Arcidiacono named Big 5 Rookie of the Year

The Big 5 isn't a conference in the classic sense, but the five schools that comprise the Philadelphia tradition take it seriously. The organization annually names an honor roll of awardees, patting the best of Philadelphia's college basketball athletes (well, except for Drexel, but that's what they get for showing up late to the Division I game).

Among this year's awards, Ryan Arcidiacono was named the Rookie of the Year. After leading the Wildcats with 2.8 assists per game and coming in second with 11.9 points per game, the freshman was integral in the 'Cats successes this season. He was also named to the All-Big 5 second team, along with graduating senior Mouphtaou Yarou.

Darrun Hilliard was named the Most Improved Player for the Big 5 as well, averaging 11.4 points and 2.8 rebounds per game, up from 4.8 and 2.4, respectively. JayVaughn Pinkston, meanwhile, was named to the All-Big 5 first team, after leading the team with 13.3 points per game and adding a second-best 5.0 rebounds per contest, despite serving as the 6th man for a large portion of the season.

The award winners will be honored at the annual Big 5 Banquet on April 29th at the Palestra.

ALL-BIG 5 FIRST TEAM

• Khalif Wyatt, Temple*
• Ramon Galloway, La Salle
• Tyreek Duren, La Salle
• JayVaughn Pinkston, Villanova
• Ronald Roberts, St. Joseph's