The New England Basketball Hall of Fame announced the new award this year, which honors a team's consistent achievements both athletically and academically. The College of the Holy Cross women's basketball team was also honored. Daniel E. Doyle, Jr., executive director of the Institute for International Sport, which administers the New England Basketball Hall of Fame, commented on the prestige of the award. "It is a very important award," he said. "It recognizes programs which teach not only athletic skills, but life skills as well."
On Oct. 7, the two teams were inducted into the Hall of Fame. Amherst Head Coach David Hixon '75 attended the induction ceremony at the University of Rhode Island.
Amherst Athletic Director Suzanne Coffey spoke highly of Hixon's dedication and leadership. "It is a fitting tribute to Coach David Hixon's tremendous leadership as a teacher, mentor and coach that the New England Basketball Hall of Fame would choose to honor Amherst men's basketball," said Coffey. "On and off the court … [they] represent the best of what college sports are all about."
Senior center Daniel O'Shea also praised his teammates. "Since my freshman year, I have been amazed with not only the intensity and drive of our team to succeed on the court, but also with the character and maturity of our players off the court," he said.
2005-06 team captain John Casnocha '06 attributed much of the team's success to the players' camaraderie. "When you have a group of players who are both talented and best friends, great things will happen," said Casnocha.
O'Shea and other players on this year's team look forward to upholding this standard of excellence. "This award serves as a reminder to everyone in the program to continue to work hard in the classroom and on the basketball court," said O'Shea.
The Jeffs kick off their season on Nov. 17-18, by hosting the annual Ken Wright '52 Invitational.