Larkin, Kadji, Scott Earn All-ACC Honors
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Fresh off the program’s first-ever ACC regular-season championship, University of Miami sophomore Shane Larkin, senior Kenny Kadji and Durand Scott were selected as All-ACC performers by the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association. Larkin was named first-team All-ACC, while Kadji picked up second-team honors and Scott was an honorable mention player.
Larkin collected first-team honors after an outstanding sophomore season. The Orlando, Fla., native led the Canes in scoring (13.7 ppg), assists (131), steals (59) and 3-point percentage (.403). He recorded a steal in 26 games this season, including 20 straight games from Nov. 13 through Feb. 5. Larkin also made at least one 3-pointer in 26 of his 30 games played this season. The lightning quick guard played a pivotal role Miami’s success this season, starting 29 of Miami’s 30 games. Larkin stepped up against the best competition, scoring 18 points in each of Miami’s home wins over perennial powers Duke and North Carolina. The sophomore scored in double figures in 24 of his 30 games and scored 20 or more points five times.
“Shane Larkin is all about winning,” said Coach Jim Larranaga. “He does everything weask of him to win the ball game. He’s been a great leader. He has played at avery, very high level consistently throughout the season and is very, verydeserving of this recognition. There are a lot of great players in this leagueand he is certainly one of them.”
Kadji also was recognized by the ACSMA for his strong season, earning a spot on the second team. The 6-foot-11 forward led Miami in rebounding, pulling down 206 boards over 30 games. He also was second on the team in scoring (13.6 ppg), blocks (41) and 3-point percentage (.386). The senior from Cameroon elevated his game in conference play, leading Miami in scoring (14.7 ppg), rebounding (122) and 3-point percentage (.438). Kadji also had some memorable performances, including a game-winning 3-pointer Feb. 17 at Clemson and a career-high 23 points to clinch the ACC regular-season title March 9 on Senior Day.
“Kenny Kadji is one of the unique players in collegebasketball,” said Larranaga. “At 6-11, 240 lbs., he is long and athletic. He’s atremendous asset for us at both ends of the court because of his amazingshot-making ability and shot-blocking ability. He is able to play against thebest players in our league and in the country, and shine.”
Senior guard Durand Scott was among eight players receiving honorable mention from the ACSMA. Scott, who is considered Miami’s best on-ball defender, used his 6-foot-5 frame to lock down guards and wings all season. The Bronx, N.Y., native tied for second in steals in ACC games, notching at least one steal in 22 of his 27 games this season and collecting multiple steals in 15 games this year. In 27 games, Scott collected 44 total steals and three blocks, while averaging 12.9 points per game.
“Durand Scott is one of the greatest competitors I’ve everbeen around and you really see that on the defensive end of the floor,” said Larranaga. “He takesgreat pride in guarding the other team’s best player on the perimeter. He takesgreat pride in playing harder than anybody else. I am so proud to be able tosay that I coached Durand Scott for two years.”
All-ACC First TeamMason Plumlee, DukeErick Green, Virginia TechShane Larkin, MiamiJoe Harris, VirginiaRichard Howell, NC State
All-ACC Second TeamSeth Curry, DukeKenny Kadji, MiamiLorenzo Brown, NC StateReggie Bullock, North CarolinaJames Michael McAdoo, North Carolina
All-ACC Third TeamMichael Snaer, Florida StateC.J. Leslie, NC StateRyan Anderson, Boston CollegeQuinn Cook, DukeDevin Booker, Clemson
Honorable Mention
Durand Scott, Miami
P.J. Hairston, UNC
C.J. Harris, Wake Forest
Travis McKie, Wake Forest
Ryan Kelly, Duke
Olivier Hanlan, Boston College
Alex Lin, Maryland
