Barea, James earn major conference awards
March 2, 2006
Richmond, Va.

Senior Jose Juan Barea accepts his award for the 2005-06 CAA Player of the Year

Senior Jose Juan Barea has been named the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Player of the Year, as announced at Thursday evening's CAA Awards Banquet in Richmond, Va. Sophomore Shawn James also received a major conference honor, being named the league's Defensive Player of the Year.

Barea also received All-Conference First Team honors, while James received All-Conference Third Team marks in leading Northeastern to a 17-10 overall record and 12-6 mark in Northeastern's inaugural season in the CAA.

Barea led the league in both scoring (21.4 points per game) and assists (8.4 assists per game), good for 18th and second in the nation, respectively, making him the only player to rank among the top 20 in both categories nationally. He also ranks fifth in the league in 3-point field goals made and sixth in assist/turnover ratio. During his four years at Northeastern, Barea twice earned a selection to the America East All-Conference first team and a third team nomination as a freshman. He currently ranks second on Northeastern’s all-time scoring list behind Reggie Lewis (1984-87) and second in assists behind Andre LaFleur (1984-87).

James currently leads the conference and nation in blocked shots, averaging 6.52 blocks per game. With 176 blocks during the regular season, he ranks second in the CAA’s single-season records to David Robinson of Navy who blocked 207 shots in 1985-86. He has recorded two triple-doubles this season and blocked 10 or more shots on five occasions. James also ranks third in the league in rebounding, grabbing 7.9 boards per game. He averages 12.0 points per game on a .532 shooting percentage, which is fourth overall in the CAA. As a rookie last season, James was named the America East's Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year and an All-Conference Third Team selection.

The Huskies begin their quest for the CAA Conference Championship this weekend, as they take on 12th-seeded James Madison on Friday afternoon beginning at 2:30 p.m. in Richmond, Va.