NAPERVILLE, Ill. -- North Park Men's Basketball put a pair of senior guards on the 2024-25 College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) all-conference team, announced by the league office on Monday afternoon. Rico Powell was a first-team selection while Lance Nelson was awarded second-team honors.
Powell, who joined the Vikings this year after a season with Division II Post University, led North Park in just about every category through CCIW action, including Points per Game (15.5), Total Points (248), Three-Point Percentage (39.5), Shots Made (84), Free Throws Made (46), Steals (31), and Rebounds (101). He established career highs with four steals at Millikin, five threes made against Augustana, and was only held to single-digit scoring totals in three CCIW games.
Nelson spent three seasons with North Park, becoming the only player to start in all 25 games this year. In conference action, Nelson led the Vikings with 62 assists. He was second on the team with 27 Threes Made and third on the team in Points per Game (9.8) and Shots made (60). He totaled 66 rebounds, 15 steals, blocked three shots, and shot 60-for-127 (47.2%) from the field. Nelson's play-making ability is showcased in his nearly 3-to-1 TO/AST ratio, assisting on 62 scores while turning it over just 25 times in CCIW play.
Additionally, sophomore forward DJ Wallace was North Park's recipient of the CCIW's RESPECT Award.
About the RESPECT Award
At the conclusion of every sports season, each varsity program will recognize one student-athlete as their RESPECT Award honoree. RESPECT Award recipients have distinguished themselves as an integral member of the team, their institution and community by upholding the values of Responsibility, Enthusiasm, Service, Pride, Excellence, Collaboration and Trust. The RESPECT Award recognizes the intangible traits a student-athlete possesses that exemplify great character and encourages inclusiveness and a positive culture.
Ahead for NPU
The Vikings will continue their season tomorrow, Feb. 25, by hosting North Central College at 7:00 PM for a CCIW Quarterfinal game in Chicago.
