April 11, 2006

CHAPEL HILL --- Senior forward David Noel was selected the Most Valuable Player and junior guard Wes Miller was named the Most Improved Player and Most Outstanding Defensive Player as the 2005-06 University of North Carolina men's basketball team celebrated its season at the end-of-year awards ceremony Tuesday night at the Smith Center.

The awards were selected by vote of the Tar Heel players and coaches.

Noel was also named co-captain with Byron Sanders. Noel averaged 12.9 points and 6.8 rebounds, had 107 assists, 23 blocks and 34 steals in leading the Tar Heels to a 23-8 record.

Miller was UNC's defensive player of the game nine times and led the Tar Heels with 64 three-point field goals. He shot 44.1 percent from three-point range, the seventh-highest three-point percentage in Carolina single-season history. Last year, Miller scored 26 polnts, 196 less than he did in 2005-06.

Other awards winners included: Byron Sanders (Burgess McSwain Athletic Director's Scholar-Athlete Award); Tyler Hansbrough (Butch Bennett Award as the freshman who exemplifies determination, sportsmanship and sacrifice); and Dewey Burke (Foy Roberson Award for inspiration and behind-the-scenes contributions).

Statistical award winners included: Hansbrough for highest field goal percentage and rebounding average; Reyshawn Terry for highest free throw percentage; and Bobby Frasor for most assists.

The awards ceremony concluded with speeches from seniors Noel, Sanders, Will Robinson and Thomas Wilkins.