Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 8, 1995 TAG: 9503080095
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DOUG DOUGHTY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHARLOTTESVILLE LENGTH: Short
``That's a pretty big honor,'' Staples, a Roanoke native, said. ``It was hard to picture myself making it, as slowly as I started the season.''
North Carolina State guard Ishua Benjamin was the leading vote-getter on the All-Rookie team and was joined by Staples, Greg Buckner of Clemson, Matt Harpring of Georgia Tech and Corey Louis of Florida State.
Staples earlier had been named ACC Rookie of the Week for the third time in four weeks. Buckner and Harpring were the only other three-time selections.
``I never even knew they picked a rookie of the week until a couple of weeks ago,'' said Staples, who played on a state-championship team at Patrick Henry High School and a national-championship team at Oak Hill.
Staples, who didn't become a starter until UVa's 24th game, has broken school records for 3-pointers made in a game (nine) and season (83). Richard Morgan of Salem previously held both marks.
Staples is fourth on UVa's team in scoring with 11.2 points per game, 11.6 in ACC games. He has averaged 14.2 points in eight games since point guard Cory Alexander was lost for the season.
Harold Deane, who teams with Staples in UVa's backcourt, was an All-Rookie choice last year.
Voting for the ACC rookie of the year will conclude following the ACC Tournament this weekend.
by CNB