Oct. 27, 2008

Santa Clara senior John Bryant has been named to the 2008 pre-season COLLEGEHOOPS.NET Mid-Major All-America Second Team. Bryant, who led the West Coast Conference in rebounds and blocks and was second in scoring as a junior, returns this season 30 pounds lighter after spending the summer working hard in the weight room with strength and conditioning coach Joe Siara.

Already the school career blocks leader with 162 blocked shots in his first three years, Bryant is No. 23 in all-time scoring with 1,071 points. Bryant was named to the first team All-WCC team last year and is a preseason All-WCC selection this year.

"It's a great honor for John and our program to be recognized. I am sure that John will use it as further motivation to have a great senior season and help his team in every way possible," said Santa Clara head coach Kerry Keating. "John has worked hard and gotten better and will graduate this year. We are all excited for him and looking forward to his senior year at Santa Clara."

The Broncos first game is Fri., Nov. 7 vs. CSU Monterey Bay, an exhibition, and the first regular season home game is on Fri., Nov. 14 vs. CSU East Bay at 7 pm. Both games will be played at the Leavey Center.

The following is a list of COLLEGEHOOPS.NET's Mid-Major Preseason Awards:

CollegeHoops.net Preseason Mid-Major Player of the Year: Stephen Curry (Davidson)

CollegeHoops.net First Team Mid-Major All-America

Stephen Curry Davidson JR G

Patrick Mills Saint Mary's SO G

Lester Hudson UT-Martin SR G

Matt Howard Butler SO F

Diamon Simpson Saint Mary's SR F

CollegeHoops.net Second Team Mid-Major All-America

John Bryant Santa Clara SR C

Al Fisher Kent State SR G

Josh Akognon Fullerton SR G

Kenny Hasbrouck Siena SR G

Marqus Blakely Vermont JR F