"Brandon has done an outstanding job assisting Coach (Gary) Turcott and has been involved in all aspects of the program," Parker said. "I have been impressed with his work on and off the court as well as his abilities in the areas of recruiting and scheduling. He has been fortunate to have Gary as a mentor in this profession. Brandon has more than earned a shot at this position and I am confident that he will continue the tremendous success that the Saints have enjoyed over the past 19 years."

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - The American Basketball Association (ABA) has announced its 2009 All-Star Team and Special Awards. Former Trevecca Nazarene University standout Curtis Lewis was named the Rookie of the Year. "Choosing these players was not easy," stated Joe Newman, ABA CEO, "but thanks to the help of some very knowledgeable people, I think we were able to come up with the right selections. We have enormous talent in the ABA."

In addition to being selected to the ABA Rookie of the Year, Lewis was selected to play for the American Basketball Association (ABA) East All-Star Team in the ABA All-Star Game that was played in Nashville as part of a gala event that included the ABA Playoffs and Finals. Lewis averaged more than 11 points per game during the season.

HELENA

Turcott, 62, who has directed the Saints' basketball fortunes for the past 19 years, made the announcement Thursday at a press conference held in the Carroll PE Center. He had recently informed Carroll President, Dr. Tom Trebon, and Saints' Athletic Director Bruce Parker of his decision and informed his players Thursday morning. He will retire effective July 31, 2009, at the completion of the Carroll College men's basketball camps.

Turcott became Carroll's 30^th head men's basketball coach in 1990 and won 14 games in his first season (1990-91). He has gone on to lead the Saints to 376 wins in his collegiate career, including 10 seasons of 20 wins or more. In the last 10 seasons, Carroll has established itself as one of the NAIA's top programs, consistently earning top 25 rankings. In his final decade at the helm of the Saints' program, Turcott's squads have amassed an impressive 228-88 record for an impressive 72% winning percentage.

"This past week Coach Turner and I reached a mutual decision that we believe is in the best interest for Coach Turner and for the university as a whole," Union President David S. Dockery said. "We both believe that it is best at this time for the Union University men's basketball program to move in a new direction."

Dockery expressed his appreciation and gratitude for Turner and his leadership over the past 15 years.

"We are thankful for the many good things that have taken place in the men's basketball program during Coach Turner's tenure, including the numerous conference championships and the national tournament appearances. We are particularly grateful for the quality young men who have participated in this program. We offer our very best wishes to Coach Turner in days ahead."

Devin Uskoski posted 14 of his team-high 24 points in the first half in leading the Battlin' Bears to the first NAIA national championship in any sport in school history. Uskoski also added a tournament-high 20 rebounds as he earned the Chuck Taylor Most Valuable Player Award for the tournament. Uskoski registered a double-double in all five Battlin' Bears victories this past week. Rocky Mountain, which had never won an NAIA Tournament game in five appearances prior to this season, ends its year with an overall record of 28-9. The Battlin' Bears won 10 of their final 11 games of 2008-09.