March 5, 2012

Mitchell Watt Named Mid-American Conference Player of the Year

BUFFALO, NY – University at Buffalo senior forward Mitchell Watt was named the Mid-American Conference Player of the Year on Monday as voted on by the MAC News Media Association. He is just the second UB player to earn the award as current assistant coach Turner Battle also took home the honor in 2005.

"It's thrilling to see his development and to see him evolve as a man to get to the point where he has that level of impact on not only his teammates, but the entire conference," head coach Reggie Witherspoon said. "I know how difficult it is for someone from Buffalo to get an award like this. I'm just elated for Mitch, his teammates, our staff and his family."

Watt is having a breakout season for the Bulls. He is averaging 16 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.4 blocked shots per game – all career highs. He ranks in the top four in the conference in five different categories, including scoring (4^th), rebounding (4^th), field goal percentage (4^th), blocked shots (2^nd) and defensive rebounds (3^rd).

The Goodyear, AZ native had a strong finish to season, helping the Bulls earn their best ever conference record (12-4) and highest seed in the FirstEnergy Mid-American Conference Tournament (2^nd). Over the final ten games of the regular season, Watt averaged 18 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, while shooting 58 percent from the field.

Watt also added the three-point shot to his arsenal this season. After not even attempting a three-pointer over the first three years of his career, Watt connected on 10-of-30 three-point attempts this season

"I attribute all of my success to my coaching staff, most importantly Turner Battle, the original Buffalo MAC Player of the Year. He taught me a lot over the years that helped me grow as a player and a man," Watt said. "When I look at things that I have done right, it's hard to overlook what my teammates have done as well. When I have gone into lulls, they have picked me up."

The Bulls will next play against a yet-to-be-determined opponent in the semifinals of the MAC Tournament on Friday night at 9:30 pm in Cleveland.