CMU's Stephan and CSM's Natesan earn RMAC preseason men's hoops accolades
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Colorado Mesa’s Ryan Stephan has been named the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference’s Preseason Player of the Year by the league’s men’s basketball coaches.
Colorado Mines’ Gokul Natesan is the RMAC’s Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.
Stephan, a senior from Lakewood, Colo., was a force to be reckoned with last year, averaging 25.3 points per game, good enough for fourth best in the NCAA. The center also pulled down 8.5 rebounds and blocked 1.41 shots per game.
The two-time All-RMAC First Team member already ranks seventh in career scoring at Colorado Mesa. He was named to the Sporting News Small College Hoops Preseason All-American First Team earlier this fall.
Natesan, a junior from Santa Clara, Calif., is one of the RMAC’s best all-around forces. He finished second in the conference in steals per game (1.8) and helped anchor an Orediggers’ defense that gave up just over 67 points per game.
Natesan provides plenty of offensive punch, as well. He was Colorado Mines’ leading scorer (15.2 ppg) and averaged 3.3 assists per contest.