Men's college basketball: Iona's Clayton, Junior Joseph lead Gaels' All-MAAC quartet
The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference announced its All-MAAC selections for the 2022-23 season on Monday.
The Iona Gaels had four honorees. Walter Clayton Jr. and Nelly Junior Joseph were both All-MAAC first team selections, while Daniss Jenkins earned a spot on the All-MAAC second team, and Cruz Davis earned All-Rookie recognition.
Clayton enjoyed a career season, averaging a team-high 16.5 points per game while shooting 45.4% overall. The sophomore guard also averaged 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.9 steals per game. He also leads the nation in free-throw percentage at 94.4%.
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As for Junior Joseph, it is his second straight All-MAAC first team distinction. He averaged 15.4 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. The junior forward also posted a conference-best 18 double-doubles.
Jenkins, an impact transfer from Odessa College, averaged 15.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.2 steals per game in his first season with the Gaels. He is the only player in the conference to rank in the top 25 in all 11 statistical categories.
Davis earned All-Rookie honors as a key reserve for the Gaels. He appeared in 23 games, including seven starts, and averaged 6.7 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game. He netted a season-high 16 points against Marist on Jan. 6.
"It feels good, it's nice, but we're just focused on the MAAC Tournament," Clayton said about he and his teammates' latest accolades. "Just getting three wins."
Major individual awards, like MAAC player, coach, rookie, defensive and sixth man of the year awards will be announced on Wednesday morning.
All-MAAC first team
Walter Clayton Jr., IonaNelly Junior Joseph, IonaAnt Nelson, ManhattanNoah Thomasson, NiagaraDwight Murray Jr., Rider
All-MAAC second team
Patrick Gardner, MaristDaniss Jenkins, IonaDezi Jones, QuinnipiacMervin James, RiderJackson Stormo, Siena
All-MAAC third team
Jalen Benjamin, Mount St. Mary'sSupreme Cook, FairfieldJordan Henderson, CanisiusJavian McCollum, SienaJosh Roberts, Manhattan
MAAC All-Rookie team
Isaiah Brickner, MaristCruz Davis, IonaMichael Eley, SienaTahj Staveskie, CanisiusCorey Washington, Saint Peter's
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This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: College basketball: Four Iona players earn All-MAAC honors for 2022-23
