Deontay (D.J.) Smith named AUS rookie of the year

UPEI men's basketball guard Deontay (D.J.) Smith of North Preston, N.S., was named the Atlantic University Sport rookie of the year for the 2012-13 season during the conference banquet on February 28 in Halifax, N.S.

Smith finished fifth in league scoring with 17.3 points per game and started all 20 games. He was also named an AUS first team all-star, finished second in the conference for assists (4.4 per game) and seventh in league rebounding with seven per game. He reached double figures in 18 of 20 games this season, including eight 20-plus point efforts.

'We are very proud of D.J. here at UPEI,' said head coach Tim Kendrick. 'We knew we were getting a very good basketball player and an even better young man. He has done everything that has been asked of him, and more!'

Smith will represent the conference as the AUS nominee for the Dr. Peter Mullins trophy at the CIS awards ceremony.

The AUS first and second all-stars were announced during the ceremony, along with this year's all-rookie team. Smith was the only Panther announced as a first team all-star, while Smith and teammate Mandrez Downey (also from North Preston) were named to the all-rookie team.

Congratulations to D.J. and Mandrez!