Iona stars David Laury and A.J. English were unanimous selections to the All-MAAC First Team named on Monday, while freshman sharpshooter Schadrac Casimir made the All-Rookie Team.
Laury and English were joined by Manhattan’s Emmy Andujar, Quinnipiac’s Zaid Hearst, Rider’s Matt Lopez and Monmouth’s Justin Robinson, according to MAAC guru Josh Newman of the Asbury Park Press.
Laury and English are the stars of an Iona team that is 24-7 and 17-3 in the MAAC and is locked in as the No. 1 seed in the upcoming league tournament.
“We’re extremely proud of A.J., Dave and Sed for being recognized for their hard work so far this season,” Iona coach Tim Cluess said. “We’re looking forward to a hard fought conference tournament this weekend in Albany and hopefully they continue their success.”
ESPN’s Joe Lunardi has the Gaels as a No. 13 seed in the NCAA Tournament, assuming they handle their business in Albany.
Even if they don’t, Siena’s Jimmy Patsos believes they belong in the Dance.
“I believe that Iona deserves an at large bid if they don’t win the MAAC Championship,” Patsos said on the weekly conference call, according to Newman.
Here are the All-MAAC teams per Newman:
All-MAAC first team
Emmy Andujar, Sr., F, Manhattan
A.J. English, Jr., G, Iona (Unanimous)
Zaid Hearst, Sr., G, Quinnipiac
David Laury, Sr., F, Iona (Unanimous)
Matt Lopez, Sr., C, Rider
Justin Robinson, So., G, Monmouth
All-MAAC second team
Schadrac Casimir, Fr., G, Iona
Marvin Dominique, Sr., F, St. Peter’s
Ousmane Drame, Sr., F, Quinnipiac
Chavaughn Lewis, Sr., F, Marist
Teddy Okereafor, Jr., G, Rider
All-MAAC third team
Marcus Gilbert, Jr., F, Fairfield
Deon Jones, RS-Jr., G, Monmouth
Zach Lewis, So., G, Canisius
Ashton Pankey, Jr., F, Manhattan
Rob Poole, Sr., G, Siena
All-MAAC rookie team
Schadrac Casimir, G, Iona
Ayron Hutton, G, Quinnipiac
Tyler Nelson, G, Fairfield
Dominique Reid, F, Niagara
Kassisus Robertson, G, Canisius