March 7, 2010
Bronx, N.Y. -
Fordham University freshman forward Chris Gaston (Palisades Park, N.J./St. Anthony) was named the 2010 Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year in a vote by the conference coaches it was announced by the league office today. He becomes the third Ram to be named A-10 Rookie of the Year, joining Bevon Robin (1998) and Bryant Dunston (2005).
In addition to the Rookie of the Year honor, Gaston was also placed on the 2010 Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team. It is the second consecutive season in which Fordham has placed a player on the A-10 All-Rookie squad.
Gaston just wrapped up the most successful freshman campaign for any Fordham men's basketball player, leading the Rams in both scoring, averaging 18.0 ppg, and rebounding, averaging 11.4 rpg. He also recorded a team-high 50 blocks, 26 steals, tying for the team lead, and 43 assists. Gaston's 504 points scored this season is a record for a Fordham freshman, surpassing Robin's former mark of 495 points in 1997-99, while his 319 rebounds is the second best for a Fordham rookie, four shy of Ed Conlin's freshman record of 323 set in 1951-52. Gaston's point total is the most for a Ram since Ken Charles netted 607 points in 28 games in 1972-73 while his rebound total is the best for a Fordham player since Damon Lopez pulled down 328 in 32 games in 1989-90.
On the season, Gaston recorded 19 doubles-doubles, the most doubles-doubles for a Fordham player over the past 40 years.
Gaston, who was named Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week four times in 2009-2010, currently leads the Atlantic 10 in rebounding and defensive rebounding (7.3/game), is ranked second in offensive rebounding (4.1/game), fourth in scoring, tied for sixth in blocked shots (1.8/game) and eighth in field goal percentage (44.9%). In the national rankings (through games of March 4th), Gaston is sixth in both rebounding and double-doubles while ranking 73rd in scoring and 81st in blocked shots. He leads all NCAA freshmen in rebounding, is tied with Kentucky's DeMarcus Cousins for most double-doubles by a rookie and is second among all freshmen in scoring.
Gaston also leads the A-10 with three 30-point performances and pulled down at least 10 rebounds on 20 different occasions.
