The National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) has named Bob Jones University Bruins men's basketball player Devin Pope as part of the All-American First Team. Pope is just the third player in program history to be named to the First Team (NateEllenwood and Jayson Barnhart).

"I'm really proud of Devin's growth both as a person and as a player at Bob Jones University," Head Coach Burton Uwarow said. "Devin displayed his academic credentials by making the Dean's list first semester and has played a major part in leading us to back-to-back region championships."

Devin Pope had an incredible season for the Bruins. He averaged 19.6 points per game with four rebounds and two assists to go with it. This season, he scored his career high of 32 points against Warren Wilson College. This game was a prime example of the efficiency that Pope brings to the floor as he shot 66% from the field and 100% from the free throw line. Pope had a very similar game in the region semifinal at the Davis Field House. His 28 points helped the Bruins outlast Trinity Baptist College to take the win.

On the season, Pope shoots 60% from the field and 86% from the free throw line! Efficient.

"Devin is known for both his scoring ability and for his defensive ability," Coach Uwarow said. "Because of his ability to score, Devin draws a lot of attention from our opponents. He will need to lead us with smart decision making and passing ability for us to have a chance of winning this week."

This kind of season led Pope to being named the NCCAA South Region Player of the Year, and he is only the fourth Bruin to be given that title (Henry Blair, Nate Ellenwood, Jayson Barnhart). 

Pope and the Bruins won the south region championship and will now compete at the NCCAA National Tournament in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Action starts tomorrow as the #7 seed Bruins take on the #2 seed Spurgeon College Knights at 1:30 p.m.

BJU is a NCCAA DII member featuring 13 varsity programs and nearly 200 student-athletes.