See All-American in final home game of the season

April Emory
February 20, 2009

Elizabeth City State All-American Anthony Hilliard has been named the 2009 CIAA Player of the Year as voted on by the CIAA Men’s Basketball Coaches Association. He now becomes the first men’s basketball player to win the award in consecutive seasons since Antwain Smith (Saint Paul’s College) won it three times (1997-1999). He is also the first man in ECSU history to win Player of the Year honor twice. This past season Hilliard led the Vikings to their second consecutive 20-win season while topping the conference in scoring and rebounding for the season straight year. Earlier this season he recorded his 1,000 career rebounds was featured the Sports Illustrated Faces in the Crowd section all while ranking 5th in the nation in scoring and 3rd overall in rebounds. Hilliard and the Vikings will play the final home basketball game of the year against Virginia Union University on February 21. The Lady Vikings’ game will begin at 1 p.m. Viking fans are encouraged to fill the stands wearing Viking t-shirts, hats, sweatshirts and more. Senior athletes will be recognized at 3 p.m. The Vikings’ basketball game begins at 5 p.m. The 2009 All-CIAA Basketball Teams will be honored at the CIAA Tournament tip off luncheon next Tuesday in Charlotte, NC.