The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Robert Vaden Named NABC First-Team All-District
3/4/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
March 4, 2008
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Junior guard/forward Robert Vaden has been selected as a First Team All-District performer, the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) announced on Tuesday. In earning the award, the Indianapolis, Ind. native becomes the first UAB player to earn the distinction since former UAB great Andy Kennedy was the recipient of the honor back 1991.
"This is an excellent award for Robert Vaden and something he should be very proud of," UAB head coach Mike Davis said. "As many great teams UAB has had over the years, Robert is the first player to be recognized this way by the NABC in over 15 years. It just speaks for itself on how difficult it is to earn a spot on the first team.
"Robert is one of the hardest working players I have ever coached. He is a terrific shooter, passer and ball-handler and has a great mind for the game. He should be very proud of earning this type of recognition."
Vaden is joined on the district's first team by Alabama's Richard Hendrix, Mississippi State's Jamont Gordon, Florida's Nick Calethes and South Alabama's Demetric Bennett. He is also just the third UAB player to be named first team, along with Kennedy (1989-90 and 1990-91) and Steve Mitchell (1984-85).
Vaden enters the final week of regular season play averaging 22.0 ppg (would be a school record), has hit 127-of-297 three pointers (both school records) and is shooting 87.5 percent from the charity stripe. He also ranks second in the nation in three-point field goals made per game (4.5).
Selected and voted on by member coaches of the NABC, these student-athletes represent the finest basketball players across America. The 150 student-athletes, from 15 districts, are now eligible for the State Farm Division I All-America teams to be announced on Saturday, April 5, at the 2008 NABC Convention in San Antonio.
