April 8, 2004

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Junior Jamaal Levy and freshman Chris Paul walked away with two individual awards each, highlighting the 2004 Wake Forest Basketball Awards Gala tonight at the Adams Mark Hotel.

Levy received the team's Best Rebounder Award and the Best Defensive Player Award. Levy led the Demon Deacons and ranked fourth in the ACC in rebounding (8.4 rebounds per game). He ranked third in the ACC in offensive rebounds per contest. Levy, widely considered one of the best defenders in the ACC, was no surprise as the winner of the Best Defensive Player Award.

Paul earned the Best Free Throw Shooter Award and the Team Assists Leader Award. The Lewisville (NC) product shot a team-best 84.3 percent from the free throw line, edging out Taron Downey (83.8 percent). Paul finished third in the ACC in free throw percentage. Paul smashed the Wake Forest freshman record for assists with 183 and he finished third in the ACC with 5.9 assists per game.

Downey earned the Murray Greason Award, which is presented annually to the player who has accomplished outstanding athletic achievement and most impacted his teammates through his hard work, determination, and season long effort as selected by the coaching staff. Downey averaged 10.2 points per game, dished out 91 assists and made 51 three-point field goals.

Sophomore Justin Gray was named Most Improved Player. Gray led the Deacons in scoring (17.0 ppg.) and three-point field goals (97). Gray improved his statistics in almost every category from his freshman season -- from 12.7 points to 17.0 points per game; from 35 three-point field goals to 97; his three-point percentage from .307 to .379. Gray, a first team All-ACC selection, was third in the ACC in scoring and second in three-point field goals per game.

The Most Valuable Player Award was given to Demon Deacon Strength and Conditioning Coach Matt Jennings.

2004 Wake Forest Basketball Award Winners
Murray Greason Award: Taron Downey
Most Improved Player: Justin Gray
Most Valuable Player: Matt Jennings
Best Free Throw Shooter Award: Chris Paul
Team Assists Leader Award: Chris Paul
Best Rebounder Award: Jamaal Levy
Best Defensive Player Award: Jamaal Levy