Gansey, who averaged 16.3 points per game, gave credit to those around him for helping him onto the team.
“It’s an honor for my teammates too,” Gansey said after being named to the squad. “Without them or the coaching staff, I never would have been able to get this award. It’s very special for Kevin and myself.”
While many players might be thinking about what the award means to them, Gansey took the longer view.
“The Big East is one of the best conferences in the country, so it’s great to be a part of that. Somewhere down the road it will be in a record book or something, and I’ll be able to tell my kids and my grandkids about it. Maybe they’ll say ‘hey, Dad was a part of that,” he concluded with a laugh.
Kevin Pittsnogle
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Pittsnogle was likewise humble about the award, noting that the elite roster of players on the squad is what makes it special.
“It’s a great honor. There are not many players that get on that team, and there are great players on it every year. I just feel honored to be on there with the other guys on it this year,” the Martinsburg, W. Va. native said.
There’s no doubt that the pair of juniors earned this award with their play on the court. Pittsnogle put on an outstanding shooting display from three-point range in the tournament, finishing with 61 points in WVU’s four games. He also collected 16 rebounds and had three assists and two blocks.
Gansey totaled 65 points during the week, snared 19 rebounds, dished out 13 assists and added eight steals and two blocks in a supreme all-around effort.