Several stories of MIAA/BCL players on their way to the NCAA Men's
Basketball Tournament will be coming forward in the days ahead, but one
story is a sequel to one of the most amazing "big dance" tales in
tournament history. That's right, George Mason is back.
Mount
St. Joseph grad Will Thomas, who was such an integral part of the
Patriots' amazing run to Final Four in 2006, will attempt to help his
club recapture the nation's imagination, as he returns to the dance as
a senior. Mason earned the right with three wins and the tournament
title at the Colonial Athletic Conference Tournament, including a win
over William & Mary in last night's championship game.
Thomas,
however, is not the only St. Joe Gael in the Mason lineup. Sophomore
Louis Birdsong, who like Thomas, was part of MIAA and BCL championship
teams at St. Joe, is another key performer for the Patriots.
Thomas
has been a star since day one of his college career. As a freshman, he
made the CAA All-Rookie team. He a member of the conference
All-Defensive Team as sophomore and scored six double-doubles,
including three in the NCAA Tournament. He was also the Player of the
Game as Mason won its Regional to advance to the Final Four. In the
last two years, he has a first team All-CAA selection.
In last night's CAA title game, Thomas scored 18 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. He was also named to the All-Tournament team.
Birdsong
also made a huge impact as a freshman, especially on the boards. This
year he has appeared in 33 games and made 26 starts. He is averaging
four rebounds and six points per game.
