(MSUB Athletics release)
PORTLAND, Ore. – Being recognized for their excellence in the classroom and on the court, three players from the Montana State University Billings men’s basketball team were named Great Northwest Athletic Conference academic all-conference for the 2017-18 season on Wednesday.
Senior Kendall Denham earned the award for a third straight season, senior Kamal Tall was a repeat honoree, and junior Sven Jeuschede captured the honor for the first time in his career with the Yellowjackets. “I am proud of all three guys who achieved this great academic honor,” said MSUB head coach Jamie Stevens. “Kendall and Kamal as seniors have always done a great job of leading by example, especially in the classroom. Sven has been consistent from the moment he got to our campus. He works as hard as anybody in our program on his academics, and an award like this is well deserved.”
Denham was one of just three selections in the entire conference to be picked for a third consecutive season. To be eligible for the award, a player must be in at least his second season at his school, and carry a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 or higher.
2017-18 MSUB Men’s Basketball Academic All-Conference Selections
Name Position Class GPA Major Hometown
+*Kendall Denham – Guard SR 3.35 Health/Human Performance Malta, MT
Sven Jeuschede – Guard JR 3.35 Health/Human Performance Roesrath, Germany
*Kamal Tall – Forward SR 3.78 Finance Leuven, Belgium
+2015-16 All-Academic Selection *2016-17 All-Academic Selection
Denham is a senior from Malta, Mont., who ranks third on the team with 11.7 points per game. He has started all 27 games this year and leads the squad with 31.2 minutes per game, and he is also second on the team with 74 assists. Denham holds a 3.35 cumulative grade point average while completing his degree in health and human performance.
Tall is another academic standout for the ‘Jackets, who has played in 25 games while making 18 starts in his final collegiate season. Tall is averaging 5.2 points per game, and is third on the team with 4.3 rebounds per game. The Leuven, Belgium native is working on his degree in finance, and his 3.78 GPA is the fifth-highest in the conference.
Jeuschede is in his third year with the ‘Jackets, and hails from Roesrath, Germany. He has played in all 27 games while making 21 starts, and is averaging 7.5 points per game. Also a health and human performance major, Jeuschede has a 3.35 GPA.
Seattle Pacific University had the most academic all-GNAC selections with eight, and three-time selection Taylor Harris of Concordia University holds the top GPA in the conference at 3.95 while studying business.
MSUB (13-14, 5-11 GNAC) plays at home the next two weeks with games on Thursday against Saint Martin’s and Saturday against Seattle Pacific at Alterowitz Gym. Tipoff for each game this week is set for 5:15 p.m., with each being the opening contest in a doubleheader with the Yellowjacket women.
