EDISON, N.J. – Senior guard Marcus Hammond has been selected to the Preseason All-MAAC First Team, announced by the conference on Tuesday.

Hammond, who was an All-MAAC Second Team honoree last season, averaged 12.7 points per game and 5.8 rebounds per game. He led the Purple Eagles in rebounding and was second in scoring. Hammond had an impressive 1.7 assist to turnover ratio, which was the second-best in the MAAC.

Hammond started in all 20 games in 2020-21 and a three-time MAAC Player of the Week. He finished the season eighth in the MAAC in both assists per game (3.0) and free throw percentage (.765), 11^th in 3-pointers per game (1.8), 12^th in rebounding and 13^th in scoring.

The MAAC also revealed the results of the MAAC preseason coaches' poll. Niagara was picked 10^th.

The Purple Eagles went 9-11 overall and 7-9 in conference play in 2020-21. Niagara led the conference in turnover margin (+3.25), assist to turnover ratio (1.19) and fewest turnovers per game (9.9). The Purple Eagles ranked sixth in the nation in fewest turnovers per game and 22^nd in turnover margin.

NU earned the No. 5 seed in the MAAC Championships. The Purple Eagles defeated No. 4 Marist, 67-62, in the quarterfinals before falling to No. 9 Iona, 70-64, in the semifinals.

The Purple Eagles officially open the 2021-22 season at Xavier on Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
 

 

 

 

 

 

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