This marks the second time in program history that two Friars have been named to the All-Freshman team in the same season.
PROVIDENCE, R.I.- Providence College men’s basketball freshmen Ryan Mela (Natick, Mass.) and Oswin Erhunmwunse (Benin City, Nigeria) were named to the BIG EAST All-Freshman Team, which was announced by the league office on March 9. This marks just the second time in program history that two Friar freshmen earned All-Freshman Team honors in the same season, joining the ranks of Sharaud Curry and Geoff McDermott who were named to the All-Freshman Team in 2006.
Erhunmwunse leads the team in field goal percentage (71.9 percent), rebounds (168/5.42 rpg), and blocks (50/1.6 bpg). He has started 23 of 31 games this season, Erhunmwunse is averaging 6.5 ppg in his first season as a Friar . He ranks fifth in the BIG EAST in blocks per game (1.61) and offensive rebounding (2.32).
At 71.9 percent, Erhunmwunse has connected on 87 of his 121 attempts from the field. He recorded his first double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds against Seton Hall on Jan. 11.
Mela earned BIG EAST Freshman of the Week honors twice in his rookie season (Jan. 13 and Jan. 20). He concluded the regular season with 172 points (6.1 points per game) and appeared in 28 games, starting eight. He is averaging 6.1 points and 5.2 rebound per game. In league action, Mela leads all BIG EAST freshmen in rebounds per game (6.16) and defensive rebounds per game (4.29).
He recorded two double-doubles this season, including his first one on Jan. 8 against Butler where Mela finished with 10 points and a career-high 15 rebounds.
The Friars will return to action in the BIG EAST Tournament on Wednesday, March 12 versus Butler at 4 p.m. on Peacock.
BIG EAST ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM
*Liam McNeeley, Connecticut, F, Fr., 6-7, 210, Richardson, Texas
Jackson McAndrew, Creighton, F, Fr., 6-10, 220, Wayzata, Minn.
*Thomas Sorber, Georgetown, F-C, Fr., 6-10, 255, Trenton, N.J.
Royce Parham, Marquette, F, Fr., 6-8, 230, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Oswin Erhunmwunse, Providence, F, Fr., 6-10, 220, Benin City, Nigeria
Ryan Mela, Providence, F, Fr., 6-6, 220, Natick, Mass.
