Center Brian Qvale named to All-District VIII team
3/10/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
March 10, 2011
University of Montana center Brian Qvale has been named to the prestigious, 10-team All-District VIII 2010-11 team by the United States Basketball Writers Association today.
District VIII includes players from seven states: Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. The USBWA will announce its men's All-American team on Monday, March 14.
Qvale (pronounced quall-ee) , a 6-11 senior from Williston, N.D., was recently named the Big Sky Conference's "Defensive Player of the Year." He was also a unanimous all-league selection.
A four-year letterman at Montana, Qvale led the 21-10 Grizzlies in scoring and rebounding this season, averaging 14.9 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. He has had 10 double-doubles so far this year.
He was third in the nation in the most recent (March 6) NCAA rankings in field goal percentage (62.7%), was 13th in blocked shots per game (3.0), and 56th in rebounds per game (8.7).
Qvale has 92 blocks this season, just one shy of the Big Sky single-season record of 93 set by Idaho State's Slim Millien in the 2005-06 season. The all-time career shot blocker in conference history, he now has 244 rejections.
His 715 career rebounds are the eighth most in school history, while he is now at 23rd in career scoring with 1,131 points.
"This is great recognition for 'BQ'," said UM Head Coach Wayne Tinkle. "It goes to show you how respected he is not only in our conference, but in our District as well. It is a much-deserved honor for such a great young man and player. He has worked hard to come so far in his time here at The University of Montana."
The only other Big Sky player named to the squad was Northern Colorado senior guard Devon Beitzel.
All-District 8 team:
Devon Beitzel, Northern Colorado
Alec Burks, Colorado
Will Clyburn, Utah
Jackson Emery, BYU
Jimmer Fredette, BYU
Dairese Gary, New Mexico
Cory Higgins, Colorado
Andy Ogide, Colorado State
Tai Wesley, Utah State
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jimmer Fredette, BYU
COACH OF THE YEAR: Dave Rose, BYU
