Junior
Samson Usilo (Lagos, Nigeria / Nazareth (NY)) and sophomore
Jesse Boyce (Thornwood, NY / Westlake) were each also announced as members of the MAAC 2017-2018 Men's Basketball All-Academic Team.
No. 5 Manhattan will open MAAC Tournament play on Saturday, March 3 against No. 4 Iona at 9:30 pm.
MAAC Major Award Winners
Co-Player of the Year: Jermaine Crumpton – Canisius & Kahlil Dukes – Niagara
Defensive Player of the Year: Pauly Paulicap – Manhattan
Sixth Player of the Year: Frederick Scott – Rider
Rookie of the Year: Takal Molson – Canisius
Coach of the Year: Kevin Baggett – Rider
