FAMU freshman guard MJ Randolph running a fast break against B-CU on Feb. 23
Sydne Vigille | The Famuan
With Florida A&M’s 2018-19 basketball season officially in the books, there were some notable Rattlers who were awarded Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) team honors this past Friday.
Senior guard Justin Ravenel was able to find his way onto the All-MEAC first-team list, after previously being predicted to finish lower (All-MEAC third team) according to MEAC preseason polls. Ravenel finished as the Rattlers leading scorer, recording 15.6 points per game and finishing as FAMU’s all-time leader in three-pointers made (281).
Ravenel was also able to knock down a conference-high 104 three-pointers to go along with a 46.4 percent three-point field goal percentage, which landed him second within the MEAC.
Although Ravenel is very appreciative of the award, he still describes the feeling of this moment as surreal and credits those around him.
“It really hasn’t hit me yet, because a lot of my friends and family are still sending me thank you texts and calls,” Ravenel said. “It’s really humbling at this moment, but I’m very proud of what I’ve what been able to accomplish this year.”
“Coach (Robert) McCollum was able to challenge me as a player and he’s been one of the bigger impacts on my game since I’ve been here and that’s just his willingness to be a great coach and leader on and off the court,” Ravenel said.
Also freshman guard and Pensacola native MJ Randolph saw himself get selected to the All-MEAC rookie team and was named as the MEAC Rookie of the Year. Randolph finished the season averaging 7.2 points per game to along with 3.9 rebounds on 51 percent shooting from the field.
With Randolph receiving these honors early within his collegiate career, fellow teammate Kamron Reaves was able to shine a light on Randolph’s work ethic and growth throughout the season.
“When MJ (Randolph) first came in, I saw him playing preseason pick-up games and I immediately knew he was going to be a problem,” Reaves said. “The kid has a lot of heart and he showcases a strong work ethic on the basketball court.”
“He’s a freshman, but his overall game and pose on the floor is similar to that of a veteran, and that is why he got the award,” Reaves stated.
Also, freshman guard Mya Moye was able to cap off the awards for the Rattlers, by receiving the selection to the All-MEAC rookie team. Moye finished the season as the team’s leading scorer, as she averaged 11.4 points per game.
FAMU freshman guard Mya Moye shooting a tough layup against Edward Waters defenders on Dec. 1
Sydne Vigille | The Famuan
Although Moye was happy to receive the award, FAMU women’s head coach Kevin Lynum believes Moye praises team success over individual accolades.
“She was happy to win the award, however team success is what she desires the most, and that is what makes her a forward thinker,” Lynum stated.
Although Moye is just a freshman, Lynum feels as though she has matured as a leader and a player throughout the season.
“Mya has really matured and developed as a player,” Lynum said. “Mya has really come along this year and showed why she is going to be one of the top players in this conference (MEAC) for the next few years, because of how much she has added to her game, and for her the sky is the limit.”