Three Eagles Honored With MAC Postseason Awards

CLEVELAND, Ohio (EMUEagles.com) — The Eastern Michigan University men's basketball team saw three of its student-athletes honored by the Mid-American Conference Monday, March 7, as the league office announced its postseason award teams. EMU sophomore Tim Bond (Baltimore, Md.-City College) was named to the MAC's first ever All-Defensive team, while redshirt junior Raven Lee (Detroit, Mich.-Romulus) earned All-MAC Honorable Mention accolades. In addition, freshman James Thompson IV (Baton Rouge, La.-Parkview Baptist) was named to the All-MAC Second Team, along with earning All-Freshman team honors.

Bond earned all-defensive team accolades following an exceptional season for the Green and White. The sophomore led the Mid-American Conference in steals at 1.9 per game and 61 in total. The 61 steals ties former Eagle Michael Ross for the fourth-most in single season history. The Baltimore, Md. native Bond has recorded three-or-more steals in six games this season, while picking the opponent's pocket at least twice in 19 games. On the year, the sophomore has recorded a steal in all but two games, and versus Toledo, March 4, Bond swiped the ball on eight occasions which ties for the second most in a game in EMU history. In addition to his ability to intercept on the defensive end, the 6-foot-7 guard has become a prolific shot blocker for the Eagles. Bond averages 0.7 blocked shots per game, which is 15th best in the conference, while he has two-or-more blocks in four games this year.

This is the second consecutive season that Lee has earned postseason accolades from the MAC. The Detroit, Mich. native is currently averaging 14.6 points per game, good for 11th in the conference while connecting on 81.5 percent of his free throw attempts, which is the fifth-best mark in the MAC. Additionally, Lee has been strong on the defensive end for EMU, posting 1.2 steals per contest, marking the 11th most in the MAC. He is also one of five Eagles in the top 15 for steals. Earlier this season, the 6-foot-3 combo guard posted a career-best 46 points versus Miami, Feb. 2. That number not only ranks second all-time in EMU history, but was the most points scored by any student-athlete in NCAA Division I basketball this season at the time. Lee continues his rise to greatness in the EMU scoring record book as he has 1,376 points to his name, ranking 15th-most in the Eastern Michigan laurels.

Thompson has proved that he is one of the best freshman, not only in the MAC, but in the country during the 2015-16 campaign. The Baton Rouge, La. native is currently averaging 15 points per game, good for 10th in the league, while leading the conference in rebounds at 10.5 per contest. Overall this season, Thompson has connected on 64.2 percent of his field goal opportunities which is the highest mark in the conference, while his 44 blocks is the third most in the MAC. The 6-foot-10 center has corralled 327 rebounds this year which is the fifth-most in a single season in EMU history, while his field goal percentage ranks second-best in a single campaign. In addition, Thompson has recorded 17 double-doubles which is the best in the conference, while his 464 points scored this season is the most by an EMU freshman, breaking his teammate, Lee, former record of 380 points, which he set two seasons ago. His 17 double-doubles ranks seventh in a career at Eastern Michigan, while the freshman also tied an NCAA record when he made 26 consecutive field goals. That number was broken later this season. Thompson was the first Eagle to be named to both the Second Team All-MAC and All-Freshman team since Brandon Bowdry. Bowdry was named to the second team in 2009, 2010 and 2011, while earning All-Freshman honors in 2007-08. He is just the fourth All-Freshman team awardwinner in EMU history.

The No. 8-seeded Green and White begin Mid-American Conference Tournament play Monday, March 7, at 7:30 p.m. when the Eagles host the No. 9 seed, the University of Toledo. The game will be the second leg of a doubleheader as the No. 6-seeded EMU women's team will take on No. 11 Kent State University at 5 p.m. To secure tickets to round one of the MAC Tournament visit EMUEagles.com/tickets or call 734.487.2282. EMU students will be admitted free with a valid student ID. Fans can purchase green level premium seats for $12, while youth tickets will cost $7. Single-game white level reserved tickets will be $10 and youth seating will be $5. Additionally, courtside seats will be available for $50 per seat. These tickets will be available on a first come, first serve basis.

All-MAC First Team
Isaiah Johnson, C, Akron
Chris Fowler, G, Central Michigan
Jimmy Hall, F, Kent State
Antonio Campbell, C, Ohio
Nathan Boothe, F/C, Toledo

All-MAC Second Team
James Thompson IV, C, Eastern Michigan
Reggie McAdams, F, Akron
Franko House, F, Ball State
Jaaron Simmons, G, Ohio
Thomas Wilder, G, Western Michigan

All-MAC Third Team
Lamonte Bearden, G, Buffalo
Blake Hamilton, W, Buffalo
Braylon Rayson, G, Central Michigan
Marin Maric, C, Northern Illinois
Jonathan Williams, G, Toledo

All-MAC Honorable Mention
Raven Lee, G, Eastern Michigan
Antino Jackson, G, Akron
Spencer Parker, F, Bowling Green
Eric Washington, G, Miami
Geovonie McKnight, G, Miami

All-Freshman Team
James Thompson IV, C, Eastern Michigan
Josh Williams, G, Akron
CJ Massinburg, G, Buffalo
Marshawn Wilson, G, Northern Illinois
Jordan Dartis, G, Ohio

All-Defensive Team
Tim Bond, F, Eastern Michigan
Franko House, F, Ball State
Willie Conner, W, Buffalo
Khaliq Spicer, C, Kent State
Aaric Armstead, G, Northern Illinois

Players Mentioned

Tim Bond

Ray Lee

James Thompson IV

Eastern Michigan Athletics