March 8, 2010

From Lehigh Athletic Communications

Bethlehem, Pa. - Lehigh's C.J. McCollum has been named to the 2010 Sporting News All-Freshman Team, it was announced on Monday. McCollum, who leads all freshmen nationally in scoring was named to the Second Team, and is one of only ten freshmen from around the nation named to the teams. The Ohio native was joined by the likes of John Wall (Kentucky), Xavier Henry (Kansas), Derrick Favors (Georgia Tech), Derrick Williams (Arizona) and DeMarcus Cousins (Kentucky) on the First Team and Kawhi Leonard (San Diego State), Hassan Whiteside (Marshall), Alec Burks (Colorado) and Elias Harris (Gonzaga) on the Second Team.

McCollum made history last week when he became the first player in Patriot League history to be named the league's Player and Rookie of the Year. McCollum was also named First-Team All-League as well as to the All-Rookie Team. That same day the 6-3 guard tied the Patriot League mark for the most Rookie of the Week awards with his ninth, tying teammate Marquis Hall (2006-07) and Bucknell's Kevin Bettencourt (2002-03).

McCollum leads the Mountain Hawks and is second in the Patriot League in scoring at 18.9 points per game, and his 585 points this season are the most by a freshman in League and school history. McCollum is also averaging 4.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.2 steals, while shooting 43% from three-point range and 81% at the foul line.

McCollum has led Lehigh in scoring 17 times this season with 27 games of 10 or more points, 15 games with 20 or more and three games of 30 or more, including a season best 33 versus Army on February 13. He is also the first freshman in school history to post eight games of 25 or more points.

With McCollum's selection to the Sporting News All-Freshman Team, it marks the second time in the last four years that Lehigh has produced a Freshman All-America. Hall garnered the honor in 2007.

McCollum and the Mountain Hawks prepare for the Patriot League Championship at home against rival Lafayette on Friday at 4:45 p.m. on ESPN2. Tickets are $16 for adults and $8 for seniors and students.